Real-time acquisition of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion information through thoracic electrical impedance tomography (EIT) holds significant clinical value. This study proposes a novel method based on the rime (RIME) algorithm-optimized variational mode decomposition (VMD) to separate lung ventilation and perfusion signals directly from raw voltage data prior to EIT image reconstruction, enabling independent imaging of both parameters. To validate this approach, EIT data were collected from 16 healthy volunteers under normal breathing and inspiratory breath-holding conditions. The RIME algorithm was employed to optimize VMD parameters by minimizing envelope entropy as the fitness function. The optimized VMD was then applied to separate raw data across all measurement channels in EIT, with spectral analysis identifying relevant components to reconstruct ventilation and perfusion signals. Results demonstrated that the structural similarity index (SSIM) between perfusion images derived from normal breathing and breath-holding states averaged approximately 84% across all 16 subjects, significantly outperforming traditional frequency-domain filtering methods in perfusion imaging accuracy. This method offers a promising technical advancement for real-time monitoring of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion, holding significant value for advancing the clinical application of EIT in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Humans ; Electric Impedance ; Algorithms ; Tomography/methods* ; Pulmonary Ventilation/physiology* ; Lung/diagnostic imaging* ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Adult

Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of microsatellite instability (MSI)-high CRC. However, the monotherapy of ICI in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC has not been satisfactory. Some patients with MSS CRC can benefit from various combination immunotherapy regimens. Identifying appropriate biomarkers to select MSS-type CRC patients who will benefit from ICI treatment prior to therapy initiation and dynamically monitoring treatment efficacy during the therapeutic course have become crucial components of precision medicine in clinical practice. This article reviews the current research status of traditional biomarkers such as tumor mutation burden (TMB) and PD-L1 expression. It also explores the latest research progress and clinical translation potential of emerging biomarkers, including POLE/POLD1 mutations, immune score, circulating tumor DNA, and gut microbiome. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges in the clinical application of biomarkers, such as the controversy over TMB cutoff values and the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. Finally, it outlines future research directions with the aim of providing a basis for clinical decision-making in immunotherapy and facilitating the realization of precision medicine.

Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of microsatellite instability (MSI)-high CRC. However, the monotherapy of ICI in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC has not been satisfactory. Some patients with MSS CRC can benefit from various combination immunotherapy regimens. Identifying appropriate biomarkers to select MSS-type CRC patients who will benefit from ICI treatment prior to therapy initiation and dynamically monitoring treatment efficacy during the therapeutic course have become crucial components of precision medicine in clinical practice. This article reviews the current research status of traditional biomarkers such as tumor mutation burden (TMB) and PD-L1 expression. It also explores the latest research progress and clinical translation potential of emerging biomarkers, including POLE/POLD1 mutations, immune score, circulating tumor DNA, and gut microbiome. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges in the clinical application of biomarkers, such as the controversy over TMB cutoff values and the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. Finally, it outlines future research directions with the aim of providing a basis for clinical decision-making in immunotherapy and facilitating the realization of precision medicine.

Objective To observe and compare the effect of Cordyceps sinensis ( bailing ) capsules com-bined with weight-bearing breathing exercises, and weight-bearing breathing exercises combined with tiotropium bro-mide and seretide, on patients with stable but moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Sixty-three patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. Both groups performed weight-bearing breathing exercises, supplemented in the observation group with the oral administration of bailing capsules. The control group instead inhaled tiotropium bromide and seretide. Six-mi-nute walking distance, the COPD assessment test ( CAT scores) and concentrations of interleukin-6 ( IL-6) , interleu-kin-8 ( IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) were observed after 1 ( T1) , 30 ( T2) and 58 ( T3) days of the treatments. Results At T1 there were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements ( P≤0.05) . At T2, there were still no significant differences except that a significant decrease in IL-8 and TNF-αlevels was observed in the control group. At T3 the average CAT scores had decreased significantly in both groups compared to before the treatment but there was no significant difference between the two groups. In the observation group, the average 6MWT distance had increased significantly compared to before the treatment and compared to the control group, where there was no significant improvement. The average IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-αreadings of the control group were significantly lower than those of the observation group at T3 and compared to before the treatment. No sig-nificant changes in those indicators were observed in the observation group at T3. Conclusions Bailing capsules combined with weight-breathing exercises are more effective for relieving dyspnea symptoms and improving exercise capacity than weight-breathing exercises combined with tiotropium bromide and seretide. However, in controlling air-way inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness, the triple inhalation combined with weight-bearing breathing exer-cises is more effective.

The impact of maintenance therapy on progression?free survival and overall survival as well as quality of life of Chi?nese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer has long been under discussion. Recently, some phase III clinical trials have revealed that maintenance therapy can signiifcantly prolong the progression?free survival while maintain an acceptable safety proifle. Based on this evidence and common treatment practice in China, we now generated one Expert Consensus on Maintenance Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in China to further specify the neces?sity of maintenance therapy, suitable candidates for such treatment, and appropriate regimens.