1.Association of Chinese visceral adiposity index and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein with the risk of digestive malignancies
Shuqing CUI ; Chao MA ; Jiaxing LI ; Yunpeng LI ; Ze WANG ; Fei TIAN ; Hong JI ; Xinyu GE ; Shouling WU ; Xiangming MA
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1380-1387
Objective To investigate the association of Chinese visceral adiposity index(CVAI)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)with the risk of digestive malignancies in the Kailuan study population,and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of digestive malignancies in the population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,and a total of 94 377 Kailuan workers who participated in the 2006 health examination,had no history of cancer,and had complete data on CVAI,CRP,and related covariates were selected as the observation cohort.According to the levels of CVAI and CRP,the subjects were divided into low CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(-)group],low CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(+)group],high CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(-)group],and high CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(+)group].An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of CVAI and CRP alone or in combination on the risk of digestive malignancies.Results There were significant differences between the four groups in age,male/female ratio,total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,waist circumference,body mass index,marital status,alcohol consumption,smoking,reported income,and physical exercise(all P<0.05).During a mean follow-up time of 14.08±2.76 years,2 043 new-onset cases of digestive malignancies were identified by the end of follow-up on December 31,2021.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model showed that after adjustment for CRP and other factors,compared with the low CVAI group,the high CVAI group had a hazard ratio(HR)of 1.34(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.23-1.47)for the risk of digestive malignancies.After adjustment for CVAI and other factors,compared with the CRP≤3 mg/L group,the CRP>3 mg/L group had an HR of 1.14(95%CI:1.02-1.28)for the risk of digestive malignancies.Compared with the CVAI(-)CRP(-)group(n=40 978),the CVAI(-)CRP(+)group(n=6 210),the CVAI(+)CRP(-)group(n=36 502),and the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group(n=10 687)had an HR of 1.05(95%CI:1.01-1.09,P<0.05),1.32(95%CI:1.20-1.45,P<0.05),and 1.48(95%CI:1.28-1.70,P<0.05),respectively,for the risk of digestive malignancies.As for digestive malignancies at specific locations,the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group had an increased risk of liver cancer,gastric cancer,pancreatic cancer,colorectal cancer,and small intestinal cancer with an HR of 1.35(95%CI:1.05-1.81,P<0.05),1.48(95%CI:1.09-2.00,P<0.05),1.60(95%CI:1.07-2.41,P<0.05),1.76(1.40-2.21,P<0.05),and 3.85(95%CI:1.43-10.33,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion A high level of CVAI,a high level of CRP,and high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination can all increase the risk of digestive malignancies,among which the high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination may lead to a higher risk.
2.Preliminary study on botulinum toxin type A bladder injection for the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia related to bladder dysfunction
Maping HUANG ; Hui CHEN ; Conghui HAN ; Tianhai HUANG ; Heyi ZHEN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Qiuling LIU ; Mengxia GUO ; Hongge PAN ; Jing LIU ; Shuqing WU ; Keji XIE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):759-763
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)bladder injection in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity(NDO)with autonomic dysreflexia(AD).Methods:The patients with spinal cord injury at or above T6,who were treated at Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022,were included in this study prospectively. Inclusion criteria:①chronic spinal cord injury patients over 18 years old(with no progression of neurological symptoms within 3 months);② presence of NDO and AD;③ inadequate response or intolerance to oral antimuscarinic agent(M-receptor antagonists or β 3-receptor agonists)④ perform clean intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder. Exclusion criteria:① primary disease in the acute or progressive phase;② previous surgeries that would affect lower urinary tract function,such as transurethral sphincterotomy,bladder neck resection,prostatectomy,or bladder surgery;③ allergy to BTX-A or its adjuvants,or those with allergic predisposition ④ patients who were pregnant,breastfeeding,or planning for pregnancy in the near future;⑤ patients did not accept or were unable to perform intermittent catheterization. Before treatment,all patients were required to maintain 3-5 day urine diary,along with urodynamic studies(UDS),incontinence specific quality of life instrument(I-QOL)and AD symptom severity assessment,and blood pressure monitored. Key UDS parameters recorded included maximum bladder capacity,maximum detrusor pressure during filling phase,changes in maximum systolic blood pressure(SBP)relative to baseline(ΔSBP)during UDS examination,and the frequency of 24-hour blood pressure exceeding baseline by 20 mmHg. After general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia,BTX-A(200 U)was injected into the bladder at 30 points(including the triangle)under the cystoscope using a special injection needle,6.7 U per injection,and then the catheter was kept for 3-5 days after treatment. Three months later,relevant indicators were collected and compared with pre-treatment data. Results:A total of 43 patients were included in this study,including 34 males and 9 females. The age was(39.23±13.17)years old and the disease course was(2.69±3.27)years old. There were 33 cervical and 10 thoracic cases. The American Spinal Injury Association Injury Scale score distribution was as follows:26(60%)A,4(9%)B,9(21%)C,and 4(9%)D. The presence of AD was confirmed in all patients during urodynamic examination(UDS),that was the systolic blood pressure(SBP)suddenly increased and exceeded 20 mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). Before treatment,The AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(14.53±2.51),Bladder-related AD frequency was 10.67 episodes/day. Baseline SBP was(103.51±9.64)mmHg,the maximum SBP was(150.40±22.75)mmHg,and the change in SBP(ΔSBP)from maximum to baseline SBP during UDS examination was(43.83±21.01)mmHg. The UDS indicated that the maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase was(54.95±24.68)cmH 2O,and the bladder capacity was(131.70±75.29)ml. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time from was(181.16±49.86)ml,and The I-QOL score was(44.07±8.60). Three months after treatment,the AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(11.37±2.39). The frequency of bladder-related AD episodes was(7.51±2.37)episodes/day,showing statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment( P<0.05).The SBP before UDS examination was(102.12±10.28)mmHg,with no statistically significant difference from baseline( P = 0.518). The maximum SBP in perfusion phase and the ΔSBP were(132.84±16.30)mmHg and(28.72 ± 14.02)mmHg,respectively,both demonstrating statistically significant differences( P < 0.05). The UDS examination revealed that the maximum detrusor pressure during the storage phase was(29.77±13.72)cmH 2O,showed a significant decrease,and the bladder capacity was(272.63±79.75)ml,which were both statistically different before and after surgery. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time was(326.74±63.71)ml;I-QOL score was(71.86±11.45),both were significant different after treatment( P < 0.01). Conclusion:BTX-A intravesical injection in the treatment of NDO can also alleviate the severity and frequency of bladder related AD.
3.Artificial intelligence-assisted quality control of anal sphincter ultrasound:a multicenter clinical study
Man ZHANG ; Junyan AN ; Liang MU ; Yuanchun FU ; Kun WANG ; Shuqing HUANG ; Jiawei WU ; Shuangyu WU ; Ying CHEN ; Ruixuan WANG ; Xinling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(7):594-601
Objective:To develop a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images and validate its diagnostic performance across multiple centers.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on anal sphincter ultrasound images from seven medical centers in China between May 2019 and June 2022. A total of 7 040 images from 3 116 patients were included and divided into a training set(4 912 images)and a validation set(2 128 images). The images were classified as standard or non-standard images by three experts. Three models were developed based on different image feature extraction methods:a single-branch model,a multi-branch weighted model,and a multi-branch ensemble model. The diagnostic performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve(AUC),sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value,respectively. The optimal model was selected and compared with the performance of 4 doctors with varying experience levels. Sixty days later,the images with the assistance of the model's output were reassessed by the doctors to evaluate its impact on manual quality control.Results:① Among the 3 models,the multi-branch ensemble model demonstrated the highest AUC and sensitivity,with an AUC of 0.966(95% CI=0.958 - 0.974),a sensitivity of 91.83%,and a specificity of 91.41%. This model was named M quality. ② M quality's AUC was slightly lower than that of Senior A and B(0.966 vs. 0.976,0.976,and P<0.05),its sensitivity was slightly lower than that of Senior A(91.83% vs. 95.61%, P<0.001)but comparable to Senior B(91.83% vs. 92.89%, P=0.315),its specificity was slightly lower than Senior A and B(91.41% vs. 94.44%,98.18%,and P<0.05). However,M quality significantly outperformed Junior A and B in AUC and sensitivity(AUC:0.966 vs. 0.850,0.818;sensitivity:91.83% vs. 84.90%,61.46%;all P<0.001),its specificity was higher than that of Junior A(91.41% vs. 80.28%, P<0.001)but lower than that of Junior B(91.41% vs. 95.96%, P<0.001). ③ With model assistance,Senior B's sensitivity(92.89% vs. 94.20%, P=0.001)and Senior A's specificity(94.44% vs. 96.56%, P<0.001)improved significantly. Junior A and B showed significant improvements in AUC and sensitivity(AUC:0.931 vs. 0.850,0.914 vs. 0.818;sensitivity:91.83% vs. 84.90%,89.53% vs. 61.46%;all P<0.001). After model assistance,Junior A's specificity increased(93.62% vs. 80.28%, P<0.001),while Junior B's specificity decreased(91.60% vs. 95.96%, P=0.013). Conclusions:This study develops a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images with robust diagnostic performance,approaching the level of seniors. The model significantly enhances the image quality assessment capabilities of juniors,demonstrating promising clinical application potential.
4.Theory explanation of"liver is born on the left and lung is hidden on the right"
Chunmei CHEN ; Qingqiao SONG ; Bingxuan ZHANG ; Huaqin WU ; Yumeng LI ; Shuqing SHI ; Xia XU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):914-918
In terms of the complexity of the"left"and"right"concepts,these directional terms not only indicate spatial orientation but also embody hierarchical order,official titles,systemic imbalances,and temporal sequences.This study explains the medical theory of"liver is born on the left and lung is hidden on the right,"and reveals its implications for ascending and descending of qi movement pathways,sequential patterns,non-equilibrium states,and the centrality of the middle,thus linking the connotation of this theory and its application.In view of this,the theory of"liver is born on the left and lung is hidden on the right"can be used in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of qi-blood-body fluid and emotional diseases,and guides disease prevention and treatment,as well as enhances the subjective initiative of health maintenance and longevity.This study not only deepens the modern interpretation of the classical theory but also provides novel perspectives for its application in disease prevention and treatment.
5.ALKBH3-regulated m1A of ALDOA potentiates glycolysis and doxorubicin resistance of triple negative breast cancer cells.
Yuhua DENG ; Zhiyan CHEN ; Peixian CHEN ; Yaming XIONG ; Chuling ZHANG ; Qiuyuan WU ; Huiqi HUANG ; Shuqing YANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Tiancheng HE ; Wei LI ; Guolin YE ; Wei LUO ; Hongsheng WANG ; Dan ZHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3092-3106
Chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of systemic management for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but chemoresistance significantly impacts patient outcomes. Our research indicates that Doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant TNBC cells exhibit increased glycolysis and ATP generation compared to their parental cells, with this metabolic shift contributing to chemoresistance. We discovered that ALKBH3, an m1A demethylase enzyme, is crucial in regulating the enhanced glycolysis in Dox-resistant TNBC cells. Knocking down ALKBH3 reduced ATP generation, glucose consumption, and lactate production, implicating its involvement in mediating glycolysis. Further investigation revealed that aldolase A (ALDOA), a key enzyme in glycolysis, is a downstream target of ALKBH3. ALKBH3 regulates ALDOA mRNA stability through m1A demethylation at the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR). This methylation negatively affects ALDOA mRNA stability by recruiting the YTHDF2/PAN2-PAN3 complex, leading to mRNA degradation. The ALKBH3/ALDOA axis promotes Dox resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical analysis demonstrated that ALKBH3 and ALDOA are upregulated in breast cancer tissues, and higher expression of these proteins is associated with reduced overall survival in TNBC patients. Our study highlights the role of the ALKBH3/ALDOA axis in contributing to Dox resistance in TNBC cells through regulation of ALDOA mRNA stability and glycolysis.
6.Current status and reflections on research of intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment.
Ling CHENG ; Muqiu TIAN ; Yanling PING ; Shuqing LIU ; Yunfeng WANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Qiaofeng WU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1396-1404
Intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment is an important force in promoting the inheritance, innovation, and modernization of acupuncture-moxibustion. This paper reviews the development status of intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment and related new technologies, as well as the challenges faced. It is found that, with the advancement of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment has shown characteristics of greater precision, miniaturization, intelligence, and portability. However, deficiencies remain in areas such as standardization and regulation, including relatively low rates of effective transformation and a lack of innovation in research outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to formulate corresponding strategies: improving the development of relevant standards for intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment, encouraging the integration of medicine and engineering, cultivating interdisciplinary talents, and strengthening the protection of invention patents. It is necessary to establish a demand-oriented pathway connecting "equipment development, equipment evaluation, product formation" through multiple stages such as talent training and research project initiation, thereby promoting the modernization and standardization of intelligent acupuncture-moxibustion medical equipment and supporting the revitalization of traditional medicine.
Moxibustion/instrumentation*
;
Humans
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Acupuncture Therapy/trends*
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Artificial Intelligence
7.Association of Chinese visceral adiposity index and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein with the risk of digestive malignancies
Shuqing CUI ; Chao MA ; Jiaxing LI ; Yunpeng LI ; Ze WANG ; Fei TIAN ; Hong JI ; Xinyu GE ; Shouling WU ; Xiangming MA
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1380-1387
Objective To investigate the association of Chinese visceral adiposity index(CVAI)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)with the risk of digestive malignancies in the Kailuan study population,and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of digestive malignancies in the population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,and a total of 94 377 Kailuan workers who participated in the 2006 health examination,had no history of cancer,and had complete data on CVAI,CRP,and related covariates were selected as the observation cohort.According to the levels of CVAI and CRP,the subjects were divided into low CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(-)group],low CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(+)group],high CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(-)group],and high CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(+)group].An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of CVAI and CRP alone or in combination on the risk of digestive malignancies.Results There were significant differences between the four groups in age,male/female ratio,total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,waist circumference,body mass index,marital status,alcohol consumption,smoking,reported income,and physical exercise(all P<0.05).During a mean follow-up time of 14.08±2.76 years,2 043 new-onset cases of digestive malignancies were identified by the end of follow-up on December 31,2021.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model showed that after adjustment for CRP and other factors,compared with the low CVAI group,the high CVAI group had a hazard ratio(HR)of 1.34(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.23-1.47)for the risk of digestive malignancies.After adjustment for CVAI and other factors,compared with the CRP≤3 mg/L group,the CRP>3 mg/L group had an HR of 1.14(95%CI:1.02-1.28)for the risk of digestive malignancies.Compared with the CVAI(-)CRP(-)group(n=40 978),the CVAI(-)CRP(+)group(n=6 210),the CVAI(+)CRP(-)group(n=36 502),and the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group(n=10 687)had an HR of 1.05(95%CI:1.01-1.09,P<0.05),1.32(95%CI:1.20-1.45,P<0.05),and 1.48(95%CI:1.28-1.70,P<0.05),respectively,for the risk of digestive malignancies.As for digestive malignancies at specific locations,the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group had an increased risk of liver cancer,gastric cancer,pancreatic cancer,colorectal cancer,and small intestinal cancer with an HR of 1.35(95%CI:1.05-1.81,P<0.05),1.48(95%CI:1.09-2.00,P<0.05),1.60(95%CI:1.07-2.41,P<0.05),1.76(1.40-2.21,P<0.05),and 3.85(95%CI:1.43-10.33,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion A high level of CVAI,a high level of CRP,and high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination can all increase the risk of digestive malignancies,among which the high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination may lead to a higher risk.
8.Theory explanation of"liver is born on the left and lung is hidden on the right"
Chunmei CHEN ; Qingqiao SONG ; Bingxuan ZHANG ; Huaqin WU ; Yumeng LI ; Shuqing SHI ; Xia XU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):914-918
In terms of the complexity of the"left"and"right"concepts,these directional terms not only indicate spatial orientation but also embody hierarchical order,official titles,systemic imbalances,and temporal sequences.This study explains the medical theory of"liver is born on the left and lung is hidden on the right,"and reveals its implications for ascending and descending of qi movement pathways,sequential patterns,non-equilibrium states,and the centrality of the middle,thus linking the connotation of this theory and its application.In view of this,the theory of"liver is born on the left and lung is hidden on the right"can be used in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of qi-blood-body fluid and emotional diseases,and guides disease prevention and treatment,as well as enhances the subjective initiative of health maintenance and longevity.This study not only deepens the modern interpretation of the classical theory but also provides novel perspectives for its application in disease prevention and treatment.
9.Preliminary study on botulinum toxin type A bladder injection for the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia related to bladder dysfunction
Maping HUANG ; Hui CHEN ; Conghui HAN ; Tianhai HUANG ; Heyi ZHEN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Qiuling LIU ; Mengxia GUO ; Hongge PAN ; Jing LIU ; Shuqing WU ; Keji XIE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):759-763
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)bladder injection in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity(NDO)with autonomic dysreflexia(AD).Methods:The patients with spinal cord injury at or above T6,who were treated at Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022,were included in this study prospectively. Inclusion criteria:①chronic spinal cord injury patients over 18 years old(with no progression of neurological symptoms within 3 months);② presence of NDO and AD;③ inadequate response or intolerance to oral antimuscarinic agent(M-receptor antagonists or β 3-receptor agonists)④ perform clean intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder. Exclusion criteria:① primary disease in the acute or progressive phase;② previous surgeries that would affect lower urinary tract function,such as transurethral sphincterotomy,bladder neck resection,prostatectomy,or bladder surgery;③ allergy to BTX-A or its adjuvants,or those with allergic predisposition ④ patients who were pregnant,breastfeeding,or planning for pregnancy in the near future;⑤ patients did not accept or were unable to perform intermittent catheterization. Before treatment,all patients were required to maintain 3-5 day urine diary,along with urodynamic studies(UDS),incontinence specific quality of life instrument(I-QOL)and AD symptom severity assessment,and blood pressure monitored. Key UDS parameters recorded included maximum bladder capacity,maximum detrusor pressure during filling phase,changes in maximum systolic blood pressure(SBP)relative to baseline(ΔSBP)during UDS examination,and the frequency of 24-hour blood pressure exceeding baseline by 20 mmHg. After general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia,BTX-A(200 U)was injected into the bladder at 30 points(including the triangle)under the cystoscope using a special injection needle,6.7 U per injection,and then the catheter was kept for 3-5 days after treatment. Three months later,relevant indicators were collected and compared with pre-treatment data. Results:A total of 43 patients were included in this study,including 34 males and 9 females. The age was(39.23±13.17)years old and the disease course was(2.69±3.27)years old. There were 33 cervical and 10 thoracic cases. The American Spinal Injury Association Injury Scale score distribution was as follows:26(60%)A,4(9%)B,9(21%)C,and 4(9%)D. The presence of AD was confirmed in all patients during urodynamic examination(UDS),that was the systolic blood pressure(SBP)suddenly increased and exceeded 20 mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). Before treatment,The AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(14.53±2.51),Bladder-related AD frequency was 10.67 episodes/day. Baseline SBP was(103.51±9.64)mmHg,the maximum SBP was(150.40±22.75)mmHg,and the change in SBP(ΔSBP)from maximum to baseline SBP during UDS examination was(43.83±21.01)mmHg. The UDS indicated that the maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase was(54.95±24.68)cmH 2O,and the bladder capacity was(131.70±75.29)ml. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time from was(181.16±49.86)ml,and The I-QOL score was(44.07±8.60). Three months after treatment,the AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(11.37±2.39). The frequency of bladder-related AD episodes was(7.51±2.37)episodes/day,showing statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment( P<0.05).The SBP before UDS examination was(102.12±10.28)mmHg,with no statistically significant difference from baseline( P = 0.518). The maximum SBP in perfusion phase and the ΔSBP were(132.84±16.30)mmHg and(28.72 ± 14.02)mmHg,respectively,both demonstrating statistically significant differences( P < 0.05). The UDS examination revealed that the maximum detrusor pressure during the storage phase was(29.77±13.72)cmH 2O,showed a significant decrease,and the bladder capacity was(272.63±79.75)ml,which were both statistically different before and after surgery. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time was(326.74±63.71)ml;I-QOL score was(71.86±11.45),both were significant different after treatment( P < 0.01). Conclusion:BTX-A intravesical injection in the treatment of NDO can also alleviate the severity and frequency of bladder related AD.
10.Artificial intelligence-assisted quality control of anal sphincter ultrasound:a multicenter clinical study
Man ZHANG ; Junyan AN ; Liang MU ; Yuanchun FU ; Kun WANG ; Shuqing HUANG ; Jiawei WU ; Shuangyu WU ; Ying CHEN ; Ruixuan WANG ; Xinling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(7):594-601
Objective:To develop a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images and validate its diagnostic performance across multiple centers.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on anal sphincter ultrasound images from seven medical centers in China between May 2019 and June 2022. A total of 7 040 images from 3 116 patients were included and divided into a training set(4 912 images)and a validation set(2 128 images). The images were classified as standard or non-standard images by three experts. Three models were developed based on different image feature extraction methods:a single-branch model,a multi-branch weighted model,and a multi-branch ensemble model. The diagnostic performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve(AUC),sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value,respectively. The optimal model was selected and compared with the performance of 4 doctors with varying experience levels. Sixty days later,the images with the assistance of the model's output were reassessed by the doctors to evaluate its impact on manual quality control.Results:① Among the 3 models,the multi-branch ensemble model demonstrated the highest AUC and sensitivity,with an AUC of 0.966(95% CI=0.958 - 0.974),a sensitivity of 91.83%,and a specificity of 91.41%. This model was named M quality. ② M quality's AUC was slightly lower than that of Senior A and B(0.966 vs. 0.976,0.976,and P<0.05),its sensitivity was slightly lower than that of Senior A(91.83% vs. 95.61%, P<0.001)but comparable to Senior B(91.83% vs. 92.89%, P=0.315),its specificity was slightly lower than Senior A and B(91.41% vs. 94.44%,98.18%,and P<0.05). However,M quality significantly outperformed Junior A and B in AUC and sensitivity(AUC:0.966 vs. 0.850,0.818;sensitivity:91.83% vs. 84.90%,61.46%;all P<0.001),its specificity was higher than that of Junior A(91.41% vs. 80.28%, P<0.001)but lower than that of Junior B(91.41% vs. 95.96%, P<0.001). ③ With model assistance,Senior B's sensitivity(92.89% vs. 94.20%, P=0.001)and Senior A's specificity(94.44% vs. 96.56%, P<0.001)improved significantly. Junior A and B showed significant improvements in AUC and sensitivity(AUC:0.931 vs. 0.850,0.914 vs. 0.818;sensitivity:91.83% vs. 84.90%,89.53% vs. 61.46%;all P<0.001). After model assistance,Junior A's specificity increased(93.62% vs. 80.28%, P<0.001),while Junior B's specificity decreased(91.60% vs. 95.96%, P=0.013). Conclusions:This study develops a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images with robust diagnostic performance,approaching the level of seniors. The model significantly enhances the image quality assessment capabilities of juniors,demonstrating promising clinical application potential.

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