1.Finite element analysis of stress distribution of anchors at different implantation depths under different bone density conditions in rotator cuff tears
Meng WANG ; Tan LU ; Minjie LI ; Zhicheng LIU ; Xiaoyong GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):561-569
BACKGROUND:Arthroscopic anchor repair has become the main treatment method for rotator cuff tears at present.Among them,the insertion status of the anchor is a key factor in the success or failure of the operation.However,currently,the impact of the insertion depth of the anchor on the stress of the bone tunnel and the anchor under different bone density conditions remains unclear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the stress distribution of the bone tunnel and the anchor when the insertion depth of the anchor varies under different bone density conditions by using three-dimensional finite element analysis technology.METHODS:The CT image data of the humerus of volunteers were collected,and the models of the humerus and the anchor were constructed by using Mimics,3-Matic,and Solidworks software.In 3-Matic,holes with distances of 0,2,4,6,and 8 mm from the surface of the humerus were respectively created at the same position of the humerus and assembled with the anchor.In Mimics,values were assigned based on the CT gray value to obtain a model with normal bone mass(T value ≥-1.0).The parameters were changed to construct models with reduced bone mass(-2.5<T value<-1.0)and osteoporosis(T value<-2.5).In each model,a 70 N pulling force was applied to the anchor along the direction tangent to the inner edge of the bone tunnel.The stress distribution and magnitude of the bone tunnel and the anchor when inserted at different depths under different bone density conditions were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When the insertion depth was the same,as the bone density decreased,the maximum equivalent stress of the anchor increased,while the maximum equivalent stress of the bone tunnel decreased.(2)When the bone density was the same,as the insertion depth of the anchor increased,the maximum equivalent stress of the anchor decreased.When the insertion depth was 4 mm,the stress of the bone tunnel was the smallest and the distribution was relatively uniform.The stress of the anchor was mainly distributed around the lower anchor hole and the proximal thread,and the stress of the bone tunnel was mainly at the part in contact with the proximal thread.The increase in the insertion depth would change the uniformity and pattern of the stress distribution,while the bone density had a relatively small impact on the stress distribution pattern.(3)It is concluded that the bone density of the humerus is crucial for the anchor repair of rotator cuff tears.It is recommended that clinicians measure the bone density of the greater tuberosity of the humerus before the operation.Excessive insertion depth of the anchor does not significantly increase its stability.Clinicians can conduct personalized preoperative assessments by using the finite element analysis method in combination with the actual situation of patients to achieve the best surgical results.
2.Harnessing Machine Learning for Personalized Care of Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Yen-Ting GUO ; Ching-Ting TAN ; Chen-Chi WU ; Chun-Ying WANG ; Chein-Yu HUANG ; Tzu-Hsiang YANG ; Ting-Yi LEE ; Ting-Hua YANG ; Tien-Chen LIU ; Pey-Yu CHEN ; Pei-Hsuan LIN
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(2):194-204
Objectives:
. Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a significant cause of hearing loss. Intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) is commonly used as an initial or salvage treatment; however, the lack of a standardized treatment protocol has resulted in variability in clinical practice. In addition, no efficient prediction model currently exists to support personalized management. Therefore, this study aimed to develop tailored management strategies for ISSNHL using a machine-learning model.
Methods:
. This retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2020, with data analysis performed between January 2021 and March 2024. Patients were selected based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision criteria for ISSNHL, along with relevant medication and procedure codes. Patients with pure-tone audiogram results not meeting ISSNHL criteria, better initial hearing in the affected ear, an identifiable etiology, no post-treatment audiogram, or delayed treatment (>6 weeks) were excluded. We included 770 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL who received ITSI. The primary outcome was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction performance. Recovery status was determined using the last pure-tone audiogram. Modeling was conducted on the Quanta for Medical Care AI platform using five machine-learning algorithms and a nested cross-validation framework, in which feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were performed in the inner folds and model performance was evaluated in the outer folds.
Results:
. A random forest classifier outperformed the other models in predicting hearing outcomes, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.788. Time to ITSI was the most influential treatment-related factor, with ITSI administered within 10 days of hearing loss being associated with better outcomes. This model can be used to provide personalized prognostic estimates under different treatment protocols.
Conclusion
. The machine-learning-based prediction model facilitates personalized treatment strategies and timely treatment adjustments for ISSNHL, thereby optimizing the likelihood of complete recovery.
3.Finite element analysis of stress distribution of anchors at different implantation depths under different bone density conditions in rotator cuff tears
Meng WANG ; Tan LU ; Minjie LI ; Zhicheng LIU ; Xiaoyong GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):561-569
BACKGROUND:Arthroscopic anchor repair has become the main treatment method for rotator cuff tears at present.Among them,the insertion status of the anchor is a key factor in the success or failure of the operation.However,currently,the impact of the insertion depth of the anchor on the stress of the bone tunnel and the anchor under different bone density conditions remains unclear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the stress distribution of the bone tunnel and the anchor when the insertion depth of the anchor varies under different bone density conditions by using three-dimensional finite element analysis technology.METHODS:The CT image data of the humerus of volunteers were collected,and the models of the humerus and the anchor were constructed by using Mimics,3-Matic,and Solidworks software.In 3-Matic,holes with distances of 0,2,4,6,and 8 mm from the surface of the humerus were respectively created at the same position of the humerus and assembled with the anchor.In Mimics,values were assigned based on the CT gray value to obtain a model with normal bone mass(T value ≥-1.0).The parameters were changed to construct models with reduced bone mass(-2.5<T value<-1.0)and osteoporosis(T value<-2.5).In each model,a 70 N pulling force was applied to the anchor along the direction tangent to the inner edge of the bone tunnel.The stress distribution and magnitude of the bone tunnel and the anchor when inserted at different depths under different bone density conditions were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When the insertion depth was the same,as the bone density decreased,the maximum equivalent stress of the anchor increased,while the maximum equivalent stress of the bone tunnel decreased.(2)When the bone density was the same,as the insertion depth of the anchor increased,the maximum equivalent stress of the anchor decreased.When the insertion depth was 4 mm,the stress of the bone tunnel was the smallest and the distribution was relatively uniform.The stress of the anchor was mainly distributed around the lower anchor hole and the proximal thread,and the stress of the bone tunnel was mainly at the part in contact with the proximal thread.The increase in the insertion depth would change the uniformity and pattern of the stress distribution,while the bone density had a relatively small impact on the stress distribution pattern.(3)It is concluded that the bone density of the humerus is crucial for the anchor repair of rotator cuff tears.It is recommended that clinicians measure the bone density of the greater tuberosity of the humerus before the operation.Excessive insertion depth of the anchor does not significantly increase its stability.Clinicians can conduct personalized preoperative assessments by using the finite element analysis method in combination with the actual situation of patients to achieve the best surgical results.
4.Does Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Fusion Reduce Adjacent Segment Degeneration? A Matched-Pair Analysis With 8-Year Follow-up
Reuben Soh Chee CHEONG ; Yeow Boon TAN ; Wai Mun YUE ; Chang Ming GUO ; Seang Beng TAN ; William YEO ; Wongthawat LIAWRUNGRUEANG
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(Suppl 1):S63-S70
Objective:
This study aimed to compare the long-term radiographic incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) versus open TLIF (O-TLIF) in a matched cohort, and to identify radiographic parameters associated with the development of kyphosis-type ASD.
Methods:
A retrospective matched-pair analysis was conducted involving 60 patients (30 MIS-TLIF and 30 O-TLIF) who underwent single-level TLIF between 2004 and 2009 and had a minimum follow-up of 8 years. Patients were matched for age (±3 years), sex, body mass index (±2 kg/m²), and operative level. Radiographic ASD was defined as greater than 50% disc-height loss, greater than 3 mm of listhesis, or greater than 10° of kyphotic change at the adjacent segment. Continuous variables were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests, as appropriate, and categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher exact tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
The mean follow-up duration was 8.9±1.2 years. The MIS-TLIF group had a significantly shorter hospital stay than the O-TLIF group (3.4±1.7 days vs 6.0±2.3 days, p<0.001). Radiographic ASD occurred significantly less frequently in the MIS-TLIF group at 2 years (3.3% vs. 23.3%, p=0.023), but no significant difference was observed at ≥8 years of follow-up (43.3% vs. 50.0%, p=0.605). An increased Cobb angle at the superior adjacent level was significantly associated with kyphosis-type ASD (p=0.017). No demographic characteristics or preoperative magnetic resonance imaging parameters were found to predict ASD occurrence.
Conclusion
MIS-TLIF demonstrated an early radiographic advantage in reducing ASD compared with O-TLIF; however, this advantage diminished over time. Long-term ASD appears to be multifactorial, with sagittal imbalance playing a more prominent role in the progression of kyphosis-type ASD than the surgical approach itself.
5.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
6.Development and validation of a quality appraisal tool for case reports in traditional Chinese medicine using the Delphi method
Duoting TAN ; Hao LIANG ; Yipin YU ; Jin GUO ; Liqin ZHONG ; Zhixi HU
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(2):137-146
Objective:
To develop a quality appraisal tool for case reports in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on their characteristics.
[Methods]:
An extensive literature search was conducted in Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), focusing on expert consensus statements and checklists for TCM case reports. Relevant items were extracted, and a Delphi method involving 34 experts was used in two rounds to rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale. Items were screened based on measures of central tendency and coordination (including total score, mean score, percentage of items rated as unimportant, and coefficient of variation). The weighted average method was used to determine item weights and construct the appraisal tool. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient. The finalized tool was pilot-tested by two reviewers independently appraising 20 case reports, with an additional four reviewers evaluating 5 of these cases to compare inter-rater consistency.
Results:
A total of 9 513 articles were retrieved, and 96 items from 25 articles were extracted. After two rounds of the Delphi method, 27 items across 10 domains were retained. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.72 in the first round (acceptable range), and 0.96 in the second round, indicating strong internal consistency. The tool was piloted by six reviewers, achieving a kappa value of 0.663 and a Kendall’s coefficient of concordance of 0.845, demonstrating high consistency among reviewers.
Conclusion
The developed TCM case report quality appraisal tool, consisting of 27 items in 10 domains, offers a scientific and reliable means of assessing the quality of TCM case reports. The tool showed high consistency and practical utility, and its application is expected to enhance the standardization, scientific rigor, and evidence quality of TCM case reports, facilitating the integration of traditional medical knowledge with modern evidence-based standards.
7.Mechanism of Xiayuxue Tang in Inhibiting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating YAP1/SIRT5 Signaling Axis to Mediate Succinate Metabolism and Succinylation
Linzhu LU ; Qianqian GUO ; Xuefei TIAN ; Bin CHEN ; Nianhua TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):52-61
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Xiayuxue Tang (XYXT) on hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the regulation of succinate metabolism and succinylation modification. MethodsXYXT-medicated serum was prepared. The effects of different concentrations of succinate on the proliferation of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells were observed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations for subsequent tests were determined. Further CCK-8 assays were performed to evaluate the effects of XYXT-medicated serum of different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, scratch test, and Transwell assay were employed to analyze the effect of 10% XYXT-medicated serum on the cell cycle, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The changes in succinate metabolism and succinylation modification were examined based on succinate content assays, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity detection, and western blot. The expressions of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) were detected via Real-time PCR and western blot. Molecular docking was applied to validate the binding between XYXT’s main components and target proteins. ResultsCompared with the control group, 1-2 mmol·L-¹ succinate significantly promoted HepG2 and MHCC97H cell proliferation (P<0.01). XYXT-medicated serum (5%, 10%, and 15%) markedly inhibited the proliferation of both cell lines compared with the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Treatment with 10% XYXT-medicated serum arrested the cell cycle at the stage prior to DNA synthesis (G0/G1) (P<0.01), suppressed migration (P<0.01) and invasion (P<0.05, P<0.01), and promoted apoptosis of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.01). Co-treatment with XYXT and succinate reversed the inhibitory effects of XYXT on proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). The proportion of cells at G0/G1 phase decreased (P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.01). In terms of succinate metabolism, compared with the blank serum group, the 10% XYXT-medicated serum reduced succinate levels of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), enhanced SDH activity (P<0.01), and downregulated succinylation modification. In terms of YAP1/SIRT5 pathway, compared with the blank serum group, the 10% XYXT-medicated serum significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of YAP1 in HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01) while significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT5 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Molecular docking confirmed that there was a good binding ability between YAP1 and SIRT5, as well as between XYXT's main active components and YAP1 and SIRT5. ConclusionXYXT suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cells by modulating the YAP1/SIRT5 signaling axis to intervene in succinate metabolism and succinylation modification.
8.Influencing factors of bladder management practices in patients with spinal cord injury
Zhirong LUO ; Xuyan GUO ; Qi XUE ; Xiao TAN ; Yunhua JI ; Fuxun ZHANG ; Yong JIAO ; Bo ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):284-289
Objective: To explore the key factors affecting the selection and effectiveness of bladder management modalities in patients with spinal cord injury,so as to provide reference for the optimization of individualized bladder management strategies. Methods: The clinical and follow-up data of 78 patients with spinal cord injury treated in our hospital during Jan.1,2013 and Dec.31,2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The distribution of bladder management modalities among different grades of injuries was analyzed. Bowker symmetry test was used to evaluate the difference between bladder management modalities at discharge and at the end of follow-up. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the influencing factors of bladder management effects. Plotting Kaplan-Meier survival curves were adopted to calculate the median time of changes in bladder management. Results: At discharge,there were 9 cases of self-catheterization,19 cases of intermittent catheterization,22 cases of reflexive voiding,26 cases of long-term catheterization,and 2 cases using urinary collector.At the end of follow-up,there were 15 cases of self-catheterization,8 cases of intermittent catheterization,34 cases of reflexive voiding,14 cases of long-term catheterization,and 7 cases using urinary collector.There was a significant difference between the modalities of bladder management at discharge and at the end of follow-up (χ
=21.43,P=0.018).Multiple linear regression showed a significant decrease of 8.60 in the total neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS) for grade D injuries compared with grade A injuries (P=0.026). The median time to bladder management change was 7.93 months (95%CI:5.44-9.44), with approximately 50% of patients experiencing a change in bladder management within 8 months after discharge. Conclusion: The modalities of bladder management changed significantly after discharge.The grade of injury was a key factor affecting the effectiveness of bladder management.Higher grade was associated with worse effectiveness of bladder management.
9.Analysis of the causal relationship between gut microbiota and bladder cancer with Mendelian randomization
Xuyan GUO ; Zhirong LUO ; Qi XUE ; Yunhua JI ; Xiao TAN ; Yong JIAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):400-407
Objective: Previous observational studies have confirmed the correlation between gut microbiota and bladder cancer,but the causal relationship is still unclear.This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between them with Mendelian randomization. Methods: Genetic variation summary data of 211 gut microbiota and bladder cancer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were obtained from the MiBioGen Consortium and Finngen database.Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely related to these studies were screened as instrumental variables.The causal relationship between gut microbiota and bladder cancer were analyzed with inverse variance weighting (IVW),MR-Egger,weighted median,maximum likelihood,robust adjustment feature score and MR-PRESSO,with IVW as the primary analysis method.Additionally,sensitivity analysis was used to test the heterogeneity (Cochran Q) and horizontal pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept term and global test from MR-PRESSO estimator) to ensure the robustness of the results. Results: The IVW results indicated that Lachnospiraceae UCG004 (OR:1.42),Desulfovibrionales (Order) (OR:1.48),Eubacterium ruminantium group (OR:1.33),Olsenella (OR:1.24),Ruminococcaceae UCG002 (OR:1.39),Ruminococcaceae UCG005 (OR:1.42) and Ruminococcaceae UCG013 (OR:1.64) significantly increased the risk of bladder cancer.Conversely,Bacteroidetes (Phylum) (OR:0.61),Eubacterium brachy group (OR:0.80),Ruminococcaceae UCG004 (OR:0.73),Rikenellaceae (Family) (OR:0.67),Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group (OR:0.47), Adlercreutzia (OR:0.73) and an unknow genus (OR:0.75) were associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer.Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Conclusion: This study reveals the causal role of 14 gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer,among which Lachnospiraceae UCG004,Desulfovibrionales (Order),Eubacterium ruminantium group,Olsenella,Ruminococcaceae UCG002,Ruminococcaceae UCG005 and Ruminococcaceae UCG013 are risk factors for bladder cancer,while Bacteroidetes (Phylum),Eubacterium brachy group,Ruminococcaceae UCG004,Rikenellaceae (Family),Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group,Adlercreutzia and an unknown genus are the protective factors.
10.Research progress of MMP-9 sensing detection technology
Zihua WANG ; Jing TIAN ; Weiru TAN ; Lulu GUO ; Yike JI ; Xinyi DONG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(3):345-348,353
Sensors have been widely recognized in matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)detection for their high sensitivity,simplicity,speed and easy in vivo and vitro detection.The design thought of existing sensors is based on the structure of MMP-9 molecule or the enzyme activity to output different signals in response to sensing.In this paper,we summarize the current research status and difficulties of MMP-9 sensing detection technology,and further discuss the development prospects of MMP sensor,which will provide a reference for the detection of MMP-9 and other good biological target molecules.

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