Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapy has been widely used, but the variability in its therapeutic efficacy limits individualized treatment. In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence(AI)has opened up new avenues for personalized treatment response prediction, and its core branches include machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL). This review systematically retrieved and analyzed 41 relevant studies published up to April 2025. Comprehensive analysis reveals that AI predictive models are evolving from forecasting single endpoints(such as visual acuity or central retinal thickness)to integrating multi-dimensional endpoints(encompassing anatomical, functional, and treatment demand parameters)and generating predictive imaging outputs. In terms of technical approaches, DL models(28 studies, accounting for 68.3%)dominate this field due to their robust image interpretation capabilities, while ML models(10 studies, 24.4%)retain significant value in the analysis of structured clinical data. Cross-disease comparisons indicate that research efforts are most concentrated on age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)and diabetic macular edema(DME), with shared conceptual frameworks for model construction, yet distinct anatomical and functional indicators are prioritized for each disease. Currently, the field confronts several key challenges, including insufficient prospective clinical validation, limited model interpretability(the “black box problem”), and a scarcity of high-quality multi-center datasets. Moving forward, it is imperative to advance real-world validation and develop explainable AI techniques to expedite the clinical translation of these predictive models.

AIM: To evaluate the reliability of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria.METHODS: This cross-sectional diagnostic study enrolled patients with refractive errors who visited Shantou Aier Eye Hospital from May 2023 to August 2025, presenting with symptoms of visual fatigue, undergoing myopia management, or receiving routine ophthalmic examinations, and who completed heterophoria testing during this period. All patients wearing full refractive correction underwent near-distance(0.4 m)horizontal heterophoria measurement in a random order using the digital multimedia system, the Von Graefe method, and the Maddox rod method. Two consecutive measurements were performed for each method. The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was used to analyze the measurement repeatability of each method, and Bland-Altman analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to evaluate the consistency between the digital multimedia system and the two traditional methods.RESULTS: A total of 60 patients(120 eyes)were included, comprising 27 males and 33 females, with a mean age of 21.03±7.24 y. Repeatability analysis showed that the ICC for the digital multimedia system was 0.960(95%CI: 0.934-0.976), for the Von Graefe method was 0.979(95%CI: 0.964-0.987), and for the Maddox rod method was 0.956(95%CI: 0.926-0.973), all indicating excellent repeatability. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean difference of 0.367△ [95% limits of agreement(LoA): -2.97△ to 3.70△] between the Von Graefe method and the digital system, and a mean difference of 0.067△(95% LoA: -3.05△ to 3.19△)between the Maddox rod method and the digital system. Both differences were within the clinically acceptable range(difference <4△). Spearman correlation analysis showed positive correlations between the digital system and the Von Graefe method(rs=0.867)and between the digital system and the Maddox rod method(rs=0.777, all P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The digital multimedia system demonstrates high repeatability and good consistency with the traditional Von Graefe and Maddox rod methods for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria. It shows promise as a new and effective tool for clinical near-distance horizontal heterophoria measurement.

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.

Objective:To establish an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the rapid determination of total bromine in whole blood, and to provide technical support for the monitoring of bromine exposure in occupational populations.Methods:In September 2023, 0.25 ml of whole blood sample was added with 0.25% tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution to a volume of 5.0 ml, ultrasonicated and homogenized, and then quantified by ICP-MS with rhodium solution as the online internal standard solution.Results:The linear relationship of bromine in blood was good within the range of 0~10.00 mg/L, with a correlation coefficient ( r) >0.999. The limit of detection of the method was 0.07 mg/L, and the quantification limit was 0.22 mg/L. The recoveries of the total bromine in whole blood were in the range of 95.5%-102.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 3.1%-4.7% ( n=7) . Conclusion:An ICP-MS method was established for the rapid determination of total bromine in whole blood, which is accurate, simple, rapid, highly automated, and can be used for the determination of total bromine in whole blood of occupationally exposed people.

Objective To explore the value of diffusion tensor imaging analysis index along the perivascular space(DTI-ALPS)for assessing age-related functional changes in glymphatic system(GS).Methods Totally 27 healthy subjects from Meizhou People's Hospital and 100 healthy subjects from neuroimaging informatics tools and resources collaborator database who underwent T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo(T1-MPRAGE)and DTI scanning were retrospectively enrolled and divided into youth group(n=38),middle-aged group(n=57)and elderly group(n=32).Automated DTI-ALPS index analysis procedure was used to minimize manual errors and derive DTI-ALPS index.The general data,neuropsychological assessment results and DTI-ALPS indices were compared among groups.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to observe the relationships of DTI-ALPS index and age,gender,as well as neuropsychological scores.Results The average age in youth group,middle-aged group and elderly group was(28.5±5.8),(53.7±6.8)and(73.8±2.3)years,respectively.No significant difference of DTI-ALPS index was found between middle-aged group and elderly group(P＞0.05),which were both lower than that in youth group(both P＜0.05).DTI-ALPS index was weakly negatively correlated with age(rs=-0.340,P＜0.001),but not significantly correlated with gender nor neuropsychological assessment results(both P＞0.05).Conclusion DTI-ALPS index was negatively correlated with age in healthy individuals,hence having potential utility for assessing age-related functional changes in GS.

Pathological interaction between CD4 + T cells and B cells is one of the important mechanisms of systemic autoimmune diseases. Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and peripheral helper T cells (Tph) are key cells for assisting B cells. Tph cell is a newly discovered helper T cell subset, and their phenotype is PD-1 highCXCR5 -CD4 +. Tph cell and Tfh cell have certain differences in phenotype, function, and site of action. It interacts with B cells, promoting the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells and the production of autoantibodies, as well as promoting the formation of ELS to maintain local inflammation and antibody responses. Tph cells have recently been reported in various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren′s syndrome, and IgG4-related diseases. This review summarizes the progress in peripheral immune response of Tph cells in different systemic autoimmune diseases, aiming to explore the new mechanism of autoantibody production and help to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the future.

Ultrasound-mediated sonodynamic therapy,chemodynamic therapy,immunotherapy and gene editing synergize the precise control of ultrasound with targeted properties of nanomaterials,hence promising for overcome the limitations of traditional cancer treatments.The advancements in ultrasound-mediated nanotherapy of tumors were reviewed in this article.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of self-help inflatable balloon in the treatment of refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture.Methods From November 2022 to February 2024,10 patients with refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture underwent self-help inflatable balloon were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative treatment,intraoperative and postoperative complications,dysphagia score before and after surgery,wearing time of external self-help inflatable balloon,and the clinical efficacy were evaluated.Results All the 10 patients received self-help inflatable balloon treatment.No complications such as bleeding and perforation occurred in all patients during the wearing of the balloon.The placement time of the balloon was 60～180 d,and the average wearing time was 104.9 d.Before surgery,nine cases had a stricture segment length less than 2 cm,and one case had a stricture segment length of 6 cm.The dysphagia score before surgery was(3.60±0.52),and the dysphagia score after removal of the self-help inflatable balloon was(0.60±0.52),and there was statistical significance in preoperative and postoperative comparison(P＜0.05).The dysphagia score 3 months after removal of the external self-help inflatable balloon was(0.70±0.48),there was no significant difference in dysphagia score between the day after surgery and 3 months after surgery(P＞0.05).The diameter of the stricture before and after operation was(5.09±2.02)mm and(10.35±0.73)mm respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Sore throat,wing of nose pain and balloon displacement were the most common adverse events,with 30.0％(3/10),50.0％(5/10)and 70.0％(7/10),respectively.Conclusion It is safe,effective and feasible to treat refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture with self-help inflatable balloon in vitro.It is worthy for clinical application.

This report described a case of eclampsia complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome with refractory hepatic impairment. The patient presented at 34 +6 weeks' gestation with convulsions and impaired consciousness for over 3 hours, accompanied by severe hypertension [240/120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)]. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed at a local hospital. On postoperative day 2, the patient was transferred to our institution due to sharp transaminase elevation, hepatic failure, and coagulopathy. Although treated with artificial liver support, anti-infection therapy, and organ protection measures, hepatic parameters showed intermittent rebounds. Subsequent detection of cytomegalovirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood prompted targeted antiviral therapy, which significantly improved hepatic injury. Through multidisciplinary management, the patient recovered and was discharged 43 days postpartum. Although multiple artificial liver sessions provided limited hepatic function improvement, this case offers valuable insights for managing refractory hepatic impairment in pregnant women, regardless of whether viral infection represented a primary etiology or secondary complication.

Objective:To evaluate the survival benefit of surgical treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:This study is conducted based on the hepatobiliary tumor registry database. From May 2009 to December 2022,a total of 704 patients who were initially diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and underwent liver resection were consecutively enrolled at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them,there were 380 males and 324 females,aged ( M(IQR)) 61(15) years(range:27 to 88 years). Twenty-six (3.7%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) rates were estimated by life table method, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival difference among tumor-node-metastasis(TNM) staging or three periods. The OS and DFS differences among lymph node groups or adjuvant treatment groups were quantified as HR with 95% CI estimated using Cox proportional-hazards model with adjustment for prognostic factors. Results:Among the 704 patients,349 cases(49.6%) underwent major hepatectomy (≥3 segments),331(47.0%) had lymph node resection during surgery,and 524 cases(74.4%) achieved R0 resection. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ or higher complications was 16.5%(116/704),with a mortality rate of 3.0%(21/704) within 30 days post-surgery. The median OS time was 27.1 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5- and 10-year were 69.1%, 42.4%,34.1% and 24.5%,respectively. The median DFS time was 10.5 months,and the corresponding DFS rates were 46.0%,25.4%,21.9% and 16.9%,respectively. According to the 8 th edition of AJCC staging system, the 5-year survival rates for ⅠA,ⅠB,Ⅱ,ⅢA,ⅢB and Ⅳ were 68.4%, 43.2%, 30.3%,32.2%,14.0% and 0,respectively. The corresponding DFS rates were 55.8%, 28.1%,13.8%,21.2%,3.3% and 0,respectively. There were no statistically significant differences of OS or DFS between stage ⅠB and Ⅱ, stage ⅠB and ⅢA, or between stage Ⅱ and ⅢA(Log-rank test:all P>0.05),while there were significant differences of OS and DFS among other stages(Log-rank test:all P<0.05). Using Cox model with adjustment for prognostic factors, there were no statistically significant differences of OS and DFS between non-lymphadenectomy group or the biopsy-N0 group and dissection-N0 group(both P>0.05). However,the overall and disease-free survival of the biopsy-N1 group or dissection-N1 group were worse than those of dissection-N0 group(both P<0.05),with overall survival being better in dissection-N1 group than biopsy-N1 group( P=0.017). Overall survival in the period from 2019 to 2022 were significantly superior to that during the periods from 2009 to 2013 and 2014 to 2018(both P<0.01). Adjusting for prognostic factors, the disease-free and overall survival of the postoperative adjuvant therapy group were significantly better than those of the observation group in the period 2019 to 2022(both P<0.01). Conclusions:Surgery remains a milestone for achieving long-term survival for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Regional lymph node dissection is required for patients with lymph node metastasis. Adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce tumor recurrence and prolong overall survival.