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*

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic-assisted polyether ether ketone (PEEK) patient-specific implant (PSI) revision for over-resected mandibles caused by the mandibular angle osteotomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients [8 males, 16 females, aged 19-57 (32.5±9.5) years] with 39 over-resected mandibles that underwent PEEK-PSI mandibular angle revision surgery at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023. Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data were used to design and fabricate customized PEEK PSIs based on individual anatomical requirements. An intraoral incision approach with endoscopic assistance was employed to meticulously dissect soft tissue attachment around the angle region, followed by the implantation of a customized PEEK PSI. Postoperative CBCT scans were performed for 3D reconstruction, with root mean square error (RMSE) and maximum deviation (MaxD) as accuracy metrics. Patients′ satisfaction was assessed preoperatively and ≥6 months postoperatively using the face questionnaire (FACE-Q) scores, which included overall facial appearance, lower face and jawline, appearance distress, psychological health and social function.Results:All 24 patients achieved satisfactory recovery with primary healing of intraoral incisions. No complications such as infection, nerve injury, or implant rejection occurred during follow-up period. Patients′ facial appearance and jaw line contouring were significantly improved. Fine anatomical fitting between PEEK-PSI and defect areas was observed: RMSE ranged from 0.117 to 0.315 mm, and MaxD was (5.485±1.300) mm. FACE-Q scores demonstrated significant improvements after surgery in overall facial appearance [(49.8±5.4) vs (65.0±5.3) scores], lower face and jawline [(42.5±5.3) vs (56.1±4.6) scores], appearance distress [(60.0±6.9) vs (70.6±6.5) scores], psychological health [(62.0±5.0) vs (70.8±5.3) scores], and social function [(60.3±4.3) vs (69.3±5.8) scores] (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Endoscopic-assisted PEEK-PSI revision for over-resected mandibles following mandibular angle osteotomy exhibits high surgical precision and safety, effectively restoring mandibular contour and significantly enhancing patients′ satisfaction.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of precapsular pocket repositioning for correcting implant malposition following augmentation mammoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 female patients aged 25-37 (28.8±3.4) years who underwent precapsular pocket repositioning at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from December 2015 to August 2024. The surgical technique involved preserving the original capsule, creating a new implant pocket anterior to the capsule, and closing the original capsular space. Postoperative complications were recorded, and breast satisfaction was evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively using the BREAST-questionnaire (BREAST-Q).Results:All 29 patients successfully underwent precapsular pocket repositioning with primary wound healing. During the follow-up period, all patients were satisfied with the correction of implant malposition. The mean BREAST-Q score improved significantly from (43.56±3.17) scores preoperatively to (72.56±13.49) scores at 6 months postoperatively ( P<0.001). No hematoma, implant rupture, recurrent malposition, capsular contracture, or surgical site infection occurred in any patient. Conclusion:Precapsular pocket repositioning provides favorable clinical outcomes for patients with implant malposition after augmentation mammoplasty, and there are no severe complications .

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the divisional design in composite labia minora and clitoral hood reduction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 57 patients diagnosed with labia minora and clitoral hood hypertrophy at Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital between July 2018 and May 2021. The ages of the patients ranged from 24 to 45 years with an average of (31.0±8.2) years. Preoperative symptoms and surgical demands included: appearance concerns in 57 cases (100%), irritation during friction in 49 cases (86.0%), and discomfort during intercourse in 22 cases (38.6%). The complex hypertrophy was divided into simple labia minora hypertrophy and clitoral hood hypertrophy. Then the reduction of clitoris hood was performed according to the prepuce morphology, and labiaplasty was performed using edge resection. The operative effects, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were assessed.Results:All incisions healed primarily with no flap necrosis or marginal infections. Hematoma occurred in 1 case which recovered well after timely treatment. All patients were followed up for 3-12 months. 54 cases were satisfied with the labia minora and clitoral hood shape and reported no sensory abnormality. Bilateral asymmetry occurred in 2 cases, one of which required further surgical repair. Scar hyperplasia occurred and was gradually softened after 6 months in 1 case. Of the 57 patients with appearance concerns, 55 (96.5%) patients reported improved appearance postoperatively. Of the 49 patients with preoperative friction discomfort, 47 (95.9%) patients achieved symptom relief. Of the 22 patients reporting sexual discomfort, 15 (68.1%) patients noted enhanced sexual satisfaction postoperatively. Overall, 54 (94.7%) patients were satisfied, 2 (3.5%) patients were moderately satisfied, and 1 (1.8%) patient was unsatisfied.Conclusions:For patients with labia minora and clitoral hood hypertrophy, the application of divisional design is surgically simple and safe. It achieves satisfactory outcomes with no severe adverse reactions.

Objective:To explore the relationship between long-term blood pressure variability and arteriosclerosis in women with a history of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP).Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Data were obtained from the Kailuan Research Database. Women with a history of HDP who delivered between January 1990 and December 2020 and completed brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement in the postpartum period were enrolled. Baseline data were obtained from the first post-delivery health examination, while the outcome measure was the baPWV recorded during the last follow-up visit, synchronized with blood pressure measurements. Based on long-term blood pressure variability, the enrolled study subjects were divided into the first, second, and third tertile groups in ascending order using the tertile method, and intergroup differences in clinical characteristics were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the impact of long-term blood pressure variability levels on arteriosclerosis risk in women with a history of HDP. Sensitivity analyses excluded individuals with multiple deliveries to validate the robustness of findings. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on delivery age (<40 vs. ≥40 years) and blood pressure measurement frequency (3 vs. >3 times) to explore the potential impact of different population characteristics on the study results.Results:A total of 421 study subjects were enrolled, aged (36.07±6.05) years, with a baPWV value of (1 376.80±238.18) cm/s. Long-term blood pressure variability was 4.66 (3.41, 6.50) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The first, second and third quartile group included 140, 141 and 140 individuals, respectively. In the total population, the incidence of arteriosclerosis was 40.4% (170/421). The incidence rates in the first, second, and third tertile groups were 34.3% (48/140), 39.0% (55/141), and 47.9% (67/140), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased long-term blood pressure variability was an independent risk factor for arteriosclerosis in women with a history of HDP ( OR=1.702, 95% CI 1.018-2.844, P=0.043). The results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with that of the primary analysis ( OR=1.758, 95% CI 1.044-2.959, P=0.034). Subgroup analyses further indicated that in the subgroups with delivery age <40 years ( OR=2.116, 95% CI 1.153-3.885, P=0.016) and blood pressure measurement frequency >3 times ( OR=1.894, 95% CI 1.069-3.355, P=0.029), the association between long-term blood pressure variability and arterial stiffness risk was more significant. Conclusions:For women with a history of HDP, elevated long-term blood pressure variability may increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, and this effect is more pronounced in younger women (delivery age <40 years) and those with high-frequency blood pressure measurements (>3 times). Enhanced monitoring and management of blood pressure variability in this population are crucial to improving long-term cardiovascular health outcomes.

Objective:To explore the relationship between long-term blood pressure variability and arteriosclerosis in women with a history of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP).Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Data were obtained from the Kailuan Research Database. Women with a history of HDP who delivered between January 1990 and December 2020 and completed brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement in the postpartum period were enrolled. Baseline data were obtained from the first post-delivery health examination, while the outcome measure was the baPWV recorded during the last follow-up visit, synchronized with blood pressure measurements. Based on long-term blood pressure variability, the enrolled study subjects were divided into the first, second, and third tertile groups in ascending order using the tertile method, and intergroup differences in clinical characteristics were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the impact of long-term blood pressure variability levels on arteriosclerosis risk in women with a history of HDP. Sensitivity analyses excluded individuals with multiple deliveries to validate the robustness of findings. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on delivery age (<40 vs. ≥40 years) and blood pressure measurement frequency (3 vs. >3 times) to explore the potential impact of different population characteristics on the study results.Results:A total of 421 study subjects were enrolled, aged (36.07±6.05) years, with a baPWV value of (1 376.80±238.18) cm/s. Long-term blood pressure variability was 4.66 (3.41, 6.50) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The first, second and third quartile group included 140, 141 and 140 individuals, respectively. In the total population, the incidence of arteriosclerosis was 40.4% (170/421). The incidence rates in the first, second, and third tertile groups were 34.3% (48/140), 39.0% (55/141), and 47.9% (67/140), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased long-term blood pressure variability was an independent risk factor for arteriosclerosis in women with a history of HDP ( OR=1.702, 95% CI 1.018-2.844, P=0.043). The results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with that of the primary analysis ( OR=1.758, 95% CI 1.044-2.959, P=0.034). Subgroup analyses further indicated that in the subgroups with delivery age <40 years ( OR=2.116, 95% CI 1.153-3.885, P=0.016) and blood pressure measurement frequency >3 times ( OR=1.894, 95% CI 1.069-3.355, P=0.029), the association between long-term blood pressure variability and arterial stiffness risk was more significant. Conclusions:For women with a history of HDP, elevated long-term blood pressure variability may increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, and this effect is more pronounced in younger women (delivery age <40 years) and those with high-frequency blood pressure measurements (>3 times). Enhanced monitoring and management of blood pressure variability in this population are crucial to improving long-term cardiovascular health outcomes.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic-assisted polyether ether ketone (PEEK) patient-specific implant (PSI) revision for over-resected mandibles caused by the mandibular angle osteotomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients [8 males, 16 females, aged 19-57 (32.5±9.5) years] with 39 over-resected mandibles that underwent PEEK-PSI mandibular angle revision surgery at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023. Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data were used to design and fabricate customized PEEK PSIs based on individual anatomical requirements. An intraoral incision approach with endoscopic assistance was employed to meticulously dissect soft tissue attachment around the angle region, followed by the implantation of a customized PEEK PSI. Postoperative CBCT scans were performed for 3D reconstruction, with root mean square error (RMSE) and maximum deviation (MaxD) as accuracy metrics. Patients′ satisfaction was assessed preoperatively and ≥6 months postoperatively using the face questionnaire (FACE-Q) scores, which included overall facial appearance, lower face and jawline, appearance distress, psychological health and social function.Results:All 24 patients achieved satisfactory recovery with primary healing of intraoral incisions. No complications such as infection, nerve injury, or implant rejection occurred during follow-up period. Patients′ facial appearance and jaw line contouring were significantly improved. Fine anatomical fitting between PEEK-PSI and defect areas was observed: RMSE ranged from 0.117 to 0.315 mm, and MaxD was (5.485±1.300) mm. FACE-Q scores demonstrated significant improvements after surgery in overall facial appearance [(49.8±5.4) vs (65.0±5.3) scores], lower face and jawline [(42.5±5.3) vs (56.1±4.6) scores], appearance distress [(60.0±6.9) vs (70.6±6.5) scores], psychological health [(62.0±5.0) vs (70.8±5.3) scores], and social function [(60.3±4.3) vs (69.3±5.8) scores] (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Endoscopic-assisted PEEK-PSI revision for over-resected mandibles following mandibular angle osteotomy exhibits high surgical precision and safety, effectively restoring mandibular contour and significantly enhancing patients′ satisfaction.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of precapsular pocket repositioning for correcting implant malposition following augmentation mammoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 female patients aged 25-37 (28.8±3.4) years who underwent precapsular pocket repositioning at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from December 2015 to August 2024. The surgical technique involved preserving the original capsule, creating a new implant pocket anterior to the capsule, and closing the original capsular space. Postoperative complications were recorded, and breast satisfaction was evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively using the BREAST-questionnaire (BREAST-Q).Results:All 29 patients successfully underwent precapsular pocket repositioning with primary wound healing. During the follow-up period, all patients were satisfied with the correction of implant malposition. The mean BREAST-Q score improved significantly from (43.56±3.17) scores preoperatively to (72.56±13.49) scores at 6 months postoperatively ( P<0.001). No hematoma, implant rupture, recurrent malposition, capsular contracture, or surgical site infection occurred in any patient. Conclusion:Precapsular pocket repositioning provides favorable clinical outcomes for patients with implant malposition after augmentation mammoplasty, and there are no severe complications .

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the divisional design in composite labia minora and clitoral hood reduction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 57 patients diagnosed with labia minora and clitoral hood hypertrophy at Department of Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Medical University Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital between July 2018 and May 2021. The ages of the patients ranged from 24 to 45 years with an average of (31.0±8.2) years. Preoperative symptoms and surgical demands included: appearance concerns in 57 cases (100%), irritation during friction in 49 cases (86.0%), and discomfort during intercourse in 22 cases (38.6%). The complex hypertrophy was divided into simple labia minora hypertrophy and clitoral hood hypertrophy. Then the reduction of clitoris hood was performed according to the prepuce morphology, and labiaplasty was performed using edge resection. The operative effects, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were assessed.Results:All incisions healed primarily with no flap necrosis or marginal infections. Hematoma occurred in 1 case which recovered well after timely treatment. All patients were followed up for 3-12 months. 54 cases were satisfied with the labia minora and clitoral hood shape and reported no sensory abnormality. Bilateral asymmetry occurred in 2 cases, one of which required further surgical repair. Scar hyperplasia occurred and was gradually softened after 6 months in 1 case. Of the 57 patients with appearance concerns, 55 (96.5%) patients reported improved appearance postoperatively. Of the 49 patients with preoperative friction discomfort, 47 (95.9%) patients achieved symptom relief. Of the 22 patients reporting sexual discomfort, 15 (68.1%) patients noted enhanced sexual satisfaction postoperatively. Overall, 54 (94.7%) patients were satisfied, 2 (3.5%) patients were moderately satisfied, and 1 (1.8%) patient was unsatisfied.Conclusions:For patients with labia minora and clitoral hood hypertrophy, the application of divisional design is surgically simple and safe. It achieves satisfactory outcomes with no severe adverse reactions.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of correcting breast ptosis using the rotational filling of an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped parenchymal flap via a double periareolar incision.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 34 female patients (68 breasts) with breast ptosis treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2023. The patients＇ ages ranged from 23 to 53 years, with an average of (37.4±7.9) years. All patients underwent correction of breast ptosis using an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped parenchymal flap via a double periareolar incision. Pre-operative and post-operative measurements were taken to assess the corrective outcomes, including mammary base width (MBW), areola diameter (AD), nipple-to-nipple distance (NN), suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance (SSN-N), nipple-to-inframammary fold distance (N-IMF), and thoracic circumference at the nipple level (TN). Patients＇ satisfaction was assessed using the BREAST-questionnaire (BREAST-Q) module.Results:Postoperative first-stage wound healing was achieved in all 34 patients without complications such as hematoma, infection, or nipple necrosis. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 60 months, with a median of 12 months. Early postoperative observations showed periareolar folds, which disappeared within 3 to 6 months in 31 cases, while mild periareolar folds, persisted for up to 12 months in 3 cases. Four patients reported reduced nipple sensation postoperatively. Measurements showed a statistically significant increase in TN and a reduction in NN, SSN-N, AD, N-IMF, and MBW compared to preoperative values (all P<0.001). BREAST-Q scores indicated significant improvements in satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and physical well-being, with preoperative scores of (21.6±8.9), (42.4±11.9) and (49.7±12.9) scores increasing to (82.3±8.5), (81.9±8.1) and (81.2±8.3) scores, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The double periareolar incision technique with rotational filling of an inferolaterally pedicled tongue-shaped glandular flap is a safe and effective method for correcting breast ptosis.