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 systematically analyze the changes in clinical indicators including blood leukocytes and neutrophils,liver and kidney functions,coagulation function,lipids,and levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies in Graves'ophthalmopathy(GO)patients who had undergone effective treatment with tocilizumab(TCZ)and to explore their clinical significance.Methods Eighty-five patients with moderately or severely active GO who were effectively treated with TCZ were enrolled.Early morning fasting blood was collected and tested for routine blood,biochemical routine,coagulation function,thyroid hormone and antibodies,and basic information such as gender,age,duration of the disease,history of smoking,comorbidities,and medications were also collected from all patients,so changes in the clinical indicators before and after the treatment could be analyzed and correlation analyses could be carried out.Results Patients with moderately to severely active GO treated with TCZ showed a significant decrease in absolute blood leukocyte and neutrophil values compared with before,and a significant decrease in liver function(alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine),cholesterol(total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein)levels were significantly higher than before,and concentrations of coagulation parameters[prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,fibrinogen(FIB)and D-dimer]were significantly decreased.The concentrations of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly,and the antibody titer of thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAB)was significantly down-regulated after treatment.TRAB levels were significantly correlated with FIB before treatment.Conclusion Thyroid function and antibody levels improved after TCZ treatment in patients with moderately to severely active GO,but blood leukocytes,liver function and coagulation function changed significantly compared with before.The results of this study confirm the therapeutic effect of TCZ on immune disorders in GO ophthalmopathy,while underscoring the importance of monitoring potential adverse effects in clinical treatment.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) in Chinese middle-aged and elderly population, and the associated factors of cognitive function in CMM patients.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. Data of demographic characteristics, lifestyle, chronic disease, and cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly subjects were obtained from the Harmonized CHARLS D version 2015 database, subjects with emotional and psychiatric disorders and memory-related disorders, and those with missing chronic disease data were excluded. The factors associated with cognitive function in CMM patients were analyzed with generalized linear regression model.Results:A total of 15 007 respondents aged (61.07±9.70) years were included in the analysis, 7 338 (48.9%) of whom were males. There were 3 303 cases of CMM with a prevalence rate of 22.01%, and the proportion of females was 54.9% (1 814/3 033), and the proportion of males was 45.1% (1 489/3 033). Generalized linear regression analysis showed that age, educational level, place of residence, depressive symptoms were correlated with cognitive function scores of CMM patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The prevalence rate of CMM in middle-aged and elderly people in China is higher, and age, education level, place of residence, depressive symptoms are associated with cognitive function in CMM patients.

Objective:To establish a reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function and to analyze the relationship between serum iodine and thyroid disease risk.Methods:From July 2022 to October 2023, using cross-sectional survey method, pregnant women aged 18 to 48 years old who had lived in iodine-deficient areas in the six provinces of China (Shanxi Province, Fujian Province, Yunnan Province, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Zhejiang Province, and Anhui Province) for more than six months were selected as the survey subjects. Blood samples were collected, serum iodine was tested, and the percentile method was used to establish a reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function. Meanwhile, serum levels of free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were tested, and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between serum iodine and thyroid disease risk.Results:A total of 1 409 pregnant women from 6 provinces were investigated, including 1 087 with normal thyroid function and 322 with abnormal thyroid function. The median serum iodine level of pregnant women with normal thyroid function was 79.74 μg/L, and the preliminary reference interval for serum iodine was 47.57 - 128.96 μg/L. When serum iodine levels were lower (< 47.57 μg/L), pregnant women had a significantly increased risk of developing TgAb positivity, TPOAb positivity, hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis ( OR = 4.44, 2.91, 3.41, 41.67, 23.43, P < 0.05). When serum iodine levels were high (> 128.96 μg/L), pregnant women had a significantly increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism ( OR = 9.91, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function is successfully established. Low serum iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of TgAb positivity, TPOAb positivity, hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis, while high serum iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of the added 99Tc m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) SPECT/CT imaging (tomography imaging) after early or delayed planar imaging in different types of hyperparathyroidism, and to seek for the optimal timing of preoperative imaging. Methods:A total of 339 patients (148 males, 191 females, age (52±13) years) with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism and pathological results from January 2016 to June 2024 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into primary early tomography imaging group ( n=63) and delayed tomography imaging group ( n=47), secondary early tomography imaging group ( n=89) and delayed tomography imaging group ( n=140). χ2 test was used to compare the diagnostic efficacies of early and delayed tomography imaging. Results:The difference of accuracy between primary delayed (98.40%(185/188)) and early tomography imaging (94.84%(239/252)) was statistically significant ( χ2=3.90, P=0.048). There were significant differences in sensitivity (77.29%(405/524) and 85.40%(275/322)), accuracy (75.89%(425/560) and 83.99%(299/356)) and negative predictive value (14.39%(20/139) and 33.80%(24/71)) between secondary delayed and early tomography imaging ( χ2 values: 8.33, 8.61, 10.70, all P<0.01). Conclusion:The optimal timing of preoperative 99Tc m-MIBI SPECT/CT imaging for primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism is after delayed planar imaging and after early planar imaging respectively.

Lacking therapeutic targets highlights the crucial roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To relieve the side effects of the chemoradiotherapy combination regimen, we design and develop a self-assembled micelle nanosystem consisting of perfluorocarbon chain-modified cisplatin prodrug. By incorporating perfluorodecalin, this nanosystem can effectively carry ozone and promote irradiation-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By leveraging the perfluorocarbon sidechain, the nanosystem exhibits efficient internalization by TNBC cells and effectively escapes from lysosomal entrapment. Under X-ray irradiation, ozone-generated ROS disrupts the intracellular redox balance, thereby facilitating the release of cisplatin in a reduction-responsive manner mediated by reduced glutathione. Moreover, oxygen derived from ozone decomposition enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by alleviating tumor hypoxia. Notably, the combination of irradiation with ozone-loaded cisplatin prodrug nano system synergistically prompts antitumor efficacy and reduces cellular/systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combo regimen remodels the tumor microenvironment into an immune-favored state by triggering immunogenic cell death and relieving hypoxia, which provides a promising foundation for a combination regimen of immunotherapy. In conclusion, our nanosystem presents a novel strategy for integrating chemotherapy and radiotherapy to optimize the efficacy and safety of TNBC clinical treatment.

BACKGROUND:Cognitive impairment is the most common complication after stroke,and its severity is closely related to the patient's prognosis.The prognosis of patients can be significantly improved if the severity of their cognitive impairment is recognized and targeted early.OBJECTIVE:To initially explore potential biomarkers affecting the progression of post-stroke cognitive impairment,thereby providing a richer and unique reference for the study of their pathophysiological mechanisms.METHODS:Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,non-targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted on serum samples from patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment to identify differential metabolites between the two groups.To further validate the diagnostic efficacy of the differential metabolites,the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate their accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing disease severity.In addition,pathway analysis was conducted on the differential metabolites.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were significant differences in metabolic profiles between patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment,and 9 differential metabolites were screened by the receiver operating characteristic curve.(2)Differential metabolite pathway analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment included tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism,biotin metabolism,retinol metabolism,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,lysine degradation,protein digestion and uptake,pyrimidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,ABC transporter proteins,amino acid biosynthesis,and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism.To conclude,9 potential biomarkers affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment have been identified,involving 12 metabolic pathways including tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism and retinol metabolism.

In order to explore the potential of nanoparticles from ethanol extracts of Euphorbia he-lioscopia L.(ZQNPs)in antibacterial application.In this study,ZQNPs were prepared by the self-assembly method using alcohol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia L.,polylysine and polyethylene glycol 1 000 as raw materials.The morphology and structure of ZQNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy,UV-vis spectrophotometer,and Fourier transform infrared spec-troscopy.The growth and biofilm inhibition of ZQNPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)were tested by broth microdilution,crystal violet,and checkerboard assays.The broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and antibacterial activity of ZQNPs against three clinical strains were evaluated by broth microdilution method.Finally,the antibacterial mechanism of ZQNPs was preliminarily explored by morphological observation and soluble protein detection of MRSA.The results showed that ZQNPs were self-assembled and cross-linked multi-faceted spheres with an average diameter of 67 nm.The MIC of ZQNPs against MRSA was 8 mg/L,and the antibacterial effect was much better than that of Euphorbia helioscopia L.mongolicum alcohol extract(MIC＞32 mg/L).The time killing curve again showed that ZQNPS had a good antibacteri-al effect on MRSA(8 mg/L)biofilm inhibition rate of 89％,and the antibacterial effect of ZQNPS combined with cefquinome sulfate showed additive results.The mics of ZQNPs against Gram-posi-tive bacteria(S.aureus)and gram-negative bacteria(E.coli)were 16 mg/L and 8 mg/L,respec-tively.The mics of ZQNPS against E.coli clinical strains were stable between 8 and 16 mg/L.The MIC of Salmonella clinical strains was 32-64 mg/L,and the MIC of S.aureus clinical strains was 8-64 mg/L.Preliminary antibacterial mechanism showed that ZQNPs could destroy the membrane structure of MRSA,lead to the release of intracellular substances,and affect the growth of MRSA.These results indicate that ZQNPs have a good antibacterial effect and have potential application value in antimicrobial therapy.

Objective To systematically analyze the changes in clinical indicators including blood leukocytes and neutrophils,liver and kidney functions,coagulation function,lipids,and levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies in Graves'ophthalmopathy(GO)patients who had undergone effective treatment with tocilizumab(TCZ)and to explore their clinical significance.Methods Eighty-five patients with moderately or severely active GO who were effectively treated with TCZ were enrolled.Early morning fasting blood was collected and tested for routine blood,biochemical routine,coagulation function,thyroid hormone and antibodies,and basic information such as gender,age,duration of the disease,history of smoking,comorbidities,and medications were also collected from all patients,so changes in the clinical indicators before and after the treatment could be analyzed and correlation analyses could be carried out.Results Patients with moderately to severely active GO treated with TCZ showed a significant decrease in absolute blood leukocyte and neutrophil values compared with before,and a significant decrease in liver function(alanine transaminase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine),cholesterol(total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein)levels were significantly higher than before,and concentrations of coagulation parameters[prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,fibrinogen(FIB)and D-dimer]were significantly decreased.The concentrations of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly,and the antibody titer of thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAB)was significantly down-regulated after treatment.TRAB levels were significantly correlated with FIB before treatment.Conclusion Thyroid function and antibody levels improved after TCZ treatment in patients with moderately to severely active GO,but blood leukocytes,liver function and coagulation function changed significantly compared with before.The results of this study confirm the therapeutic effect of TCZ on immune disorders in GO ophthalmopathy,while underscoring the importance of monitoring potential adverse effects in clinical treatment.

In order to explore the potential of nanoparticles from ethanol extracts of Euphorbia he-lioscopia L.(ZQNPs)in antibacterial application.In this study,ZQNPs were prepared by the self-assembly method using alcohol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia L.,polylysine and polyethylene glycol 1 000 as raw materials.The morphology and structure of ZQNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy,UV-vis spectrophotometer,and Fourier transform infrared spec-troscopy.The growth and biofilm inhibition of ZQNPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)were tested by broth microdilution,crystal violet,and checkerboard assays.The broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and antibacterial activity of ZQNPs against three clinical strains were evaluated by broth microdilution method.Finally,the antibacterial mechanism of ZQNPs was preliminarily explored by morphological observation and soluble protein detection of MRSA.The results showed that ZQNPs were self-assembled and cross-linked multi-faceted spheres with an average diameter of 67 nm.The MIC of ZQNPs against MRSA was 8 mg/L,and the antibacterial effect was much better than that of Euphorbia helioscopia L.mongolicum alcohol extract(MIC＞32 mg/L).The time killing curve again showed that ZQNPS had a good antibacteri-al effect on MRSA(8 mg/L)biofilm inhibition rate of 89％,and the antibacterial effect of ZQNPS combined with cefquinome sulfate showed additive results.The mics of ZQNPs against Gram-posi-tive bacteria(S.aureus)and gram-negative bacteria(E.coli)were 16 mg/L and 8 mg/L,respec-tively.The mics of ZQNPS against E.coli clinical strains were stable between 8 and 16 mg/L.The MIC of Salmonella clinical strains was 32-64 mg/L,and the MIC of S.aureus clinical strains was 8-64 mg/L.Preliminary antibacterial mechanism showed that ZQNPs could destroy the membrane structure of MRSA,lead to the release of intracellular substances,and affect the growth of MRSA.These results indicate that ZQNPs have a good antibacterial effect and have potential application value in antimicrobial therapy.