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 explore the effect, postoperative mucosal pathological changes and molecular biological changes of reboot operation for type 2 inflammation chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps（CRSwNP） patients, and to provide theoretical basis for the clinical application of this kind of operation. Methods:We collected 29 patients who were diagnosed with CRSwNP with type 2 inflammatino response and underwent Reboot surgery from June 2022 to August 2023, and 27 patients who were diagnosed with deviated septum and underwent simple submucosal resection of the septum as the control group. We conducted nasal symptom scoring, endoscopic sinusitis scoring, and CT scanning of the sinuses before and after surgery, as well as HE staining, immunohistochemical staining, and detection of inflammatory factors using Elisa kits at the time of surgery, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. We also observed the ultrastructural changes using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and performed proteomic analysis of the mucosa in the ethmoid sinus area of the sinusitis patients at the time of surgery and 6 months postoperatively. Results:After 6 months of postoperative follow-up, CT scores of the nasal cavity and sinuses had gradually decreased compared with the preoperative period. The VAS score of main symptoms, SNOT-22 score and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score were decreased after 12 months follow-up. The histological morphology of the mucosa in the area of the screen was significantly improved compared with the preoperative period, with a reduction in the number of eosinophils. The levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-4 and IL-5 et al. in the mucosa of the area of the screen were gradually reduced compared with the preoperative period. The histological morphology, ultrastructure, and cilia structure of the mucosa in the area of the screen were gradually improved compared with the preoperative period, though not recovered completely. The number of CD4⁺T and CD8⁺T cells not changed significantly before and after the surgery yet. By conducting proteomic analysis of the ethmoidal sinus mucosa before and after surgery, differential proteins were selected, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed proteins. By using cytoHubba to identify hub genes and intersecting them with the genes related to chronic sinusitis, we found that MMP9 expression increased in non-type 2 CRS and type 2 CRS in sequence, while ACTC1 expression decreased in non-tpye 2 CRS and type 2 CRS in sequence. Conclusion:Reboot surgery can improve the postoperative symptoms and signs of patients, improve the pathological morphology of the mucosa, and influence the expression of protein after surgery. However, the surgery may not have a significant impact on the distribution of T cell subpopulations and inflammation signal pathway in the nasal mucosa.
Humans ; Sinusitis/metabolism* ; Nasal Polyps/metabolism* ; Nasal Mucosa/ultrastructure* ; Chronic Disease ; Rhinitis/complications* ; Inflammation ; Male ; Female ; Postoperative Period ; Adult ; Interleukin-5/metabolism* ; Interleukin-4/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Proteomics ; Rhinosinusitis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by aberrant wound healing, excessive scarring and the formation of myofibroblastic foci. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis has garnered increasing attention, its specific contribution to pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified an up-regulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) in lung fibroblasts derived from IPF patients and a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model, and further characterized its functional role in both human fetal lung fibroblasts and mice. We demonstrated that enhanced expression of Srsf7 in mice spontaneously induced alveolar collagen accumulation. Mechanistically, we investigated alternative splicing events and revealed that SRSF7 modulates the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase (PKM), leading to metabolic dysregulation and fibroblast activation. In vivo studies showed that fibroblast-specific knockout of Srsf7 in conditional knockout mice conferred resistance to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Importantly, through drug screening, we identified lomitapide as a novel modulator of SRSF7, which effectively mitigated experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which SRSF7 drives fibroblast metabolic dysregulation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Cardiac pacing is an effective treatment for cardiac pacing and conduction dysfunction and severe heart failure. However， the conventional right ventricular pacing may increase the incidences of heart failure and atrial fibrillation， and biventricular pacing has a relatively high non-response rate. As a new technique of physiological pacing， a number of studies in recent years have been conducted to show the stability of pacing parameters and good cardiac synchronization of his-purkinje system pacing. This article reviews the current status of research and progress in the effects of his-purkinje conduction system pacing on cardiac function， so as to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the development of this technology.

Gastrointestinal motility disorder is an important cause of digestive system diseases. Patients often suffer from nausea， vomiting， gastric retention， gastroparesis， constipation， and many other symptoms， and their quality of life is seriously reduced. Prokinetic agents are routinely used in clinical practice， but their long-term use is prone to problems such as reduced efficacy and increased adverse reactions. Since the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases has continued to rise globally in recent years， there is an urgent need for clinical development of safe and effective treatment strategies. Aurantii Fructus， a traditional Chinese medicine， has the effect of smoothing Qi and eliminating distention， and it has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases for thousands of years. In modern clinical practice， it is mainly used for the treatment and auxiliary treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia， functional constipation， and irritable bowel syndrome. The efficacy is remarkable， and no adverse reactions have been reported at conventional doses. Therefore， it can greatly improve the symptoms of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and improve their quality of life. Modern research has revealed that there are many active components in Aurantii Fructus， among which flavonoids have the highest content and the most types. Flavonoids are the main active components in Aurantii Fructus to regulate gastrointestinal motility. Aurantii Fructus and its active components can affect gastrointestinal hormones， neural pathways， Cajal mesenchymal cells， and other multiple mechanisms. They can adjust gastrointestinal motility and correct gastrointestinal motility disorders， showing potential application value in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. However， a comprehensive analysis of Aurantii Fructus in this aspect is still lacking. This study summarized the pharmacological activities of active components of Aurantii Fructus extract and its flavonoids， volatile oils， alkaloids， and coumarin on the regulation of gastrointestinal motility and explored the latest research progress on its mechanism. Finally， the adverse reactions of Aurantii Fructus were summarized. It aims to provide a scientific basis for the research and clinical application of Aurantii Fructus and its active components in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility.

[Objective]To investigate the genetic polymorphism of 42 short tandem repeats(STRs),including 41 non-CODIS loci from the Shenzhen Han population and evaluate their potential values in forensic application.[Methods]In our research,the AGCU 21+1 STR kit and Microreader? 23sp Direct ID System were applied to analyze the polymorphism of STR loci from 435 unrelated individuals of Shenzhen Han population.Modified-Powerstates and Arlequin v3.5 software were used to analyze the allele frequencies and forensic parameters,and perform the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test.[Results]A total of 418 alleles were detected from 435 unrelated individuals in Shenzhen,all consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(P>0.05/42),with the allele frequency ranging from 0.001 1 to 0.552 9.Besides,the discrimination power(DP)ranged from 0.798 8(D1S1627)to 0.968 6(D7S3048),the polymorphic information content(PIC)ranged from 0.568 0(D1S1627)to 0.859 8(D7S3048),and the heterozygosity(H)ranged from 0.627 6(D1S1627)to 0.878 2(D20S470).Among all the STRs tested in the study,both D1S1656 and D21S1270 have 16 alleles and show the highest polymorphism.In comparison,only five alleles were observed in the D4S2408 locus,which displays the least polymorphism.[Conclusions]The 42 autosomal STR loci with high genetic polymorphism in Shenzhen Han population showed potential as an effective means for individual identification and paternity testing,especially in the cases with single parent or mutation detected.The obtained information can provide basic data for STR population genetics.

Lipophosphatidic acid(LTA)was used to stimulate Mac-T cells,and the expression lev-els and phosphorylation levels of key proteins of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway and the expression levels of upstream key action factors TLR4 and MyD88 proteins were detected by Western blot,and EDU assay was used to detect cell proliferation levels and flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis.The results showed that acti-vation of GPR120 significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of LTA-induced NF-κB(P65 and IκBα)(P＜0.01)and MAPK(JNK,ERK,p38)(P＜0.01)in Mac-T cells;inhibition of GPR120 was able to upregulate LTA-induced NF-κB(p65 and IκBα)in Mac-T cells(P＜0.01)and MAPK(JNK,ERK,p38)phosphorylation levels(P＜0.01);and activation of GPR120 significantly allevia-ted LTA-induced upregulation of TLR4 and MyD88(P＜0.01);inhibition of GPR120 significantly exacerbated LTA-induced upregulation of TLR4 and MyD88(P＜0.05);LTA stimulation led to a trend of diminished Mac-T cell proliferation and significantly increased apoptosis,whereas activa-tion of the GPR120 gene significantly increased cell activity(P＜0.01),promoted cell proliferation and significantly reduced apoptosis(P＜0.05)thereby alleviating the damage to Mac-T cells by LTA;LTA stimulation led to a highly significant increase in apoptosis(P＜0.01).In contrast,acti-vation of the GPR120 gene significantly reversed the increase in the apoptosis rate of Mac-T cells induced by LTA(P＜0.01),while inhibition of the GPR120 gene enhanced the apoptosis-promo-ting effect of LTA(P＜0.05),indicating that activation of the GPR120 gene attenuated the in-crease of apoptosis rate caused by LTA-induced inflammatory Mac-T cells.The results suggest that GPR120 can regulate inflammation by mediating TLR4 and MyD88 expression to inhibit NF-κB/MAPK inflammatory pathway activation and can promote cell proliferation.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Gandou Bushen Decoction(GDBSD)for improving reproductive disorders in male mouse models of Wilson disease(WD).Methods Sixty male homozygous TX mice were randomized equally into 4 groups and treated with daily gavage of saline(WD model group),penicillamine(0.09 g/kg),or GDBSD(0.2 mL/10 g),or with intraperitoneal injection of U0126(20 mg/kg)in addition to GDBSD gavage,with 15 male DL mice as control.After 4 weeks of treatment,copper content in testicular tissue of the mice was detected,and histopathology of the testes and epididymis was examined using HE staining and electron microscopy.TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptotic cells in the testes.The protein expressions of Bcl-2,Cytc,caspase-3,ERK,and p-ERK in the testicular tissue were evaluated with Western blotting,and BrdU-positive cells were detected with immunohistochemical labeling.Sperm density,viability,malformation rate and fertility levels of male mice were studied.Results Treatment with penicillamine and GDBSD obviously improved pathological changes of the testis,increased sperm density and motility,lowered sperm abnormality rate,fertility levels and increased testicular JOHNSEN score of TK mice,but the therapeutic effect of GDBSD was blocked by U0126.GDBSD treatment significantly lowered Cytc and caspase-3 expressions and increased Bcl-2 expression in the testicular tissue of TX mice(P<0.05),while U0126 treatment significantly lowered testicular Bcl-2 expression level.No significant differences were found in total protein expression levels of ERK1/2 among the 5 groups,but p-ERK protein expression was significantly reduced in WD and U0126 groups and increased in penicillamine and GDBSD groups.Conclusion GDBSD can improve spermatogenesis and enhance fertility of male TX mice with WD possibly by activating the ERK signaling pathway to enhance proliferation and reduce apoptosis of the spermatogenic cells.

Background and Aims:The occurrence of duodenal fistula following infected pancreatic necrosis(IPN)in the later stage of treatment for acute necrotizing pancreatitis presents a significant clinical challenge.It often leads to severe complications such as difficulty in administering enteral nutrition,electrolyte imbalances,abdominal bleeding,and worsening infections.This study was performed to explore the efficacy of enteral nutrition combined with step-up drainage in treating IPN complicated by duodenal fistula and to share single-center experience. Methods:The clinical data of 66 patients with IPN complicated by duodenal fistula who underwent enteral nutrition combined with step-up drainage in the Severe Pancreatitis Treatment Center of the Nanjing Eastern Theater General Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:Among the 66 patients,the median time from disease onset to the development of duodenal fistula was 53(32-75)d.In 46 cases(69.7％),suspicious digestive fluid-like discharge was observed from drainage tube or double-lumen tube.The diagnosis and location of the duodenal fistula were confirmed in 49 patients(74.2％)through fistulography,while the remaining cases were confirmed via surgical exploration or endoscopy.The duodenal fistulas were mainly located in the horizontal part(33.3％)or descending part(50.0％)of the duodenum.Nutritional access was safely established through nasojejunal tube in 61 patients(92.4％),while 5 patients(7.6％)required surgery to establish the access.Twenty patients(30.3％)experienced secondary abdominal bleeding,and 14 patients(21.2％)died.Among the 52 patients who recovered,49(94.2％)healed through step-up drainage,while 3(5.8％)required surgery due to delayed healing.Of the 49 patients who underwent non-surgical treatment,10(20.4％)achieved fistula closure through drainage tube,and 39(79.6％)achieved closure through continuous lavage drainage via double-lumen tube.The median healing time for duodenal fistula in non-surgically treated patients was 41(29-80)d. Conclusion:Patients with IPN complicated by duodenal fistula are in a critical condition.Enteral nutrition combined with step-up drainage is an effective treatment for these patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of first-episode and recurrent acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was con-ducted. The clinical data of 313 patients with HTGP admitted to 26 medical centers in China in the Chinese Acute Pancreatitis Clinical Research Group (CAPCTG)-PERFORM database from November 2020 to December 2021 were collected. There were 219 males and 94 females, aged 38(32,44)years. Of the 313 patients, 193 patients with first-episode HTGP were allocated into the first-episode group and 120 patients with recurrent HTGP were allocated into the recurrent group. Observation indica-tors: (1) propensity score matching and comparison of general data of patients between the two groups after matching; (2) comparison of severity and prognosis in the course of disease within 14 days between the two groups; (3) the association between recurrent HTGP and the risk of persistent organ failure (POF); (4) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the cumulative recurrence rate curve and Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. The Logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis, and continuous variables were converted into categorical variables according to the mean value or common criteria. Propensity score matching was performed by 1∶1 nearest neighbor matching method, with caliper value of 0.02. Paired t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test and McNemar′s test were used for comparison between matched groups. Results:(1) Propensity score matching and comparison of general data of patients between the two groups after matching. Of the 313 patients,208 cases were successfully matched, including 104 cases in the first-episode group and 104 cases in the recurrent group. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference in demographic characteristics, severity of illness scores and laboratory test between the two groups ( P>0.05). The elimination of gender, acute physiology and chornic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, computed tomography severity index score, systemic inflammatory response syndrome score, sequential organ failure assessment score, apolipoprotein E, C-reactive protein, creatinine, lactic acid dehydrogenase, procal-citonin confounding bias ensured comparability between the two groups. (2) Comparison of severity and prognosis in the course of disease within 14 days between the two groups. There were signifi-cant differences in POF and local complications between the first-episode group and the recurrent group ( P<0.05). (3) The association between recurrent HTGP and the risk of POF. Results of uncor-rected univariate analysis showed that there was no association between recurrent HTGP and the risk of POF ( odds ratio=0.78, 95% confidence interval as 0.46-1.30, P>0.05). Results of multivariate analysis after adjusting for covariates such as gender, age, APACHE Ⅱ score, C-reactive protein, triglyceride and total cholesterol showed that compared with first-episode HTGP, recurrent HTGP was associated with a higher risk of POF ( odds ratio=2.22, 95% confidence interval as 1.05-4.71, P<0.05). Results of subgroup analysis showed that age<40 years was associated with an increased risk of POF ( odds ratio=3.31, 95% confidence interval as 1.09-10.08, P<0.05). (4) Follow-up. Twelve of the 313 patients died during hospitalization, including 9 cases in the first-episode group and 3 cases in the recurrent group. The rest of 301 surviving patients, including 184 cases in the first-episode group and 117 cases in the recurrent group, were followed up for 19.2(15.5, 21.9)months. Results of follow-up showed that for 184 survived patients of the first-episode group, 164 cases were followed up and 24 cases experienced recurrence, for 117 survived patients of the recurrent group,29 cases experienced recurrence, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=4.67, P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with first-episode HTGP, patients with recurrent HTGP are more prone to POF and local complications, and are more prone to recurrence after discharge. The risk of POF in recurrent HTGP patients is 2.22 times that of those with first-episode, and the risk is higher in patients with age <40 years.