Objective: To investigate the urban and rural differences in adverse outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus comorbidity (PTB-DM), so as to provide insights into improving the prevention and treatment measures for PTB-DM. Methods: Patients with PTB-DM who were admitted and discharged from 14 designated tuberculosis hospitals in Hangzhou City from 2018 to 2022 were selected. Basic information, and history of diagnosis and treatment were collected through hospital information systems. The adverse outcomes of PTB were defined as endpoints, and the proportions of adverse outcomes of PTB in urban and rural patients with PTB-DM were analyzed. Factors affecting the adverse outcomes of PTB were identified using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: A total of 823 patients with PTB-DM were enrolled, including 354 (43.01%) urban and 469 (56.99%) rural patients. There were 112 (13.61%) patients with adverse outcomes of PTB. The proportions of adverse outcomes of PTB in urban and rural patients were 14.41% and 13.01%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified first diagnosed in county-level hospitals or above (HR=2.107, 95%CI: 1.181-3.758) and drug resistance (HR=3.303, 95%CI: 1.653-6.600) as the risk factors for adverse outcomes of PTB in urban patients with PTB-DM, while the treatment/observed management throughout the process (HR=0.470, 95%CI: 0.274-0.803) and fixed-dose combinations throughout the process (HR=0.331, 95%CI: 0.151-0.729) as the protective factors for adverse outcomes in rural patients with PTB-DM. Conclusions There are differences in influencing factors for adverse outcomes of PTB in urban and rural patients with PTB-DM. The adverse outcomes of PTB are associated with first diagnosed hospitals and drug resistance in urban patients, and are associated with the treatment/observed management and fixed-dose combinations throughout the process in rural patients.

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy among men worldwide. Early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prognosis prediction of PCa play a crucial role in improving patients' survival rates. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the utilization of deep learning (DL) algorithms, has brought about substantial progress in assisting the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction of PCa. The introduction of the foundation model has revolutionized the application of AI in medical treatment and facilitated its integration into clinical practice. This review emphasizes the clinical application of AI in PCa by discussing recent advancements from both pathological and imaging perspectives. Furthermore, it explores the current challenges faced by AI in clinical applications while also considering future developments, aiming to provide a valuable point of reference for the integration of AI and clinical applications.
Humans ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Male ; Artificial Intelligence ; Deep Learning ; Prognosis

In recent years, hybrid brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have gained significant attention due to their demonstrated advantages in increasing the number of targets and enhancing robustness of the systems. However, Existing studies usually construct BCI systems using intense auditory stimulation and strong central visual stimulation, which lead to poor user experience and indicate a need for improving system comfort. Studies have proved that the use of peripheral visual stimulation and lower intensity of auditory stimulation can effectively boost the user's comfort. Therefore, this study used high-frequency peripheral visual stimulation and 40-dB weak auditory stimulation to elicit steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) signals, building a high-comfort hybrid BCI based on weak audio-visual evoked responses. This system coded 40 targets via 20 high-frequency visual stimulation frequencies and two auditory stimulation frequencies, improving the coding efficiency of BCI systems. Results showed that the hybrid system's averaged classification accuracy was (78.00 ± 12.18) %, and the information transfer rate (ITR) could reached 27.47 bits/min. This study offers new ideas for the design of hybrid BCI paradigm based on imperceptible stimulation.
Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Humans ; Evoked Potentials, Visual/physiology* ; Acoustic Stimulation ; Photic Stimulation ; Electroencephalography ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory/physiology* ; Adult

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of synovial tissue, is divided into two subtypes-anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive and ACPA-negative RA. While the pathogenic mechanisms of ACPA-positive RA are well-understood, the etiology of ACPA-negative RA remains largely unknown. The association between RA and periodontitis (PD) has been observed since the early 1900s, with the two diseases sharing common genetic and environmental risk factors that lead to the progressive destruction of bone and connective tissue. However, the associations between PD and the two subtypes of RA differ. This comprehensive review aims to provide an updated understanding of the epidemiological association between RA and PD, explore potential pathogenic mechanisms linking the two diseases, and highlight the key distinctions between the subtypes of RA and their respective associations with PD. We also discuss the possibility of early intervention or the treatment of the two diseases. Ultimately, this review aims to provide valuable insights for future research in this field.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications* ; Periodontitis/complications* ; Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies/immunology* ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for further reducing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) according to investigation of the prevention and control of CLABSI in intensive care unit (ICU) in Shandong Province. METHODS: The questionnaire was developed by experts from Shandong Critical Care Medical Quality Control Center, combining domestic and foreign guidelines, consensus and research. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit survey subjects online from October 11 to 31, 2023 in the province to investigate the management status of central venous catheter (CVC) in ICU units of secondary and above hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 201 valid data were collected, involving 186 hospitals in the province, with a total of 201 ICU units, mainly comprehensive ICU (91%). The beds in ICU units were mainly single rooms (89%) and triple rooms (79%), and the ratio of doctors to total beds was 0.54 : 1. The training on the knowledge and operation of intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infection in each ICU unit was mainly irregular (49%), and 96% of the catheter operators were authorized by the hospital. In terms of CVC selection, 89% of ICU units used dual-chamber CVC, and 86% of ICU units used catheters without antibiotic coating. When selecting the placement site, for conventional CVC catheterization, 65% preferred subclavian vein. Femoral vein was preferred in 87% of ICU units undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy. 95% of ICU units had established standardized operation procedure (SOP) for CVC placement. 86% of ICU units were capable of ultrasound positioning or guided puncture at the time of catheterization. During catheterization, 88% of ICU units met the sterile dress code. Before and after catheterzation, 81% and 77% of ICU units standardized hand hygiene. Only 31% of ICU units were covered from head to toe by aseptic wipes. For the choice of skin disinfectant, the majority of ICU units (72%) only used iodophor. After tube placement, 54% of ICU units chose sterile transparent dressing and 25% chose sterile gauze dressing. 98% of ICU units were sutured to secure the catheter. Regarding catheter replacement and removal, 45% of ICU units could not be removed or replaced within 2 days in emergency situations where the principle of sterility was not guaranteed. When CLABSI was suspected, 55% of ICU units were able to obtain the catheter tip, transcatheter blood culture, and contralateral peripheral vein blood culture at the same time. For CVC replacement frequency, most ICU units (75%) would not be replaced regularly, and some ICU units would be replaced regularly, but the frequency of replacement was different. For CLABSI prevention and control, 82% of ICU units developed a verification form or supervision form. When analyzing the sources of CLABSI data, most of them were filled in by themselves (60%). As for the frequency of data analysis, 57% were once a month. CONCLUSIONS All ICU units in Shandong Province are standardized in terms of the authorization of operators, the formulation of SOP, the formulation and implementation of verification form and supervision form, ultrasound-guided puncture, and hand hygiene before and after catheterization. However, there are still deficiencies in the training on knowledge and operation of intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infections, maximum aseptic coverage, catheter replacement and removal, and the reporting sources of CLABSI data, which need to be strengthened in the follow-up work. At present, the selection of CVC, the selection of catheterization site, the selection of skin disinfectant and the selection of dressings after catheterization still need further research.
Intensive Care Units ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology* ; Catheterization, Central Venous/methods* ; Cross Infection/epidemiology* ; Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects* ; Infection Control/methods*

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the expression level of serum exosome miR-29C and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing surgery.Methods:A total of 119 elderly patients who underwent elective spinal surgery in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and scored on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale 1 day before surgery and 1, 7 and 21 days after surgery. The selected patients were divided into POCD group (51 cases) and non-POCD group (68 cases) according to whether the MoCA Scale score decreased ≥2 points 1 day before surgery and 1 day after surgery. S100-β, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and serum exosome miR-29C expression levels were detected and analyzed in all patients 1 day before and 1 day after surgery. Pearson correlation analysis showed the correlation between MoCA Scale score and S100-β, NSE and miR-29C. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of S100-β, NSE and miR-29C for POCD occurrence in elderly patients undergoing surgery.Results:The score of MoCA Scale in POCD group were significantly decreased 1, 7 and 21 days after surgery compared with 1 day before surgery (all P<0.05), while the score of MoCA Scale in non-POCD group were significantly decreased only 1 day after surgery compared with 1 day before surgery ( P<0.05). The levels of S100-β and NSE and the expression level of serum exosome miR-29C in 2 groups were significantly increased 1 day after surgery compared with 1 day before surgery (all P<0.05). Moreover, the levels of S100-β and NSE and the expression level of serum exosome miR-29C in POCD group were significantly higher than those in non-POCD group 1 day after surgery (all P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the MoCA Scale score and the expression level of serum exosome miR-29C 1 day after surgery in the POCD group ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the expression levels of NSE, S100-β and exosome miR-29C 1 day after surgery predicted the risk of POCD in elderly surgical patients with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.891, 0.908 and 0.918, respectively. Conclusions:The occurrence of POCD in elderly patients with surgery is related to the increase of the expression level of serum exosome miR-29C, and the expression level of serum exosome miR-29C is negatively correlated with MoCA Scale score. Early monitoring of the miR-29C expression level can provide a basis for the occurrence and development of postoperative POCD in elderly patients, disease diagnosis and clinical intervention.

Objective:To compare short-term clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction between robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) and conventional THA.Methods:Patient data of unilateral primary THA with the same prosthesis by the same operator due to osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and other diseases in Peking University Third Hospital from September 2019 to February 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into robot-assisted THA group and conventional THA group according to surgical methods. The preoperative general data, operation time, intraoperative complications and other intraoperative data were collected. Anteroposterior X-ray of pelvis and cross-table X-ray of hip were taken. Main outcome measures consisted of total blood loss, blood transfusion rate, hospitalization stay, postoperative complications, and the inclination and anteversion angle of the acetabular cup, while the dislocation rate outside the Lewinnek and Callanan safe zone was also analyzed. Other outcomes measures included visual analogue scale, Harris score, quality of life score (QOL) and satisfaction score.Results:There was no significant difference in gender, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), operation side, preoperative blood volume and Harris score between the two groups ( P>0.05); Loosening of positioning screws occurred in 2 patients due to osteoporosis in robot-assisted THA group, so conventional THA was performed. Therefore, 84 cases in robot-assisted THA group and 87 cases in conventional THA group were enrolled in this study at last. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between conventional THA group and robot-assisted THA group (19.7±6.8 months vs. 18.6±5.4 months, t=1.16, P=0.249); The operation time of robot-assisted THA group was longer than that of conventional THA group (106.99±31.91 min vs. 73.79±29.48 min, t=7.07, P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in hospitalization stay between conventional THA group and robot-assisted THA group (6.40±2.40 d vs. 6.49±1.95 d, t=0.26, P=0.796). There was also no significant difference in total blood loss and blood transfusion rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in inclination angle (38.79°±6.93° vs. 39.41°±3.01°, t=0.58, P=0.449) and anteversion angle (14.81°±6.49° vs. 13.33°±4.32°, t=3.06, P=0.082) between conventional THA group and robot-assisted THA group, while the percentage in Lewinnek safe zone (96.4% vs. 73.6%, χ 2=15.60, P<0.001) and Callanan safe zone (92.9% vs. 65.5%, χ 2=17.61, P<0.001) was significantly higher in conventional THA than that of robot-assisted THA. There were no significant differences in postoperative VAS, Harris score and QOL score between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the excellent and good rate of Harris score of conventional THA group was lower than that of robot-assisted THA group (83.91% vs. 95.24%, χ 2=5.83, P=0.016); The overall satisfaction of patients in robot-assisted THA group was better than that in conventional THA group ( Z=-3.47, P=0.001), and 95.2% (80/84) of patients in robot-assisted THA group were very satisfied, which was higher than that in conventional THA group (75.86%, 66/87). The satisfaction of patients in robot-assisted THA group on pain relief ( Z=-2.44, P=0.015) and improvement of leisure activity ( Z=-2.12, P=0.034) was better than that in conventional THA group, but there was no significant difference in the satisfaction of ability of doing house work between the two groups ( Z=-0.49, P=0.626). Conclusion:Compared with conventional THA, robot-assisted THA has longer operation time but better short-term clinical outcomes and higher patient satisfaction after surgery.

Objective:To investigate the effect of LRRK2G2019S mutation on activation of microglia after iron deprivation and its mechanism.Methods:(1) Microglia were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC) with the help of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and identified by immunofluorescent staining, and α-synuclein (α-syn) A53T mutant protein was obtained by protein purification technology. (2) Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, α-syn+ deferoxamine (DFO) group; phosphate buffer solution (PBS), 1 μmol/L purified α-syn A53T mutant protein, 1 μmol/L purified α-syn A53T mutant protein+30 mmol/L DFO were given respectively for 24 h. Fe 2+ concentration was detected by colorimetry, Rab35 protein expression was detected by Western blotting, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by flow cytometry, and interleukin-6 ( IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β ( TGF-β) mRNA expressions were detected by real time-PCR (RT-PCR); microglia culture supernatant (MCS) in the 3 groups were transfered to SH-SY5Y cells, and SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. (3) Bidirectional DNA sequencing was used to detect leucine rich repeat kinase 2 ( LRRK2) gene mutations in microglia treated with 1 μmol/L purified α-syn A53T mutant protein. Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group and α-syn+GSK3357679A group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h, respectively (LRRK2 inhibitor GSK3357679A concentration: 10 nmol/L), and LRRK2 protein expression was detected by Western blotting; microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, α-syn+GSK3357679A, and α-syn+GSK3357679A+DFO group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h, Rab35 protein expression was detected by Western blotting, intracellular ROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. (4) Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, α-syn+rapamycin (RAPA) group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h (concentration of autophagy inducer RAPA: 50 nmol/L); protein expressions of Rab35, P62 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II (LC3II) were detected by Western blotting; intracellular ROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. (5) Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, and α-syn+Rab35 group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h (concentration of Rab35 overexpressed plasmids: 1 μg/mL); Rab35, P62, and LC3II protein expressions were detected by Western blotting; ROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. Results:(1) Immunofluorescent staining showed negative neuronal nuclei (NeuN) expression and positive ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) expression in microglia, and high LRRK2 expression; PcDNA3.1-SNCA-A53T expression plasmid was constructed and α-syn A53T mutant protein was purified. (2) The Fe 2+ concentration in α-syn group was significantly higher than that in control group, and the Fe 2+ concentration in α-syn+DFO group was significantly lower than that in α-syn group ( P<0.05); the Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions in control group, α-syn group and α-syn+DFO group were decreased successively, while the IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions were increased successively, with significant differences ( P<0.05); ROS level and SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis rate in control group, α-syn group, α-syn+DFO group were increased successively. (3) Bidirectional DNA sequencing showed that the LRRK2G2019S mutation in microglia was the most obvious after α-syn A53T mutant protein stimulation; compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly increased LRRK2 protein expression, while the α-syn+GSK3357679A group had significantly decreased LRRK2 protein expression compared with α-syn group ( P<0.05); compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly decreased Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and statistically increased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with α-syn group, the α-syn+GSK3357679A group had significantly increased Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and statistically decreased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with α-syn+GSK3357679A group, α-syn+GSK3357679A+DFO group had significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions, and significantly decreased Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions ( P<0.05). The α-syn group had higher ROS level than the control group, the α-syn+GSK3357679A group had lower ROS level than the α-syn group, and the α-syn+GSK3357679A+DFO group had higher ROS level than the α-syn+GSK3357679A group. (4) Compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly decreased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and significantly increased P62 protein, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with α-syn group, the α-syn+RAPA group had significantly increased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and significantly decreased P62 protein, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); the α-syn group had higher ROS level than the control group and α-syn+RAPA group. (5) Compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly decreased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and statistically increased P62 protein, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with the α-syn group, the α-syn+Rab35 group had significantly increased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and significantly decreased P62 protein, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05). The α-syn group had higher ROS level than the control group and α-syn+Rab35 group. Conclusion:LRRK2G2019S can induce neuroinflammation by inhibiting Rab35-related autophagy under iron deprivation, and Rab35 is expected to be a key factor in intervening neuroinflammation.

Objective To investigate the role of nitric oxide synthase(NOS)in the regulation of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(IR)injury in ovariectomized(OVX)rats.Methods A total of 132 female SD rats were subjected,and 48 of them were randomly divided into sham operation group,IR group,OVX group and combined group,with 12 in each group.In order to explore the role of endothelous NOS(eNOS)and inducible NOS(iNOS)in ovariectomization increasing myo-cardial IR injury,another 84 mice were divided into negative sham group,negative IR group,nega-tive combined group,eNOS+IR group,eNOS combined group,iNOS small interfering RNA(si-iNOS)+IR group and si-iNOS combined group,with 12 in each group.The mice of the corre-sponding groups were injected with adeno-associated virus(AAV)overexpressing eNOS or knoc-king down iNOS via tail vein before OVX modeling.Myocardial infarct size,serum levels of lac-tate dehydrogenase(LDH)and creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme(CK-MB),LVEF,LVFS,and expression levels of eNOS and iNOS in the myocardial tissues were measured.Results The com-bined group had significantly increased level of iNOS in myocardium,larger myocardial infarct size and elevated serum LDH and CK-MB levels,but decreased myocardial expression of eNOS and LVEF and LVFS values than the IR group(P＜0.05).When compared with the negative combined group,the myocardial infarct size and serum LDH and CK-MB levels were decreased[(23.51±3.22)％and(26.21±2.93)％vs(58.78±5.42)％,(176.31±15.48 and 169.52±17.12 vs 328.85±37.12 U/L,35.41±6.41 and 34.77±5.94 vs 88.73±9.14 U/L,P＜0.05],and the LVEF and LVFS values were increased[(41.31±3.12)％and(42.09±3.41)％vs(30.77± 2.15)％,(21.47±1.57)％and(21.32±1.42)％vs(15.92±1.33)％,P＜0.05]in the eNOS com-bined group and si-iNOS combined group.Conclusion The decrease of eNOS expression and in-crease of iNOS expression are related to the aggravation of myocardial IR injury in OVX rats.

OBJECTIVES: The automatic delineation of organs at risk (OARs) can help doctors make radiotherapy plans efficiently and accurately, and effectively improve the accuracy of radiotherapy and the therapeutic effect. Therefore, this study aims to propose an automatic delineation method for OARs in cervical cancer scenarios of both after-loading and external irradiation. At the same time, the similarity of OARs structure between different scenes is used to improve the segmentation accuracy of OARs in difficult segmentations. METHODS: Our ensemble model adopted the strategy of ensemble learning. The model obtained from the pre-training based on the after-loading and external irradiation was introduced into the integrated model as a feature extraction module. The data in different scenes were trained alternately, and the personalized features of the OARs within the model and the common features of the OARs between scenes were introduced. Computer tomography (CT) images for 84 cases of after-loading and 46 cases of external irradiation were collected as the train data set. Five-fold cross-validation was adopted to split training sets and test sets. The five-fold average dice similarity coefficient (DSC) served as the figure-of-merit in evaluating the segmentation model. RESULTS: The DSCs of the OARs (the rectum and bladder in the after-loading images and the bladder in the external irradiation images) were higher than 0.7. Compared with using an independent residual U-net (convolutional networks for biomedical image segmentation) model [residual U-net (Res-Unet)] delineate OARs, the proposed model can effectively improve the segmentation performance of difficult OARs (the sigmoid in the after-loading CT images and the rectum in the external irradiation images), and the DSCs were increased by more than 3%. CONCLUSIONS Comparing to the dedicated models, our ensemble model achieves the comparable result in segmentation of OARs for different treatment options in cervical cancer radiotherapy, which may be shorten time for doctors to sketch OARs and improve doctor's work efficiency.
Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Machine Learning ; Organs at Risk/radiation effects* ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy*