HFM-Tracker: a cell tracking algorithm based on hybrid feature matching.

Cell migration is known to be a fundamental biological process, playing an essential role in development, homeostasis, and diseases. This paper introduces a cell tracking algorithm named HFM-Tracker (Hybrid Feature Matching Tracker) that automatically identifies cell migration behaviours in consecutive images. It combines Contour Attention (CA) and Adaptive Confusion Matrix (ACM) modules to accurately capture cell contours in each image and track the dynamic behaviors of migrating cells in the field of view. Cells are firstly located and identified via the CA module-based cell detection network, and then associated and tracked via a cell tracking algorithm employing a hybrid feature-matching strategy. This proposed HFM-Tracker exhibits superiorities in cell detection and tracking, achieving 75% in MOTA (Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy) and 65% in IDF1 (ID F1 score). It provides quantitative analysis of the cell morphology and migration features, which could further help in understanding the complicated and diverse cell migration processes.

In situ/Operando Synchrotron Analytical Techniques for CO2/CO Reduction Reaction: From Atomic Scales to Mesoscales.

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide/carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CO(2)RR) has emerged as a prospective and appealing strategy to realize carbon neutrality for manufacturing sustainable chemical products. Developing highly active electrocatalysts and stable devices has been demonstrated as effective approach to enhancing the conversion efficiency of CO(2)RR. In order to rationally design electrocatalysts and devices, a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic structure evolution within catalysts and micro-environment change around electrode interface, particularly under operation conditions, is indispensable. Synchrotron radiation has been recognized as a versatile characterization platform, garnering widespread attention owing to its high brightness, elevated flux, excellent directivity, strong polarization and exceptional stability. This review systematically introduces the applications of synchrotron radiation technologies classified by radiation sources with varying wavelengths in CO(2)RR. By virtue of in situ/operando synchrotron analytical techniques, we also summarize relevant dynamic evolution processes from electronic structure, atomic configuration, molecular adsorption, crystal lattice and devices, spanning scales from the angstrom to the micrometer. The merits and limitations of diverse synchrotron characterization techniques are summarized, and their applicable scenarios in CO(2)RR are further presented. On the basis of the state-of-the-art fourth-generation synchrotron facilities, a perspective for further deeper understanding of the CO(2)RR process using synchrotron analytical techniques is proposed.

The association between leptin and diabetes: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The study object was to determine the relationship between leptin and diabetes. METHODS: We searched for the literature on the relationship between leptin and diabetes from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases. We carried out the meta-analysis by calculating the Std. Mean Difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to study the relationship between leptin and diabetes. We performed the Chi-square-based Q test and I2 statistics to evaluate the potential heterogeneity, and the sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of our results. Moreover, Begg's test was performed to evaluate the publication bias. RESULTS: There are 10 studies in this study for meta-analysis, which include 1879 patients (diabetic (n = 1024); and nondiabetic patients (n = 855)). The results indicated that the levels of serum leptin were significantly increased in patients with diabetes (SMD = 1.78, 95% CI [0.81, 2.76]), especially those with gestational diabetes mellitus compared with controls (SMD = 3.03, 95% CI [1.21, 4.86]). However, the results showed that there was no difference in serum leptin levels between type 2 diabetes and controls (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [-1.06, 1.74]). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis indicated that the levels of serum leptin were significantly elevated in patients with diabetes especially those with gestational diabetes mellitus compared with controls.

Histological and molecular difference in albumen quality between post-adolescent hens and aged hens.

The decline in albumen quality resulting from aging hens poses a threat to the financial benefits of the egg industry. Exploring the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of cell molecules of albumen formation is significant for the efficient regulation of albumen quality. Two individual groups of Hy-Line Brown layers with ages of 40 (W40) and 100 (W100) wk old were used in the present study. Each group contained over 2,000 birds. This study assessed the egg quality, biochemical indicators and physiological status of hens between W40 and W100. Subsequently, a quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted to identify differences in protein abundance in magnum tissues between W40 and W100. In the W40 group, significant increases (P < 0.05) were notable for albumen quality (thick albumen solid content, albumen height, Haugh unit), serum indices (calcium, estrogen, and progesterone levels), magnum histomorphology (myosin light-chain kinase content, secretory capacity, mucosal fold, goblet cell count and proportion) as well as the total antioxidant capacity of the liver. However, the luminal diameter of the magnum, albumen gel properties and random coil of the albumen were increased (P < 0.05) in the W100 group. The activity of glutathione, superoxidase dismutase, and malondialdehyde in the liver, magnum, and serum did not vary (P > 0.05) among the groups. Proteomic analysis revealed the identification of 118 differentially expressed proteins between the groups, which comprised proteins associated with protein secretion, DNA damage and repair, cell proliferation, growth, antioxidants, and apoptosis. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes pathway analysis revealed that BRCA2 and FBN1 were significantly downregulated in Fanconi anemia (FA) and TGF-ß signaling pathways in W100, validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In conclusion, significant age-related variations in albumen quality, and magnum morphology are regulated by proteins involved in antioxidant capacity.

Ripretinib inhibits HIV-1 transcription through modulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR.

Despite the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in prolonging the lifespan of individuals infected with HIV-1, it does not offer a cure for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The "block and lock" approach aims to maintain the provirus in a state of extended transcriptional arrest. By employing the "block and lock" strategy, researchers endeavor to impede disease progression by preventing viral rebound for an extended duration following patient stops receiving ART. The crux of this strategy lies in the utilization of latency-promoting agents (LPAs) that are suitable for impeding HIV-1 provirus transcription. However, previously documented LPAs exhibited limited efficacy in primary cells or samples obtained from patients, underscoring the significance of identifying novel LPAs that yield substantial outcomes. In this study, we performed high-throughput screening of FDA-approved compound library in the J-Lat A2 cell line to discover more efficacious LPAs. We discovered ripretinib being an LPA candidate, which was validated and observed to hinder proviral activation in cell models harboring latent infections, as well as CD4+ T cells derived from infected patients. We demonstrated that ripretinib effectively impeded proviral activation through inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in the HIV-1 latent cells, thereby suppressing the opening states of cellular chromatin. The results of this research offer a promising drug candidate for the implementation of the "block and lock" strategy in the pursuit of an HIV-1 cure.

[Integrated Analysis of Soil Organic Matter Molecular Composition Changes Under Different Land Uses].

The application of biomarkers to study the molecular composition of soil organic matter (SOM) can be used to analyze the source and degradation of SOM and reveal the stability mechanism of soil organic carbon (SOC) at the molecular level. In order to further clarify the effects of different land use patterns (farmland, grassland, and forest) on the molecular composition of SOM, the changes in molecular composition of organic matter (free lipids, cutin, suberin, and lignin) on a global scale were studied using a meta-analysis method. The results showed that there were significant differences in the molecular composition of organic matter under different land use patterns. The contents of free lipids (n-alkanes, n-alkanols, n-alkanoic acids, and cyclic lipids), cutin, and lignin phenols in forest soil were significantly higher than those in grassland and farmland. There was no significant difference in the content of suberin between grassland and forest soil. The ratio of suberin to cutin in grassland was the highest, with an average of 2.96, and the averages of farmland and forest were 1.68 and 2.21, respectively. The ratio of syringic acid to syringaldehyde (Ad/Al)S and the ratio of vanillic acid to vanillin (Ad/Al)V of farmland soil were the largest, which were 1.25 and 1.58, respectively, and were significantly higher than those in grassland (0.46 and 0.69) and forest (0.78 and 0.7). The results of correlation analysis showed that in farmland soil, suberin was significantly correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and clay; cutin was significantly correlated with clay; and lignin was significantly correlated with mean annual temperature (MAT), MAP, sand, and bulk density. In grassland soil, total free lipids were significantly correlated with MAP and bulk density; suberin and cutin were significantly correlated with MAT and MAP; and lignin was significantly correlated with MAP, pH, sand, and bulk density. However, only lignin was significantly correlated with MAP and sand in forest soils. Overall, the contents of SOC and molecular components in forest soil were higher under the three land use practices, and the contribution of plant roots to SOM in grassland soil was greater. In farmland soil, the degradation of lignin was accelerated due to human farming activities. Future research should focus on the regulation of soil physicochemical properties and climatic conditions on the molecular composition of SOM.

Salivary proteins NlSP5 and NlSP7 are required for optimal feeding and fitness of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens.

BACKGROUND: Saliva has a crucial role in determining the compatibility between piercing-sucking insects and their hosts. The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, a notorious pest of rice in East and Southeast Asia, secretes gelling and watery saliva when feeding on rice sap. Nlsalivap-5 (NlSP5) and Nlsalivap-7 (NlSP7) were identified as potential planthopper-specific gelling saliva components, but their biological functions remain unknown. RESULTS: Here, we showed that NlSP5 and NlSP7 were biasedly expressed in the salivary glands of BPHs by transcriptomic analyses. Using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated genome-editing system, we constructed NlSP5 and NlSP7 homozygous mutants (NlSP5-/- and NlSP7-/-). Electrical penetration graph assay showed that NlSP5-/- and NlSP7-/- mutants exhibited abnormal probing and feeding behaviors. Bioassays revealed that the loss-of-function of NlSP5 and NlSP7 significantly reduced the fitness of BPHs, with extended developmental duration, shortened lifespan, reduced weight, and impaired fecundity and hatching rates. CONCLUSION: These findings deepen our understanding of the BPH-host interaction and may provide potential targets for the management of rice planthoppers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Identification of benzo[b]thiophene-1,1-dioxide derivatives as novel PHGDH covalent inhibitors.

The increased de novo serine biosynthesis confers many advantages for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), a rate-limiting enzyme in serine biogenesis, exhibits hyperactivity across multiple tumors and emerges as a promising target for cancer treatment. Through screening our in-house compound library, we identified compound Stattic as a potent PHGDH inhibitor (IC50 = 1.98 ± 0.66 µM). Subsequent exploration in structural activity relationships led to the discovery of compound B12 that demonstrated the increased enzymatic inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.29 ± 0.02 µM). Furthermore, B12 exhibited robust inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MDA-MB-468, NCI-H1975, HT1080 and PC9 cells that overexpress PHGDH. Additionally, using a [U-13C6]-glucose tracing assay, B12 was found to reduce the production of glucose-derived serine in MDA-MB-468 cells. Finally, mass spectrometry-based peptide profiling, mutagenesis experiment and molecular docking study collectively suggested that B12 formed a covalent bond with Cys421 of PHGDH.

An Ultrathin, Fast-Response, Large-Scale Liquid-Crystal-Facilitated Multi-Functional Reconfigurable Metasurface for Comprehensive Wavefront Modulation.

The rapid advancement of prevailing communication/sensing technologies necessitates cost-effective millimeter-wave arrays equipped with a massive number of phase-shifting cells to perform complicated beamforming tasks. Conventional approaches employing semiconductor switch/varactor components or tunable materials encounter obstacles such as quantization loss, high cost, high complexity, and limited adaptability for realizing large-scale arrays. Here, a low-cost, ultrathin, fast-response, and large-scale solution relying on metasurface concepts combined together with liquid crystal (LC) materials requiring a layer thickness of only 5 µm is reported. Rather than immersing resonant structures in LCs, a joint material-circuit-based strategy is devised, via integrating deep-subwavelength-thick LCs into slow-wave structures, to achieve constitutive metacells with continuous phase shifting and stable reflectivity. An LC-facilitated reconfigurable metasurface sub-system containing more than 2300 metacells is realized with its unprecedented comprehensive wavefront manipulation capacity validated through various beamforming functions, including beam focusing/steering, reconfigurable vortex beams, and tunable holograms, demonstrating a milli-second-level function-switching speed. The proposed methodology offers a paradigm shift for modulating electromagnetic waves in a non-resonating broadband fashion with fast-response and low-cost properties by exploiting functionalized LC-enabled metasurfaces. Moreover, this extremely agile metasurface-enabled antenna technology will facilitate a transformative impact on communication/sensing systems and empower new possibilities for wavefront engineering and diffractive wave calculation/inference.

Relationship between the microenvironment and survival in kidney transplantation: a bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2023.

Background: Kidney transplantation is considered the most effective treatment for end-stage renal failure. Recent studies have shown that the significance of the immune microenvironment after kidney transplantation in determining prognosis of patients. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the knowledge structure and research trends regarding the immune microenvironment and survival in kidney transplantation. Methods: Our search included relevant publications from 2013 to 2023 retrieved from the Web of Science core repository and finally included 865 articles. To perform the bibliometric analysis, we utilized tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix". The analysis focused on various aspects, including country, author, year, topic, reference, and keyword clustering. Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 865 articles were found, with a trend of steady increase. China and the United States were the countries with the most publications. Nanjing Medical University was the most productive institution. High-frequency keywords were clustered into 6 areas, including kidney transplantation, transforming growth factor ß, macrophage, antibody-mediated rejection, necrosis factor alpha, and dysfunction. Antibody mediated rejection (2019-2023) was the main area of research in recent years. Conclusion: This groundbreaking bibliometric study comprehensively summarizes the research trends and advances related to the immune microenvironment and survival after kidney transplantation. It identifies recent frontiers of research and highlights promising directions for future studies, potentially offering fresh perspectives to scholars in the field.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on patients with different chronic respiratory diseases during hospitalization.

The impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on patients with different chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) during hospitalization has not been thoroughly evaluated before. The objectives of the current research were to assess the effect of comprehensive PR management on inpatients' self-management skills, exercise capacity, nutrition assessment and mental health issues and explore whether impacts of PR vary in different CRDs. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data from 272 inpatients with CRDs receiving PR management during hospitalization between October 2020 and March 2022 in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital. Significant improvements were found in the patients' ability of daily living (ADL), dyspnea (assessed by modified medical research council dyspnea scale (MMRC)), handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, anxiety (using the 7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7)) and depression (the 9-item patient health questionnaire score (PHQ-9)). There was no significant change in nutrition assessment pre-post PR management during hospitalization. The subgroup analyses were conducted on hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, asthma, interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and other CRDs (e.g., lung cancer, diaphragm hemiparesis, obesity, etc.). The results showed that ADL, MMRC score, MIP, MEP, PHQ-9 score improved in all subgroups with CRDs. Handgrip strength of left hand was increased in COPD inpatients and anxiety was improved in all subgroups except for ILDs. Comprehensive PR management was necessary and beneficial for patients with different CRDs during hospitalization.

Immunocytochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase-containing neurons in the visual cortex of the Mongolian gerbil.

INTRODUCTION: Nitric oxide (NO) is present in various cell types in the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in the control of various cellular functions. The diurnal Mongolian gerbil is a member of the rodent family Muridae that exhibits unique physiological, anatomical, and behavioral differences from the nocturnal rat and mouse, which render it a useful model for studying the visual system. The purpose of this study was to confirm the distribution and morphology of neurons that contain nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and their pattern of co-expressing NOS with neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SST), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the visual cortex of Mongolian gerbils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mongolian gerbils were used in the study. We confirmed the localization of NOS in the visual cortex of Mongolian gerbils using horseradish peroxidase immunocytochemistry, fluorescent immunocytochemistry, and conventional confocal microscopy. RESULTS: NOS-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were present in all layers of the visual cortex of the Mongolian gerbil, with the exception of layer I, with the highest density observed in layer V (50.00%). The predominant type of NOS-IR neurons was multipolar round/oval cells (60.96%). Two-color immunofluorescence revealed that 100% NOS-IR neurons were co-labeled with NPY and SST and 34.55% were co-labeled with GABA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of the laminar distribution and morphological characteristics of NOS-IR neurons, as well as the colocalization patterns of NOS-IR neurons with NPY, SST, and GABA, indicated the presence of species-specific differences, suggesting the functional diversity of NO in the visual cortex. This study provides valuable data on the anatomical organization of NOS-IR neurons and, consequently, a better understanding of the functional aspects of NO and species diversity.

Optomechanical squeezing with strong harmonic mechanical driving.

In this paper, we propose an optomechanical scheme for generating mechanical squeezing over the 3 dB limit, with the mechanical mirror being driven by a strong and linear harmonic force. In contrast to parametric mechanical driving, the linearly driven force shakes the mechanical mirror periodically oscillating at twice the mechanical eigenfrequency with large amplitude, where the mechanical mirror can be dissipatively stabilized by the engineered cavity reservoir to a dynamical squeezed steady state with a maximum degree of squeezing over 8 dB. The mechanical squeezing of more than 3 dB can be achieved even for a mechanical thermal temperature larger than 100 mK. The scheme can be implemented in a cascaded optomechanical setup, with potential applications in engineering continuous variable entanglement and quantum sensing.

Continuous production of ultratough semiconducting polymer fibers with high electronic performance.

Conjugated polymers have demonstrated promising optoelectronic properties, but their brittleness and poor mechanical characteristics have hindered their fabrication into durable fibers and textiles. Here, we report a universal approach to continuously producing highly strong, ultratough conjugated polymer fibers using a flow-enhanced crystallization (FLEX) method. These fibers exhibit one order of magnitude higher tensile strength (>200 megapascals) and toughness (>80 megajoules per cubic meter) than traditional semiconducting polymer fibers and films, outperforming many synthetic fibers, ready for scalable production. These fibers also exhibit unique strain-enhanced electronic properties and exceptional performance when used as stretchable conductors, thermoelectrics, transistors, and sensors. This work not only highlights the influence of fluid mechanical effects on the crystallization and mechanical properties of conjugated polymers but also opens up exciting possibilities for integrating these functional fibers into wearable electronics.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound reduces alveolar bone resorption during orthodontic treatment via Lamin A/C-Yes-associated protein axis in stem cells.

BACKGROUND: The bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment for malocclusion often requires a long duration of around two to three years, which also may lead to some complications such as alveolar bone resorption or tooth root resorption. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a noninvasive physical therapy, has been shown to promote bone fracture healing. It is also reported that LIPUS could reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment; however, how LIPUS regulates the bone metabolism during the orthodontic treatment process is still unclear. AIM: To investigate the effects of LIPUS on bone remodeling in an orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) model and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A rat model of OTM was established, and alveolar bone remodeling and tooth movement rate were evaluated via micro-computed tomography and staining of tissue sections. In vitro, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were isolated to detect their osteogenic differentiation potential under compression and LIPUS stimulation by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and Alizarin red staining. The expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP1), the actin cytoskeleton, and the Lamin A/C nucleoskeleton were detected with or without YAP1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) application via immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The force treatment inhibited the osteogenic differentiation potential of hBMSCs; moreover, the expression of osteogenesis markers, such as type 1 collagen (COL1), runt-related transcription factor 2, ALP, and osteocalcin (OCN), decreased. LIPUS could rescue the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs with increased expression of osteogenic marker inhibited by force. Mechanically, the expression of LaminA/C, F-actin, and YAP1 was downregulated after force treatment, which could be rescued by LIPUS. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs increased by LIPUS could be attenuated by YAP siRNA treatment. Consistently, LIPUS increased alveolar bone density and decreased vertical bone absorption in vivo. The decreased expression of COL1, OCN, and YAP1 on the compression side of the alveolar bone was partially rescued by LIPUS. CONCLUSION: LIPUS can accelerate tooth movement and reduce alveolar bone resorption by modulating the cytoskeleton-Lamin A/C-YAP axis, which may be a promising strategy to reduce the orthodontic treatment process.

Influence of transcatheter arterial embolization on symptom distress and fatigue in liver cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy, and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic modality. However, TAE may induce symptom distress and fatigue, adversely affecting the quality of life of patients. AIM: To investigate symptom distress, fatigue, and associated factors in HCC patients undergoing TAE. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling to enroll HCC patients who underwent TAE at our institution from January to December 2022. Questionnaires were utilized to collect data on symptom distress and fatigue scores from the first to the third day after TAE. RESULTS: Our study revealed a significant reduction in fatigue and symptom distress among patients after TAE. Pain, fatigue, insomnia, fever and abdominal distension were the most common symptoms troubling patients during the first 3 d post-TAE. Marital status, presence of family support, physical functional status, age, and symptom distress were identified as predictors of fatigue in patients. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals should educate HCC patients on symptom distress and fatigue, offering personalized relief strategies to lessen their psychological burden.

Association of advanced glycation end products with ear lobe crease: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have demonstrated a significant association between the presence of the ear lobe crease (ELC) and cardiovascular disease. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) can affect the structures and functions of proteins and contribute to the development of diabetic complications. However, few studies have reported the relationship between AGEs and ELC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of skin autofluorescence (SAF)-AGEage (SAF-AGEs × age/100) with ELC. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 6500 eligible participants from two communities in Beijing. Skin autofluorescence (SAF) was used to measure skin AGEs (SAF-AGEs). SAF-AGEage was defined as AGEs × age/100. Binary logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis nested in logistic models were applied to test outcomes. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ELC with an average age of 62.7 years participants was 57.1% (n = 3714). Age, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and lipoprotein cholesterol were all greater in participants with ELC. ELC-positive participants had higher prevalence of coronary heart disease. Logistic analysis showed a significantly positive relationship between quartiles of SAF-AGEage and ELC (odds ratio [OR] 1.526, 95% CI 1.324-1.759; OR 2.072, CI 1.791-2.396; and OR 2.983, CI 2.551-3.489) for the multivariate-adjusted models, respectively. Stratified research revealed that those with a history of diabetes, hypertension, or coronary heart disease experienced the connection between SAF-AGEage and ELC. CONCLUSION: ELC is associated with coronary heart disease, and the SAF-AGE has a potential role in ELC development in elder people.

Thoracoscopic resection of paraesophageal ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma in the superior posterior mediastinum: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The ectopic superior parathyroid in the tracheoesophageal groove and paraesophageal region is rare. Hyperparathyroidism results when these glands become hyperfunctioning. That may necessitate surgical intervention in the form of parathyroidectomy, which requires a transsternal or transthoracic approach due to a deeply seated mediastinal parathyroid gland. Minimally invasive strategies have emerged recently as an alternative approach with less morbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of the paraesophageal ectopic parathyroid gland in the superior posterior mediastinum, which was successfully treated with thoracoscopic resection. CONCLUSION: The current imaging tools improve the thoracoscopic management of mediastinal parathyroid glands. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) can provide access and exposure to ectopic parathyroid adenoma with low morbidity and financial burden.

Global, regional and national epidemiology of allergic disorders in children from 1990 to 2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

OBJECTIVE: This modelling study aimed to estimate the burden for allergic diseases in children during a period of 30 years. DESIGN: Population-based observational study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The data on the incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for childhood allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma, were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 online database. This data set spans various groups, including different regions, ages, genders and Socio-Demographic Indices (SDI), covering the period from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS: In 2019, there were approximately 81 million children with asthma and 5.6 million children with AD worldwide. The global incidence of asthma in children was 20 million. Age-standardised incidence rates showed a decrease of 4.17% for asthma, from 1075.14 (95% uncertainty intervals (UI), 724.63 to 1504.93) per 100 000 population in 1990 to 1030.33 (95% UI, 683.66 to 1449.53) in 2019. Similarly, the rates for AD decreased by 5.46%, from 594.05 (95% UI, 547.98 to 642.88) per 100 000 population in 1990 to 561.61 (95% UI, 519.03 to 608.29) in 2019. The incidence of both asthma and AD was highest in children under 5 years of age, gradually decreasing with age. Interestingly, an increase in SDI was associated with a rise in the incidence of both conditions. However, the mortality rate and DALYs for asthma showed a contrasting trend. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past three decades, there has been a worldwide increase in new asthma and AD cases, even though mortality rates have significantly declined. However, the prevalence of these allergic diseases among children varies considerably across regions, countries and age groups. This variation highlights the need for precise prevalence assessments. These assessments are vital in formulating effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

Deep learning assists detection of esophageal cancer and precursor lesions in a prospective, randomized controlled study.

Endoscopy is the primary modality for detecting asymptomatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and precancerous lesions. Improving detection rate remains challenging. We developed a system based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for detecting esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions [high-risk esophageal lesions (HrELs)] and validated its efficacy in improving HrEL detection rate in clinical practice (trial registration ChiCTR2100044126 at www.chictr.org.cn). Between April 2021 and March 2022, 3117 patients ≥50 years old were consecutively recruited from Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang Province, and randomly assigned 1:1 to an experimental group (CNN-assisted endoscopy) or a control group (unassisted endoscopy) based on block randomization. The primary endpoint was the HrEL detection rate. In the intention-to-treat population, the HrEL detection rate [28 of 1556 (1.8%)] was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group [14 of 1561 (0.9%), P = 0.029], and the experimental group detection rate was twice that of the control group. Similar findings were observed between the experimental and control groups [28 of 1524 (1.9%) versus 13 of 1534 (0.9%), respectively; P = 0.021]. The system's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting HrELs were 89.7, 98.5, and 98.2%, respectively. No adverse events occurred. The proposed system thus improved HrEL detection rate during endoscopy and was safe. Deep learning assistance may enhance early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer and may become a useful tool for esophageal cancer screening.