Case Report: A case of tuberculous empyema causing rupture of the diaphragm was misdiagnosed as diaphragmatic hernia.

Tuberculous empyema (TE) is a chronic active infection caused by that invades the pleural cavity. Initially, fluid accumulates in the pleural space, followed by an influx of neutrophils, which gradually develops into purulent fluid. This process can eventually lead to pleural thickening and calcification, restricting lung expansion and impairing lung function.

Automatic detection of optic canal fractures and recognition and segmentation of anatomical structures in the orbital apex based on artificial intelligence.

Background And Objectives: Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) caused by optic canal fractures (OCF) can result in severe visual impairment, even blindness. Timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving visual function. However, diagnosing OCF can be challenging for inexperienced clinicians due to atypical OCF changes in imaging studies and variability in optic canal anatomy.

Enhanced diplopia detection and binocular single vision assessment through virtual reality: A comprehensive study.

This study aimed to develop a novel virtual reality (VR)-based binocular single vision (BSV) testing system for the quantitative assessment of diplopia and to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy and stability through clinical research. We first developed a VR-based BSV testing apparatus (VR-BSVT) using Oculus Quest 2 VR glasses and Unity software. The system provides three parameters for assessing subjects' binocular single vision function, and hence their diplopia: VR-BSVF (Virtual Reality-Based Binocular Single Vision Field area), VR-BSVD (Virtual Reality-Based Binocular Single Vision Distance), and VR-BAR (Virtual Reality-Based Binocular Single Vision Field area ratio).

Mitochondrial transplantation: a promising strategy for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.

The retina, a crucial neural tissue, is responsible for transforming light signals into visual information, a process that necessitates a significant amount of energy. Mitochondria, the primary powerhouses of the cell, play an integral role in retinal physiology by fulfilling the high-energy requirements of photoreceptors and secondary neurons through oxidative phosphorylation. In a healthy state, mitochondria ensure proper visual function by facilitating efficient conversion and transduction of visual signals.

Complexin regulation of synaptic vesicle release: mechanisms in the central nervous system and specialized retinal ribbon synapses.

Synaptic ribbons, recognized for their pivotal role in conveying sensory signals in the visual pathway, are intricate assemblages of presynaptic proteins. Complexin (CPX) regulates synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release by modulating the assembly of the soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex, ensuring precise signal transmission in the retina and the broader central nervous system (CNS). While CPX1 or CPX2 isoforms (CPX1/2) play crucial roles in classical CNS synapses, CPX3 or CPX4 isoforms (CPX3/4) specifically regulate retinal ribbon synapses.

Innovation and challenges of artificial intelligence technology in personalized healthcare.

As the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to permeate the fabric of healthcare, particularly in the realms of patient surveillance and telemedicine, a transformative era beckons. This manuscript endeavors to unravel the intricacies of recent AI advancements and their profound implications for reconceptualizing the delivery of medical care. Through the introduction of innovative instruments such as virtual assistant chatbots, wearable monitoring devices, predictive analytic models, personalized treatment regimens, and automated appointment systems, AI is not only amplifying the quality of care but also empowering patients and fostering a more interactive dynamic between the patient and the healthcare provider.

Clinical comprehensive treatment protocol for managing diabetic foot ulcers: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of diabetes, often leading to severe infections, amputations, and reduced quality of life. The current standard treatment protocols for DFUs have limitations in promoting efficient wound healing and preventing complications. A comprehensive treatment approach targeting multiple aspects of wound care may offer improved outcomes for patients with DFUs.

Differences between long- and short-wavelength light-induced retinal damage and the role of PARP-1 in retinal injury induced by blue light.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy uses light of different wavelengths to treat various retinal degeneration diseases, but the potential damage to the retina caused by long-term light irradiation is still unclear. This study were designed to detect the difference between long- and short-wavelength light (650-nm red light and 450-nm blue light, 2.55 mW/cm, reference intensity in PBM)-induced injury.

Combined inhibitory effects of microcystin-LR and microcystin-RR on growth and development in zebrafish larvae.

Microcystins (MCs) are the most widespread, frequently found, and seriously toxic cyanobacterial toxins in aquatic environments. Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MCLR) and microcystin-arginine-arginine (MCRR) are the most studied MCs. Normally, their levels are low and they coexist in the environment; however, they may also interact with each other.

Short-term exposure to gaseous pollutants is neglected factors for knee osteoarthritis: evidence from a humid subtropical region of China.

Few studies were performed on the impact of exposure to gaseous pollutants on the risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We conducted this study to analyze the association between short-term exposure to gaseous pollutants and the risk of hospitalizations for KOA. A total of 2952 KOA hospitalizations derived from two hospitals in Hefei, and the relationship between gaseous pollutants and KOA hospitalizations was analyzed by a distributed lag non-linear model combined with a generalized linear model.

Anthropogenic activity, hydrological regime, and light level jointly influence temporal patterns in biosonar activity of the Yangtze finless porpoise at the junction of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake, China.

Under increasing anthropogenic pressure, species with a previously contiguous distribution across their ranges have been reduced to small fragmented populations. The critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise ( ), once commonly observed in the Yangtze River-Poyang Lake junction, is now rarely seen in the river-lake corridor. In this study, static passive acoustic monitoring techniques were used to detect the biosonar activities of the Yangtze finless porpoise in this unique corridor.

Oxidative Stress-Involved Mitophagy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Retinal Degenerative Diseases.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly specialized and polarized epithelial cell layer that plays an important role in sustaining the structural and functional integrity of photoreceptors. However, the death of RPE is a common pathological feature in various retinal diseases, especially in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Mitophagy, as a programmed self-degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria, is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and cell survival under stress.

Promotion of axon regeneration and protection on injured retinal ganglion cells by rCXCL2.

Background: In addition to rescuing injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by stimulating the intrinsic growth ability of damaged RGCs in various retinal/optic neuropathies, increasing evidence has shown that the external microenvironmental factors also play a crucial role in restoring the survival of RGCs by promoting the regrowth of RGC axons, especially inflammatory factors. In this study, we aimed to screen out the underlying inflammatory factor involved in the signaling of staurosporine (STS)-induced axon regeneration and verify its role in the protection of RGCs and the promotion of axon regrowth.

Methods: We performed transcriptome RNA sequencing for STS induction models in vitro and analyzed the differentially expressed genes.

The AMPK-dependent inhibition of autophagy plays a crucial role in protecting photoreceptor from photooxidative injury.

Excessive light exposure can potentially cause irreversible damage to the various photoreceptor cells, and this aspect has been considered as an important factor leading to the progression of the different retinal diseases. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are crucial intracellular signaling hubs involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism, energy homeostasis, cellular growth and autophagy. A number of previous studies have indicated that either AMPK activation or mTOR inhibition can promote autophagy in most cases.

Blood cell traits and risk of glaucoma: A two-sample mendelian randomization study.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. The causal direction and magnitude of the association between blood cell traits and glaucoma is uncertain because of the susceptibility of observational studies to confounding and reverse causation. To explore whether there is a causal relationship of blood cell traits including white blood cell (WBC) count (WBCC) and its subtypes [basophil cell count (BASO), monocyte cell count (MONO), lymphocyte cell count (LYMPH), eosinophil cell count (EOS), neutrophil cell count (NEUT)], red blood cell (RBC) count (RBCC), red blood distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PLT), and plateletcrit (PCT) on glaucoma risk.

Automatic Identification and Segmentation of Orbital Blowout Fractures Based on Artificial Intelligence.

Purpose: The incidence of orbital blowout fractures (OBFs) is gradually increasing due to traffic accidents, sports injuries, and ocular trauma. Orbital computed tomography (CT) is crucial for accurate clinical diagnosis. In this study, we built an artificial intelligence (AI) system based on two available deep learning networks (DenseNet-169 and UNet) for fracture identification, fracture side distinguishment, and fracture area segmentation.

Implantable sustained-release drug delivery systems: a revolution for ocular therapeutics.

Purpose: Due to the inimitable anatomical structure of the eyeball and various physiological barriers, conventional ocular local administration is often complicated by apparent shortcomings, such as limited bioavailability and short drug retention. Thus, developing methods for sustainable, safe and efficient drug delivery to ocular target sites has long been an urgent need. This study briefly summarizes the barriers to ocular drug administration and various ocular drug delivery routes and highlights recent progress in ocular implantable sustained-release drug delivery systems (DDSs) to provide literature evidence for developing novel ocular implants for sustained drug delivery.

Considerations for the Use of Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Retinal Diseases.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the beneficial effect produced from low-energy light irradiation on target cells or tissues. Increasing evidence in the literature suggests that PBM plays a positive role in the treatment of retinal diseases. However, there is great variation in the light sources and illumination parameters used in different studies, resulting in significantly different conclusions regarding PBM's therapeutic effects.

Orbital and eyelid diseases: The next breakthrough in artificial intelligence?

Orbital and eyelid disorders affect normal visual functions and facial appearance, and precise oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeries are crucial. Artificial intelligence (AI) network models exhibit a remarkable ability to analyze large sets of medical images to locate lesions. Currently, AI-based technology can automatically diagnose and grade orbital and eyelid diseases, such as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), as well as measure eyelid morphological parameters based on external ocular photographs to assist surgical strategies.

PARP-1 Is a Potential Marker of Retinal Photooxidation and a Key Signal Regulator in Retinal Light Injury.

Advancements in technology have resulted in increasing concerns over the safety of eye exposure to light illumination, since prolonged exposure to intensive visible light, especially to short-wavelength light in the visible spectrum, can cause photochemical damage to the retina through a photooxidation-triggered cascade reaction. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is the ribozyme responsible for repairing DNA damage. When damage to DNA occurs, including nicks and breaks, PARP-1 is rapidly activated, synthesizing a large amount of PAR and recruiting other nuclear factors to repair the damaged DNA.

Mechanism of Cone Degeneration in Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetic disorders resulting in inherited blindness due to the degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. The various mechanisms underlying rod degeneration primarily rely on genetic mutations, leading to night blindness initially. Cones gradually degenerate after rods are almost eliminated, resulting in varying degrees of visual disability and blindness.

Exploring the Relationship Between Hospital Service Quality, Patient Trust, and Loyalty From a Service Encounter Perspective in Elderly With Chronic Diseases.

Based on the service encounter perspective, this study combines theoretical foundations for such factors as service quality and the characteristics of the hospital service industry to develop a research model scale to investigate whether the quality of hospital services affects patients' perceptions of health service encounters, trust, and loyalty. Nowadays, with the advancement of medical technology, patients pay more attention to the quality of medical services and good service encounters provided by healthcare professionals in order to establish positive patient relationships; hospitals need to improve their own service quality and establish good patient trust relationships so that doctor-patient satisfaction and loyalty can be improved. In a review of related literature, this study found that most past studies focused on issues related of quality of medical services and patient satisfaction, but ignored those related to the relationship between medical service encounters and patient trust and loyalty, as well as the lack of scientific measurement markers for service encounters in the Chinese medical service industry.