With the rapid development of information technology, artificial intelligence technology (AI) and how to use it have become the focus of current researches. The application of AI in the field of TCM has shown its uniqueness. The combination of artificial intelligence technology and traditional Chinese medicine provides a new direction and idea for the development of TCM. This paper analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of TCM development against the background of AI technology in China by SWOT analysis method. Based on these analyses, this paper puts forward some counter measures such as protecting personal information, avoiding negative effects and medical regulations etc. In order to facilitate and guarantee the development of TCM, we should take advantage of the AI, and avoid its disadvantages.

"Tendon Constraining Bone"is an essential theory in osteology and traumatology of traditional Chinese medicine,originating from the statement in Suwen(Plain Questions)that"convergent tendon controlling bones and joints".Since the Yuan and Ming dynasties,the theory of"Tendon Constraining Bone"was formed based on the understanding of anatomical relationships and the need for pathogenesis interpretation,developed by medical practitioners such as ZHU Danxi and ZHANG Jie.The"Tendon Constraining Bone"theory summarizes the physiological connections between tendons and bones and between tendons and zang-fu organs and meridians.Tendons and bones are structurally connected and functionally related,reflected in sturdy bones and tough tendons,upright bones and soft tendons with smoothly-flowing qi and blood,all tendons being related to joints,and thews being related to bones.Tendons and bones are related by meridians and zang-fu organs,specifically reflected in the Yangming channel governing the nourishment of tendons,liver governing tendons,kidneys governing bones,Taiyang channel governing tendons,and Shaoyang channel governing bones.The abnormality of"Tendon Constraining Bone"is the general pathogenesis of various tendon and bone diseases,and it can be caused by changes in the tendon and bone structure,nourishment deficiency,or the pathogenic qi retention.The pathological manifestations of abnormal"Tendon Constraining Bone"are manifested in form and state.Abnormalities in form can manifest as tendon rupture,bone fractures,tendon dislocation,and bone dislocation,whereas abnormalities in state can manifest as tendon urgency,bone pain,tendon laxity,and bone softness.The"Tendon Constraining Bone"theory has influenced the development of treatment principles such as combining motion and quiescence,paying equal attention to bone and flesh,and combining internal and external treatment.This theory has guided the application of basic treatment method such as connecting and rectifying tendons and bones,smoothing tendons and relieving bones,and nourishing tendons and strengthening bones.Therefore,the"Tendon Constraining Bone"theory can significantly guide tendon and bone disease diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUNDThe prevalence of thyroid nodules (TN) is increasing rapidly. This study analyzed the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of TN in surgically treated patients and identified the risk factors for malignant nodules (MN) to provide more understanding of the differential diagnosis of TN.

METHODSA total of 6 304 TN cases who underwent thyroid surgery were included in this retrospective study. The clinical data were collected to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and related risk factors for MN. The nature of TN (benign nodules (BN) or MN), medical records, laboratory data, and imaging data were analyzed. The risk factors for MN were screened using Spearman's rank correlation analysis and nonconditional binary Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe number of surgically treated TN cases increased yearly. A total of 34.33% of cases were MN and 65.67% were BN. Up to 56.74% of these cases underwent unnecessary surgery. Among the MN cases, papillary thyroid carcinoma accounted for 94%, in which 46.71% coexisted with benign thyroid disease and 32.28% with multiple foci. Single-related factor analysis showed that age, employment, disease duration, history of breast nodules and/or hypertension, the levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPoAb), and ultrasound features of TN were related to MN. Stepwise nonconditional binary Logistic regression analysis showed that 13 factors may be the independent risk factors for MN, including <40 years old, previous history of breast nodules and/or hypertension, disease duration <1 month, employment, hypoechoic nodule, irregular nodules, nodule calcification, solid echo nodule, fuzzy boundary, rich blood flow within nodules, abnormal lymph nodes around the neck, nodule diameter <1 cm, and abnormally high TgAb.

CONCLUSIONSOur results demonstrate a rapid increase in surgically treated TN cases and ratio of MN and indicate unnecessary surgeries in some cases. This study also suggest that age, duration of thyroid disease, history of breast disease and/or hypertension, the levels of serum TSH, TgAb, and TPoAb, and ultrasound features of TN are related to MN, and some of these factors may be the risk factors for MN.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; Thyroid Nodule ; epidemiology