Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children that significantly affects academic performance and quality of life. At present, diagnosis mainly relies on standardized tests and professional evaluations, a process that is complex and time-consuming. Multiple studies have shown that machine learning can analyze diverse data, including test scores, handwriting samples, eye movement data, neuroimaging data, and genetic data, to automatically learn the relationships between input features and output labels and achieve efficient prediction. It shows great potential for early screening, auxiliary diagnosis, and research on underlying mechanisms in SLD. This article reviews the applications of machine learning in the auxiliary diagnosis of SLD and discusses its performance when handling different data types.
Humans ; Machine Learning ; Specific Learning Disorder/diagnosis* ; Child

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND:The development and evolution of atlas are complex,and there are a few research reports. CT imaging can show the normal development process,anatomical structure,developmental variation and deformity of the axis. It has important clinical value to clarify the time of occurrence of ossification center of axis and closure of epiphyseal plate and its evolution process and law.OBJECTIVE:To present the anatomical structure of the normal development and variation of children's axis based on CT images.METHODS:CT images obtained from 732 children aged 0 to 15 years who underwent neck scans between June 2016 and November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The observation indicators encompassed the axis odontoid,bilateral pedicle,vertebral ossification center,secondary ossification center at the tip of odontoid,pedicle,base of odontoid,and posterior median epiphyseal plate,as well as any variations or deformities in axis development. The changes in these indicators were analyzed and compared across different age groups. SPSS 17.0 statistical software package was utilized for data classification and statistical analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) A total of 732 subjects were examined,comprising 718 cases (98.1％) with normal development of the axis and 14 cases (1.9％) exhibiting deformity or dysplasia. (2) The axis demonstrated the presence of five ossification centers,including those of the bilateral pedicles,odontoid process,and vertebral body,which were observed at birth. The median age for the secondary ossification center located at the tip of the odontoid process was determined to be 5.7 years,with an interquartile range of 4.1 to 7 years. The earliest recorded occurrence was observed at 8 months and 22 days,while the latest occurrence was noted at 12 years and 10 months. (3) The median age at which fusion took place was 6 years,with an interquartile range of 5-8 years. The maximum age at which non-fusion was observed was 8 years and 9 months,while the minimum age at which fusion occurred was 4 years and 3 months. (4) The median age at which bilateral epiphyseal plate closure occurred was approximately 3.8 years,with an interquartile range of about 2.9-4.6years. The earliest observed closure was at 2 years and 3 months,while the latest observed unclosure was at 6 years old. (5) The median age at which odontoid base epiphyseal plate closure occurred was 5.2 years,with an interquartile range of 3.5-6.8 years. The minimum age for closure was 2 years and 6 months,and the latest age for non-closure was 9 years and 6 months. (6) The posterior median epiphyseal plate typically closed at a median age of 1.5 years,with an interquartile range of 1.0-2.1 years. However,two cases exhibited delayed closure,occurring at ages 2 years and 5 months,and 14 years,respectively. Theearliest closure observed was at 6 months and 20 days. (7) Axis malformation or developmental abnormalities,including 7 cases of accessory ossification center and accessory epiphyseal plate,3 cases of free ossified small bones in the axis,2 cases of posterior median epiphyseal plate failure,2 cases of secondary ossification centers in the absence of the apex of odontosis,and 1 case of absence at ossification center in the odontoid of the armature vertebrae. (8) It is concluded that the utilization of multi-slice spiral CT scanning in conjunction with the multi-plane reconstruction technique enables comprehensive visualization of the anatomical structure of the axis,facilitating precise assessment of both its typical developmental variations and deformities.

Calcitonin-negative medullary thyroid carcinoma(CNMTC)is a rare subtype of medullary thyroid carcinoma,characterized by normal serum calcitonin levels,which often leads to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.The pathogenesis of CNMTC remains unclear and may involve impaired secretion mechanisms or assay-related false negatives.Diagnostic approaches include ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology,serum CEA and ProGRP measurements,and RET gene testing.Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment,while neoadjuvant therapy may be considered in selected cases.This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CNMTC,aiming to provide clinical guidance for better management of this challenging condition.

Objective:To investigate the clinical predictive value of Ki67 proliferation index combined with preoperative serum Ctn for postoperative biochemical cure of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) .Methods:Clinical data were collected from Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2024 from 90 patients with surgically confirmed MTC at China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. The optimal cut-off value for preoperative Ctn prediction of biochemical cure (171.18pg/mL) was determined by the ROC curve; the Ki67 proliferation index cut-off value was adopted from the international MTC grading system standard (5%). Patients were divided into three groups based on the above cutoff values: double-low group (Ki67 <5% and Ctn <171.18pg/mL, n=23), single-high group (Ki67 ≥5% and Ctn <171.18pg/mL or Ki67 <5% and Ctn ≥171.18pg/mL, n=49), and double-high group (Ki67 ≥5% and Ctn ≥171.18pg/mL, n=18). The Kaplan-Meier method (Log-Rank and Trend test) was used to compare the differences in biochemical cure rates between groups, and the Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting biochemical cure. Results:The correlation between preoperative Ctn and Ki67 proliferation index was not significant. The three groups differed significantly in gender, tumor distribution, tumor size, vascular invasion, N stage, TNM stage, and biochemical cure ( P<0.05), with the double-high group being significantly associated with larger tumors, later N stage and TNM stage, and lower biochemical cure ( P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the biochemical cure rate in the double-high, single-high, and double-low groups showed a stepwise improvement.Cox univariate analysis showed that tumor size, N stage, TNM stage, preoperative Ctn, and Ki67 combined with Ctn were risk factors for failure to biochemically cure; multivariate analysis confirmed that the double-high group was an independent risk factor ( P<0.05). In the single-high group, the biochemical cure rate of patients in the low Ki67-high Ctn group was lower than that of the high Ki67-low Ctn group and more malignant. Ki67 had less effect on biochemical cure and disease-free survival at the low Ctn level, and Ki67 was an independent risk factor for failure to biochemically cure at the high Ctn level ( P=0.023) and was significantly associated with disease-free survival ( P=0.004) . Conclusions:Serum Ctn is more sensitive than Ki67 index in predicting biochemical cure after MTC, and the correlation between the two was weak. Ki67 proliferation index alone has limited prognostic value, but combines with preoperative Ctn significantly optimize the prognostic assessment of patients.The role of Ki67 index varied at different Ctn levels.

Objective:To investigate the clinical predictive value of Ki67 proliferation index combined with preoperative serum Ctn for postoperative biochemical cure of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) .Methods:Clinical data were collected from Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2024 from 90 patients with surgically confirmed MTC at China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. The optimal cut-off value for preoperative Ctn prediction of biochemical cure (171.18pg/mL) was determined by the ROC curve; the Ki67 proliferation index cut-off value was adopted from the international MTC grading system standard (5%). Patients were divided into three groups based on the above cutoff values: double-low group (Ki67 <5% and Ctn <171.18pg/mL, n=23), single-high group (Ki67 ≥5% and Ctn <171.18pg/mL or Ki67 <5% and Ctn ≥171.18pg/mL, n=49), and double-high group (Ki67 ≥5% and Ctn ≥171.18pg/mL, n=18). The Kaplan-Meier method (Log-Rank and Trend test) was used to compare the differences in biochemical cure rates between groups, and the Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting biochemical cure. Results:The correlation between preoperative Ctn and Ki67 proliferation index was not significant. The three groups differed significantly in gender, tumor distribution, tumor size, vascular invasion, N stage, TNM stage, and biochemical cure ( P<0.05), with the double-high group being significantly associated with larger tumors, later N stage and TNM stage, and lower biochemical cure ( P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the biochemical cure rate in the double-high, single-high, and double-low groups showed a stepwise improvement.Cox univariate analysis showed that tumor size, N stage, TNM stage, preoperative Ctn, and Ki67 combined with Ctn were risk factors for failure to biochemically cure; multivariate analysis confirmed that the double-high group was an independent risk factor ( P<0.05). In the single-high group, the biochemical cure rate of patients in the low Ki67-high Ctn group was lower than that of the high Ki67-low Ctn group and more malignant. Ki67 had less effect on biochemical cure and disease-free survival at the low Ctn level, and Ki67 was an independent risk factor for failure to biochemically cure at the high Ctn level ( P=0.023) and was significantly associated with disease-free survival ( P=0.004) . Conclusions:Serum Ctn is more sensitive than Ki67 index in predicting biochemical cure after MTC, and the correlation between the two was weak. Ki67 proliferation index alone has limited prognostic value, but combines with preoperative Ctn significantly optimize the prognostic assessment of patients.The role of Ki67 index varied at different Ctn levels.

BACKGROUND:The development and evolution of atlas are complex,and there are a few research reports. CT imaging can show the normal development process,anatomical structure,developmental variation and deformity of the axis. It has important clinical value to clarify the time of occurrence of ossification center of axis and closure of epiphyseal plate and its evolution process and law.OBJECTIVE:To present the anatomical structure of the normal development and variation of children's axis based on CT images.METHODS:CT images obtained from 732 children aged 0 to 15 years who underwent neck scans between June 2016 and November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The observation indicators encompassed the axis odontoid,bilateral pedicle,vertebral ossification center,secondary ossification center at the tip of odontoid,pedicle,base of odontoid,and posterior median epiphyseal plate,as well as any variations or deformities in axis development. The changes in these indicators were analyzed and compared across different age groups. SPSS 17.0 statistical software package was utilized for data classification and statistical analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) A total of 732 subjects were examined,comprising 718 cases (98.1％) with normal development of the axis and 14 cases (1.9％) exhibiting deformity or dysplasia. (2) The axis demonstrated the presence of five ossification centers,including those of the bilateral pedicles,odontoid process,and vertebral body,which were observed at birth. The median age for the secondary ossification center located at the tip of the odontoid process was determined to be 5.7 years,with an interquartile range of 4.1 to 7 years. The earliest recorded occurrence was observed at 8 months and 22 days,while the latest occurrence was noted at 12 years and 10 months. (3) The median age at which fusion took place was 6 years,with an interquartile range of 5-8 years. The maximum age at which non-fusion was observed was 8 years and 9 months,while the minimum age at which fusion occurred was 4 years and 3 months. (4) The median age at which bilateral epiphyseal plate closure occurred was approximately 3.8 years,with an interquartile range of about 2.9-4.6years. The earliest observed closure was at 2 years and 3 months,while the latest observed unclosure was at 6 years old. (5) The median age at which odontoid base epiphyseal plate closure occurred was 5.2 years,with an interquartile range of 3.5-6.8 years. The minimum age for closure was 2 years and 6 months,and the latest age for non-closure was 9 years and 6 months. (6) The posterior median epiphyseal plate typically closed at a median age of 1.5 years,with an interquartile range of 1.0-2.1 years. However,two cases exhibited delayed closure,occurring at ages 2 years and 5 months,and 14 years,respectively. Theearliest closure observed was at 6 months and 20 days. (7) Axis malformation or developmental abnormalities,including 7 cases of accessory ossification center and accessory epiphyseal plate,3 cases of free ossified small bones in the axis,2 cases of posterior median epiphyseal plate failure,2 cases of secondary ossification centers in the absence of the apex of odontosis,and 1 case of absence at ossification center in the odontoid of the armature vertebrae. (8) It is concluded that the utilization of multi-slice spiral CT scanning in conjunction with the multi-plane reconstruction technique enables comprehensive visualization of the anatomical structure of the axis,facilitating precise assessment of both its typical developmental variations and deformities.

Calcitonin-negative medullary thyroid carcinoma(CNMTC)is a rare subtype of medullary thyroid carcinoma,characterized by normal serum calcitonin levels,which often leads to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.The pathogenesis of CNMTC remains unclear and may involve impaired secretion mechanisms or assay-related false negatives.Diagnostic approaches include ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology,serum CEA and ProGRP measurements,and RET gene testing.Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment,while neoadjuvant therapy may be considered in selected cases.This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CNMTC,aiming to provide clinical guidance for better management of this challenging condition.

Objective: To investigate the cause of a foodborne outbreak that occurred in Dong Nai province, Viet Nam, in 2024, and implement control measures. Methods: An initial investigation was conducted to confirm the outbreak, which was followed by epidemiological and environmental investigations to find the plausible causative food item. Clinical specimens and food samples were tested to identify the pathogen. Results: A total of 547 symptomatic cases were recorded, of whom two were in severe condition requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventilation, one of whom died. Among 99 interviewed cases, the mean incubation time was 9 hours (range 2–24 hours), with the main symptoms being fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. All patients had eaten banh mi from a local bakery. Salmonella spp. were identified in food samples and clinical specimens. The bakery halted production, and the outbreak ended after 1 week. Discussion: All the patients were exposed to only one food in common, which facilitated the investigation process. This outbreak is a reminder to small retailers and take-away shops of the importance of food safety management in preventing similar future outbreaks. All food handlers must comply with food hygiene principles, especially in hot temperatures, which boosts bacterial growth.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and prognosis of different surgical approaches in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, from Feb. 2009 to Nov. 2023. The patients included 36 males and 75 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.1. The median age of the patients was 47 years old, with an age range of 21 to 72 years old. The study divided participants into two groups based on their surgical methods: an observation group (78 cases) and a control group (23 cases). The observation group received surgical methods in accordance with expert consensus, while the control group did not. The study compared the efficacy and prognosis of the two groups.Results:Statistical differences were found between the two groups in terms of stage II and III in TNM staging, intraoperative frozen pathological findings, number of lymph node resections in the central group, number of lymph node metastases in the central group, number of lymph node resections in the lateral cervical region, postoperative follow-up time, and five-year postoperative serum procalcitonin (Ctn) levels ( P<0.05) .Both groups of patients obtained a significant decrease in Ctn after surgical treatment. In the observation group, Ctn was at the remission level in 57 cases (73.1%), at the stable level in 13 cases (16.7%), and at the progression level in 8 cases (10.2%), while in the control group, Ctn was at the remission level in 20 cases (86.9%), at the progression level in 3 cases (13.1%), and there were no patients at the stable level after the operation.One patient (1.3 per cent) in the observation group had a recurrence after surgery; Two patients (8.7 per cent) in the control group had a recurrence. Conclusions:Standardised and thorough surgery can maximise the clearance of metastatic lymph nodes, effectively reduce the recurrence rate, achieve better efficacy, and improve the long-term prognosis of patients without increasing the risk of surgery and postoperative complications.