High-performance phototheranostics with combined photothermal therapy and photoacoustic imaging have been considered promising approaches for efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, developing phototheranostic materials with efficient photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE), especially over the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm), remains challenging. Herein, we report an ultraefficient NIR-II-activated nanomedicine with phototheranostic and vaccination capability for highly efficient in vivo tumor elimination and metastasis inhibition. The NIR-II nanomedicine of a semiconducting biradical oligomer with a motor-flexible design was demonstrated with a record-breaking PCE of 87% upon NIR-II excitation. This nanomedicine inherently features extraordinary photothermal stability, good biocompatibility, and excellent photoacoustic performance, contributing to high-contrast photoacoustic imaging in living mice and high-performance photothermal elimination of tumors. Moreover, a whole-cell vaccine based on a NIR-II nanomedicine with NIR-II-activated performance was further designed to remotely activate the antitumor immunologic memory and effectively inhibit tumor occurrence and metastasis in vivo, with good biosafety. Thus, this work paves a new avenue for designing NIR-II active semiconducting biradical materials as a promising theranostics platform and further promotes the development of NIR-II nanomedicine for personalized cancer treatment.

Objective:To investigate the application and effect of frontal-orbital reconstruction and distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of Crouzon syndrome using three-dimensiond reconstruction mold (3D-RM).Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with Crouzon syndrome who were treated in the Department of Burning and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2021. These children were divided into two groups. The study group performed fronto-orbital reconstruction combined with distraction osteogenesis using 3D-RM, while the control group performed the surgery without using 3D-RM. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, duration of hospital stay, complication rate, cranial index, frontal and orbital retraction rate and postoperative frontal and orbital contour were compared between the two groups. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences in intraoperative blood loss, operation duration, hospital stay, postoperative cranial index and fronto-orbital retraction rate between the two groups. The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Results:The study group included 10 children, including 6 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 9 to 37 months, with an average age of 19 months. In the control group, 8 children were included, including 5 males and 3 females, ranging in age from 8 to 46 months, with an average age of 25 months. The study group was followed up for 12 to 36 months, with an average of 18 months, and the head shape was better improved. The control group was followed up for 12 to 30 months, with an average of 18 months. No serious complications occurred and the head deformity was improved. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, operation duration, hospital stay, cranial index, fronto-orbital retraction rate and complication rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). The forehead shape of the study group was more symmetrical than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The effect of frontal orbital reconstruction and distraction osteogenesis using 3D-RM in the treatment of Crouzon syndrome is positive, the head shape and orbit are significantly improved. There were no serious complications after operation. It can play a good auxiliary role in the operation.

Objective:To investigate the application and effect of frontal-orbital reconstruction and distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of Crouzon syndrome using three-dimensiond reconstruction mold (3D-RM).Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with Crouzon syndrome who were treated in the Department of Burning and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2021. These children were divided into two groups. The study group performed fronto-orbital reconstruction combined with distraction osteogenesis using 3D-RM, while the control group performed the surgery without using 3D-RM. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, duration of hospital stay, complication rate, cranial index, frontal and orbital retraction rate and postoperative frontal and orbital contour were compared between the two groups. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences in intraoperative blood loss, operation duration, hospital stay, postoperative cranial index and fronto-orbital retraction rate between the two groups. The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Results:The study group included 10 children, including 6 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 9 to 37 months, with an average age of 19 months. In the control group, 8 children were included, including 5 males and 3 females, ranging in age from 8 to 46 months, with an average age of 25 months. The study group was followed up for 12 to 36 months, with an average of 18 months, and the head shape was better improved. The control group was followed up for 12 to 30 months, with an average of 18 months. No serious complications occurred and the head deformity was improved. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, operation duration, hospital stay, cranial index, fronto-orbital retraction rate and complication rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). The forehead shape of the study group was more symmetrical than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The effect of frontal orbital reconstruction and distraction osteogenesis using 3D-RM in the treatment of Crouzon syndrome is positive, the head shape and orbit are significantly improved. There were no serious complications after operation. It can play a good auxiliary role in the operation.

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), machines are increasingly being used to complete complicated tasks, yielding remarkable results. Machine learning (ML) is the most relevant subset of AI in medicine, which will soon become an integral part of our everyday practice. Therefore, physicians should acquaint themselves with ML and AI, and their role as an enabler rather than a competitor. Herein, we introduce basic concepts and terms used in AI and ML, and aim to demystify commonly used AI/ML algorithms such as learning methods including neural networks/deep learning, decision tree and application domain in computer vision and natural language processing through specific examples. We discuss how machines are already being used to augment the physician's decision-making process, and postulate the potential impact of ML on medical practice and medical research based on its current capabilities and known limitations. Moreover, we discuss the feasibility of full machine autonomy in medicine.
Humans ; Artificial Intelligence ; Machine Learning ; Algorithms ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Medicine

In order to improve the professional level and service ability of general practitioners, this study is guided by the needs of community medical institutions in the county medical communities. Two small-class training of 15 modules were carried out for a week, taking "2+5" training mode, including 2 days of theoretical teaching and case discussion, and 5 days of bedside teaching. After the training, the theoretical examination, case report and objective clinical structured examination were carried out. Those who passed the examination were issued a certificate of qualification and given corresponding rewards. The results showed that the post-test scores of trainees after training were significantly improved compared with the pre-test scores, and the qualification rate increased from 18.4% to 85.9%. This training mode can be promoted in a wider range, but it should be adjusted appropriately according to the actual situation in various places, and the relevant departments and hospitals should give full support.

Drug-induced hyperglycemia/diabetes is a global issue. Some drugs induce hyperglycemia by activating the pregnane X receptor (PXR), but the mechanism is unclear. Here, we report that PXR activation induces hyperglycemia by impairing hepatic glucose metabolism due to inhibition of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α)‒glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) pathway. The PXR agonists atorvastatin and rifampicin significantly downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4α expression, and impaired glucose uptake and utilization in HepG2 cells. Overexpression of PXR downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4α expression, while silencing PXR upregulated HNF4α and GLUT2 expression. Silencing HNF4α decreased GLUT2 expression, while overexpressing HNF4α increased GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake. Silencing PXR or overexpressing HNF4α reversed the atorvastatin-induced decrease in GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake. In human primary hepatocytes, atorvastatin downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4α mRNA expression, which could be attenuated by silencing PXR. Silencing HNF4α downregulated GLUT2 mRNA expression. These findings were reproduced with mouse primary hepatocytes. Hnf4α plasmid increased Slc2a2 promoter activity. Hnf4α silencing or pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN) suppressed the Slc2a2 promoter activity by decreasing HNF4α recruitment to the Slc2a2 promoter. Liver-specific Hnf4α deletion and PCN impaired glucose tolerance and hepatic glucose uptake, and decreased the expression of hepatic HNF4α and GLUT2. In conclusion, PXR activation impaired hepatic glucose metabolism partly by inhibiting the HNF4α‒GLUT2 pathway. These results highlight the molecular mechanisms by which PXR activators induce hyperglycemia/diabetes.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of mandible distraction combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) for the treatment of Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).Methods:This retrospective research recruited clinical data of PRS neonates from January 2018 to December 2019 in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. All cases were divided into CGF group (osteotomy gap filled with CGF gel during distraction osteotomy), and NO-CGF group (no CGF gel used during distraction osteotomy). Bilateral internal distractors, which could be extended by 2 cm, were fixed on mandible after mandible osteotomy. Immediate distraction for 5 mm was performed in all children during the operation. After a latency period of 5 days, the jaw was extended 0.8 to 1.2 mm once a day, and the extension period was 10 to 15 days. The distractors were surgically removed after 3 months of application. Both postoperative extubation time and complications were analyzed.Results:CGF group: the male∶female ratio was 32∶13, with age ranged 3 to 28 days and weight ranged 2.5 to 3.2 kg. NO-CGF group: the male∶female ratio was 40∶15, with age ranged 3 to 28 days and weight ranged 2.6 to 3.3 kg. The total mandibular distraction length was 15 to 20 mm, and no serious complications (such as death or osteonecrosis) were observed during 3 to 6 months postoperative follow-up. 68 cases (30 in CGF group and 38 in NO-CGF group) experienced immediate extubation after surgery, and 32 cases (15 in CGF group and 17 in NO-CGF group) were extubated 4 to 6 days after the operation. For postoperative complications, CGF group (1 case with infection) and NO-CGF group (4 cases with infection, 2 cases of screw loss, 8 cases of delayed bone union, and 4 cases of mandibular retraction) were compared respectively. Statistical significance in the complications of delayed bone union was found between two groups ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Mandible distraction combined with CGF is a promising technique for the management of PRS as evidenced by the low incidence of complications and improved bone union.

Objective:To investigate the safety and therapeutic effect of surgical resection combined with radiofrequency ablation on facial plexiform neurofibroma.Methods:The data of children with neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ treated by surgical excision combined with radiofrequency ablation in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery of Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 1, 2016 to April 1, 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with partial tumor resection and radiofrequency ablation under general anesthesia. During the operation, the tumor body is gradually exposed through the hairline concealed incision. The tumor in the field of vision was removed to the maximum extent. Radiofrequency ablation was performed on distant tumor parts that was visible but inoperable, so as to achieve no residual tumor. Radiofrequency ablation was abandoned if intraoperative exploration revealed tumor invasion of facial nerve, deep fascia and orbit. The maximum output power of the radiofrequency ablation machine used during the operation was 200 W, and the exposed length of the electrode was 3 cm. The radio frequency machine could automatically adjust the power during the ablation process according to the impedance of the tissue to output the optimal energy, and monitor the temperature of the surrounding tissue in real time during the ablation process. The distal tumor body was located by B-ultrasound, penetrated, and ablated by radiofrequency needle. The amount of intraoperative bleeding was estimated, and the postoperative drainage volume, drainage tube placement time and complications were observed and analyzed. The facial nerve injury was evaluated at the time of discharge and the first month after operation. Six months after operation, the scar was evaluated with the patient scar assessment scale (PSAS) in the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS). The measurement data of normal distribution was expressed as Mean±SD.Results:A total of 5 children were included, including 3 males and 2 females, aged from 1 year and 2 months to 6 years and 10 months. The tumors were all located in the facial area. The range of invasion was superficial muscle layer, and the postoperative pathology indicated plexiform neurofibroma. The incision length of 5 patients was (5.4±0.4) cm, the intraoperative bleeding volume was (36.0±4.9) ml, the postoperative drainage volume was (4.2±0.7) ml, and the drainage tube was placed for (2.4±0.5) days. No local infection or skin ulceration occurred after operation, and the body temperature did not fluctuate significantly. Follow-up time ranged from 12 months to 18 months, the median follow-up time was 12 months. At the time of discharge and one month after operation, there was no difficulty in eyebrow lifting in all the patients. In the early postoperative period, the swelling of the operation site was obvious, and the swelling gradually decreased after 40 days at the latest. One child developed local skin cyanosis, which gradually subsided one month after the operation after cold compress. It was considered that it was caused by local subcutaneous slight bleeding. The local scar after operation was slight and concealed, and the PSAS score of the children 6 months after operation was 27.2±4.4. During the follow-up period, the original tumor body was stable, and no progressive enlargement of tumor body was found.Conclusions:Surgical resection combined with radiofrequency ablation for facial plexiform neurofibroma is safe and effective. Compared with traditional surgery, it can reduce local injury and facial changes, and can be used as an auxiliary treatment, but it cannot completely replace the traditional surgery.

Objective:To investigate the effect of intrafrontal-orbital distraction osteogenesis in the treatment for school-aged children with severe proptosis in Crouzon syndrome.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of school-aged children with Crouzon syndrome treated with intrafrontal orbital distraction osteotomy at the Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to February 2021, and counted and analyzed the clinical results, complications (cerebrospinal fluid leakage, infection, etc.), and surgical safety.Results:A total of 12 children, 9 males and 3 females, aged 6-12.1 years, with an average age of 7.1 years, were included; 4 were cranial, 6 were craniofacial, and 2 were other types. All were shown with obvious proptosis. The surgical procedure was successful. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 20 months, with a mean of 14 months. The postoperative distraction distance was (19.1±3.3) mm, ranging from 15.2 to 25.6 mm. And the mean cranial index (CI) before and after surgery were 97.5% and 80.0%, respectively, with good craniofacial appearance and better improvement of proptosis and posterior cranial flattening. There were no other complications but for one child with infection at the external site of the distraction rod.Conclusions:The effect of frontal-orbital distraction osteotomy in the treatment of Crouzon syndrome with severe proptosis in school-aged children was positive, with significant improvement in proptosis and low incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection. This procedure is a good choice for older children with severe proptosis.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of mandible distraction combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) for the treatment of Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).Methods:This retrospective research recruited clinical data of PRS neonates from January 2018 to December 2019 in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. All cases were divided into CGF group (osteotomy gap filled with CGF gel during distraction osteotomy), and NO-CGF group (no CGF gel used during distraction osteotomy). Bilateral internal distractors, which could be extended by 2 cm, were fixed on mandible after mandible osteotomy. Immediate distraction for 5 mm was performed in all children during the operation. After a latency period of 5 days, the jaw was extended 0.8 to 1.2 mm once a day, and the extension period was 10 to 15 days. The distractors were surgically removed after 3 months of application. Both postoperative extubation time and complications were analyzed.Results:CGF group: the male∶female ratio was 32∶13, with age ranged 3 to 28 days and weight ranged 2.5 to 3.2 kg. NO-CGF group: the male∶female ratio was 40∶15, with age ranged 3 to 28 days and weight ranged 2.6 to 3.3 kg. The total mandibular distraction length was 15 to 20 mm, and no serious complications (such as death or osteonecrosis) were observed during 3 to 6 months postoperative follow-up. 68 cases (30 in CGF group and 38 in NO-CGF group) experienced immediate extubation after surgery, and 32 cases (15 in CGF group and 17 in NO-CGF group) were extubated 4 to 6 days after the operation. For postoperative complications, CGF group (1 case with infection) and NO-CGF group (4 cases with infection, 2 cases of screw loss, 8 cases of delayed bone union, and 4 cases of mandibular retraction) were compared respectively. Statistical significance in the complications of delayed bone union was found between two groups ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Mandible distraction combined with CGF is a promising technique for the management of PRS as evidenced by the low incidence of complications and improved bone union.