Objective:To characterize the brain structure of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using artificial intelligence automatic brain segmentation technique, and to analyze the correlation between the characteristics of the brain structure and the degree of brain development.Methods:A case-control study.The data of 52 children who were diagnosed with ASD according to the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition of the United States at the Department of Psychology of Qingdao University Affiliated Women and Children′s Hospital from January 2023 to April 2024 were prospectively analyzed.Meanwhile, 48 gender- and age-matched typically developing (TD) children in Qingdao were also included.The three-dimensional T1 weighted imaging sequences of all patients were obtained using a GE 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.Automated brain segmentation techniques were used to obtain the standardized volumes of each brain structure (the ratio of the absolute volume of the brain structure to the whole brain volume).Two-independent-samples t and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the standardized volumes of different brain regions between the 2 groups.Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were used to depict the correlations between volume data of brain areas with significant differences and Gesell Developmental Scale scores. Results:Compared with those in the TD group, the volumes of the left grey matter[25.45%(0.70%) vs.25.16%(1.05%)], the right grey matter [(25.89±0.71)% vs.(25.51±0.73)%], the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex [(0.62±0.03)% vs.(0.59±0.05)%], the right medial orbitofrontal cortex[(0.48±0.04)% vs.(0.46±0.04)%], the right pars triangularis [(0.38±0.07)% vs.(0.35±0.05)%], the left hippocampus [0.22%(0.04%) vs.0.20%(0.02%)], the right hippocampus [0.23%(0.04%) vs.0.22%(0.02%)], the left parahippocampal gyrus [0.15%(0.03%) vs.0.14%(0.02%)], the right parahippocampal gyrus [(0.15±0.02)% vs.(0.14±0.02)%], the left fusiform gyrus [(0.82±0.08)% vs.(0.78±0.08)%], the right superior temporal gyrus [(0.96±0.10)% vs.(0.90±0.09)%], the left insular lobe [(0.54±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right insular lobe [(0.55±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right inferior parietal cortex [(1.40±0.16)% vs.(1.33±0.12)%], the right precuneus cortex [(0.99±0.09)% vs.(0.94±0.09)%], the right putamen [(0.37±0.04)% vs.(0.35±0.03)%], the left pallidum [(0.14±0.01)% vs.(0.13±0.01)%], the right pallidum [0.14%(0.02%) vs.0.13%(0.01%)], and the right thalamus [(0.51±0.04)% vs.(0.49±0.03)%] were significantly increased in the ASD group (all P<0.05).Nonetheless, the volumes of the left pericalcarine cortex [(0.19±0.04)% vs.(0.20±0.04)%] and the corpus callosum posterior region [0.05%(0.01%) vs.0.06%(0.01%)] in the ASD group were considerably smaller than those in the TD group (all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the right thalamus volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-adaptation development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.276, P=0.048).The volumes of the left fusiform gyrus and left pericalcarine cortex were negatively correlated with the Gesell-fine motor development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.290, P=0.037; r=-0.368, P=0.007). The right precuneus cortex volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-personal and social competence development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.396, P=0.007). Conclusions:Children with ASD show abnormalities in the volumes of multiple brain regions, and some brain regions are related to the degree of brain development.Automatic brain segmentation technology based on artificial intelligence can rapidly and directly measure and display the volume of brain structures in both ASD and TD children.

Objective:To characterize the brain structure of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using artificial intelligence automatic brain segmentation technique, and to analyze the correlation between the characteristics of the brain structure and the degree of brain development.Methods:A case-control study.The data of 52 children who were diagnosed with ASD according to the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition of the United States at the Department of Psychology of Qingdao University Affiliated Women and Children′s Hospital from January 2023 to April 2024 were prospectively analyzed.Meanwhile, 48 gender- and age-matched typically developing (TD) children in Qingdao were also included.The three-dimensional T1 weighted imaging sequences of all patients were obtained using a GE 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.Automated brain segmentation techniques were used to obtain the standardized volumes of each brain structure (the ratio of the absolute volume of the brain structure to the whole brain volume).Two-independent-samples t and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the standardized volumes of different brain regions between the 2 groups.Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were used to depict the correlations between volume data of brain areas with significant differences and Gesell Developmental Scale scores. Results:Compared with those in the TD group, the volumes of the left grey matter[25.45%(0.70%) vs.25.16%(1.05%)], the right grey matter [(25.89±0.71)% vs.(25.51±0.73)%], the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex [(0.62±0.03)% vs.(0.59±0.05)%], the right medial orbitofrontal cortex[(0.48±0.04)% vs.(0.46±0.04)%], the right pars triangularis [(0.38±0.07)% vs.(0.35±0.05)%], the left hippocampus [0.22%(0.04%) vs.0.20%(0.02%)], the right hippocampus [0.23%(0.04%) vs.0.22%(0.02%)], the left parahippocampal gyrus [0.15%(0.03%) vs.0.14%(0.02%)], the right parahippocampal gyrus [(0.15±0.02)% vs.(0.14±0.02)%], the left fusiform gyrus [(0.82±0.08)% vs.(0.78±0.08)%], the right superior temporal gyrus [(0.96±0.10)% vs.(0.90±0.09)%], the left insular lobe [(0.54±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right insular lobe [(0.55±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right inferior parietal cortex [(1.40±0.16)% vs.(1.33±0.12)%], the right precuneus cortex [(0.99±0.09)% vs.(0.94±0.09)%], the right putamen [(0.37±0.04)% vs.(0.35±0.03)%], the left pallidum [(0.14±0.01)% vs.(0.13±0.01)%], the right pallidum [0.14%(0.02%) vs.0.13%(0.01%)], and the right thalamus [(0.51±0.04)% vs.(0.49±0.03)%] were significantly increased in the ASD group (all P<0.05).Nonetheless, the volumes of the left pericalcarine cortex [(0.19±0.04)% vs.(0.20±0.04)%] and the corpus callosum posterior region [0.05%(0.01%) vs.0.06%(0.01%)] in the ASD group were considerably smaller than those in the TD group (all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the right thalamus volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-adaptation development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.276, P=0.048).The volumes of the left fusiform gyrus and left pericalcarine cortex were negatively correlated with the Gesell-fine motor development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.290, P=0.037; r=-0.368, P=0.007). The right precuneus cortex volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-personal and social competence development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.396, P=0.007). Conclusions:Children with ASD show abnormalities in the volumes of multiple brain regions, and some brain regions are related to the degree of brain development.Automatic brain segmentation technology based on artificial intelligence can rapidly and directly measure and display the volume of brain structures in both ASD and TD children.

BACKGROUND:Accurate reduction of ankle fractures under direct vision has become a common understanding among foot and ankle surgeons.How to fully expose free or compressed fragments of the posterior ankle remains one of the most challenging problems. OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical efficiency of the para-Achilles tendon approach in exposing and repositioning the posterior malleolus sandwich fracture. METHODS:A retrospective study was made for 26 patients with posterior malleolus sandwich fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation via para-Achilles tendon approach from January to December 2020 in The Second People's Hospital of Dalian.21 of 26 cases were managed with the lateral approach of Achilles tendon and 5 cases were managed with the medial approach of Achilles tendon.There were 19 males and 7 females,with the age of 24-69 years,averagely 38.6 years.The operation time and postoperative complications were recorded.The fracture reduction condition was evaluated by Burwell-Charnley imaging standard.Before operation,3 months after operation and last follow-up,visual analog scale score,ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion and American Orthopedic Foot&Ankle Society Ankle Hind Score were used to evaluate the treatment effect. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All 26 patients were followed up for an average of 14.6 months(range 13-18 months).The operation time was 52-85 minutes(average 64.2 minutes).(2)Part of the skin edge of the lateral malleolus incision was necrotic in one patient and healed completely after a dressing change.Incision healing of the other patients was in one stage.(3)Through Burwell-Charnley imaging standard,anatomical reductions were obtained in 24 of 26,and good reductions were in 2 of 26,with an excellent and good rate of 100%.(4)At the last follow-up,the visual analog scale score(1.19±0.40)was significantly lower than the preoperative score(6.81±0.80)(P<0.01).Ankle plantar flexion(33.5±5.02)° and ankle plantar back stretch(17.23±0.99)° were significantly increased compared with preoperative data(14.58±2.50)° and(5.81±1.02)°(P<0.01).American Orthopedic Foot&Ankle Society Ankle Hind Score was improved to(89.31±3.62)points compared to preoperative(46.00±5.45)points(P<0.01).The results were excellent in 23 patients and good in 3 patients,with an excellent and good rate of 100%.(5)It is concluded that the open reduction and internal fixation via the para-Achilles tendon approach for the treatment of posterior malleolus sandwich fracture were efficient with decreased operation time,satisfying fracture reduction,fewer complications,satisfactory motion range,and functional recovery.

The second edition of the Chinese guideline for the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders was published in August 2023, 13 years after the first edition. The revision principles for the second edition were maintaining the first edition's framework, and based on that framework, making necessary revisions by incorporating research progress and supplementing the latest research findings from the domestic studies and the overseas literature. Referring to the DSM-5 and ICD-11 classifications of mental disorders and the actual clinical situation in China, the anxiety disorders in the second edition were panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorder due to another medical condition. The latest epidemiological data on anxiety disorders in China were added. Following the international guidelines, medications not included in the first edition have been added. Chinese traditional medicines, physical therapy, and internet web-based psychotherapy were also supplemented to fit Chinese clinical settings. Based on a literature review, the latest information on the risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy has been added.A whole course of treatment across the acute phase, consolidation phase, and maintenance phase was further addressed as the treatment principle. First-line and second-line recommendations are provided for medication selections.

Objective:This meta-analysis aims to explore the most consistent changes in cortical thickness in drug-naive first-episode patients with major depressive disorder (DF-MDD).Methods:Systematic and comprehensive searches were conducted to acquire relevant literature from the PubMed and Web of Science databases for the studies published from inception to July 23, 2023, by using the keywords ("depression" OR "depressive disorder" OR "unipolar depression") AND ("cortical thickness"OR"thickness"). The SDM (signed differential mapping) software was used to perform whole-brain voxel-wise meta-analysis, heterogeneity test, and assess publication bias. Meta-regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of disease severity on cortical thickness in depression, and heterogeneity was tested, along with an assessment of publication bias.Results:Eight studies were ultimately included, encompassing 417 DF-MDD patients and 409 healthy controls. Compared to the healthy control group, DF-MDD patients exhibited significantly decreased cortical thickness in multiple brain regions, including the supplementary motor area ( Z=-2.471, P<0.000 5) and the rolandic operculum ( Z=-2.190, P<0.000 5). Further regression analysis found that the disease severity was positively correlated with the cortical thickness in the supplementary motor area ( Z=2.265, P<0.000 5) and the rolandic operculum ( Z=1.56, P<0.000 5). Additionally, the average depressive duration was positively correlated with cortical thickness in the right opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus ( Z=1.922, P<0.000 5), and negatively correlated with changes in the right midcingulate cortex ( Z=-3.035, P<0.000 5) in DF-MDD. Conclusion:DF-MDD patients exhibit reduced cortical thickness in the supplementary motor area and the operculum area during the early stages of the disease. And the observed pattern of cortical alterations is associated with both the severity and duration of the disease.

Objectives:To investigate the current willingness of depressive outpatients and their doctors in China to engage in shared decision-making (SDM), and to analyze the factors influencing this willingness.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted among doctors and patients with depression in 12 tertiary psychiatric hospitals and general hospitals by scanning two-dimensional code and filling in the questionnaire on the mobile terminal. The questionnaire covered patient demographics, emotional state scores, initial diagnosis and treatment, treatment expectations and concerns, symptom improvement needs, medication safety requirements, and diagnosis details (completed by the attending physician). Doctors provided basic information, current depression diagnosis and treatment status, and concerns regarding medications. Logistic regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) was used to identify factors influencing patients′ and doctors′ willingness to engage in SDM.Results:A total of 622 valid patient questionnaires and 45 valid physician questionnaires were collected. Both patients and doctors had a strong willingness to make shared decisions (80.39% (500/622) vs. 60.00% (27/45)). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that residential location (town versus rural areas: OR (95% CI)=1.895 (1.087-3.305)), acceptable monthly medical expenses (≥1 000-<2 000 CNY vs.<300 CNY: OR (95% CI)=0.194 (0.088-0.427);≥2 000 CNY vs.<300 CNY: OR (95% CI)=0.267 (0.094-0.754)), acceptance of online treatment and consultation (accept versus not accept: OR (95% CI)=3.196 (2.024-5.046)), and knowing about psychotherapy (yes versus no: OR (95% CI)=1.711 (1.003-2.921)) were the factors influencing the willingness of shared decision-making in patients (all P<0.05). For the doctors, the time spent on initial consultation was the factor influencing the willingness to engage in SDM ( OR (95% CI)=1.090 (1.004-1.184), P=0.040). Conclusions:Both depression patients and doctors in tertiary outpatient clinics in China show a strong willingness to engage in SDM, providing a solid foundation for clinical application. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the influence of residential location, acceptable monthly medical expenses, acceptance of online treatment and consultation, and knowledge of psychotherapy should be considered for patients, while the time spent on initial consultations should be considered for doctors.

The second edition of the Chinese guideline for the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders was published in August 2023, 13 years after the first edition. The revision principles for the second edition were maintaining the first edition's framework, and based on that framework, making necessary revisions by incorporating research progress and supplementing the latest research findings from the domestic studies and the overseas literature. Referring to the DSM-5 and ICD-11 classifications of mental disorders and the actual clinical situation in China, the anxiety disorders in the second edition were panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorder due to another medical condition. The latest epidemiological data on anxiety disorders in China were added. Following the international guidelines, medications not included in the first edition have been added. Chinese traditional medicines, physical therapy, and internet web-based psychotherapy were also supplemented to fit Chinese clinical settings. Based on a literature review, the latest information on the risks of using antidepressants during pregnancy has been added.A whole course of treatment across the acute phase, consolidation phase, and maintenance phase was further addressed as the treatment principle. First-line and second-line recommendations are provided for medication selections.

Objective:This meta-analysis aims to explore the most consistent changes in cortical thickness in drug-naive first-episode patients with major depressive disorder (DF-MDD).Methods:Systematic and comprehensive searches were conducted to acquire relevant literature from the PubMed and Web of Science databases for the studies published from inception to July 23, 2023, by using the keywords ("depression" OR "depressive disorder" OR "unipolar depression") AND ("cortical thickness"OR"thickness"). The SDM (signed differential mapping) software was used to perform whole-brain voxel-wise meta-analysis, heterogeneity test, and assess publication bias. Meta-regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of disease severity on cortical thickness in depression, and heterogeneity was tested, along with an assessment of publication bias.Results:Eight studies were ultimately included, encompassing 417 DF-MDD patients and 409 healthy controls. Compared to the healthy control group, DF-MDD patients exhibited significantly decreased cortical thickness in multiple brain regions, including the supplementary motor area ( Z=-2.471, P<0.000 5) and the rolandic operculum ( Z=-2.190, P<0.000 5). Further regression analysis found that the disease severity was positively correlated with the cortical thickness in the supplementary motor area ( Z=2.265, P<0.000 5) and the rolandic operculum ( Z=1.56, P<0.000 5). Additionally, the average depressive duration was positively correlated with cortical thickness in the right opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus ( Z=1.922, P<0.000 5), and negatively correlated with changes in the right midcingulate cortex ( Z=-3.035, P<0.000 5) in DF-MDD. Conclusion:DF-MDD patients exhibit reduced cortical thickness in the supplementary motor area and the operculum area during the early stages of the disease. And the observed pattern of cortical alterations is associated with both the severity and duration of the disease.

Objectives:To investigate the current willingness of depressive outpatients and their doctors in China to engage in shared decision-making (SDM), and to analyze the factors influencing this willingness.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted among doctors and patients with depression in 12 tertiary psychiatric hospitals and general hospitals by scanning two-dimensional code and filling in the questionnaire on the mobile terminal. The questionnaire covered patient demographics, emotional state scores, initial diagnosis and treatment, treatment expectations and concerns, symptom improvement needs, medication safety requirements, and diagnosis details (completed by the attending physician). Doctors provided basic information, current depression diagnosis and treatment status, and concerns regarding medications. Logistic regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) was used to identify factors influencing patients′ and doctors′ willingness to engage in SDM.Results:A total of 622 valid patient questionnaires and 45 valid physician questionnaires were collected. Both patients and doctors had a strong willingness to make shared decisions (80.39% (500/622) vs. 60.00% (27/45)). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that residential location (town versus rural areas: OR (95% CI)=1.895 (1.087-3.305)), acceptable monthly medical expenses (≥1 000-<2 000 CNY vs.<300 CNY: OR (95% CI)=0.194 (0.088-0.427);≥2 000 CNY vs.<300 CNY: OR (95% CI)=0.267 (0.094-0.754)), acceptance of online treatment and consultation (accept versus not accept: OR (95% CI)=3.196 (2.024-5.046)), and knowing about psychotherapy (yes versus no: OR (95% CI)=1.711 (1.003-2.921)) were the factors influencing the willingness of shared decision-making in patients (all P<0.05). For the doctors, the time spent on initial consultation was the factor influencing the willingness to engage in SDM ( OR (95% CI)=1.090 (1.004-1.184), P=0.040). Conclusions:Both depression patients and doctors in tertiary outpatient clinics in China show a strong willingness to engage in SDM, providing a solid foundation for clinical application. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the influence of residential location, acceptable monthly medical expenses, acceptance of online treatment and consultation, and knowledge of psychotherapy should be considered for patients, while the time spent on initial consultations should be considered for doctors.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of Chaput tuberosity osteotomy and lateral malleolus sagittal osteotomy in the treatment of talus osteochondral lesions with autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT).Methods:From January 2017 to December 2019, Chaput tuberosity osteotomy and lateral malleolus sagittal osteotomy were performed in the AOT treatment of 11 patients with talus osteochondral lesions. They were 9 men 2 women, with a mean age of 32. 6 years (range, from 22 to 45 years). Their lesions were all Hepple type V. Their American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC) score, and imaging data were measured pre- and post-operatively for assessment of clinical outcomes.Results:All the patients were followed up for 13 to 24 months (average, 15.6 months). Their AOFAS (94.3±2.9) and VAS (1.2±0.4) scores at the final follow-up were significantly improved compared with the pre-operative values (49.5±6.6 and 5.7±1.2) ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between their pre- and post-operative IKDC scores for the ipsilateral knee joint ( P>0.05). The imaging showed that the talus cystic change disappeared and the grafted bone was fully fused with the talus with no abnormal change in the joint space. Conclusion:In the AOT treatment of talus osteochondral lesions, Chaput tuberosity osteotomy and lateral malleolus sagittal osteotomy can obviously relieve ankle pain and improve ankle function.