Objective To investigate the global burden of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from 1990 to 2021 and predict the trends in the burden of VL from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into global VL prevention and control. Methods The global age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of VL and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data resources. The trends in the global burden of VL were evaluated with average annual percent change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1990 to 2021, and gender-, age-, country-, geographical area- and socio-demographic index (SDI)-stratified burdens of VL were analyzed. The trends in the global burden of VL were projected with a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model from 2022 to 2035, and the associations of age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of VL with SDI levels were examined with a smoothing spline model. Results The global age-standardized incidence [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)], prevalence [AAPC = -0.06%, 95% CI: (-0.06%, -0.06%)], mortality [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)] and DALYs rates of VL [AAPC = -2.38%, 95% CI: (-2.44%, -2.33%)] all appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, and the highest age-standardized incidence [2.55/10⁵, 95% UI: (1.49/10⁵, 4.07/10⁵)], prevalence [0.64/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.37/10⁵, 1.02/10⁵)], mortality [0.51/10⁵, 95% UI: (0, 1.80/10⁵)] and DALYs rates of VL [33.81/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.06/10⁵, 124.09/10⁵)] were seen in tropical Latin America in 2021. The global age-standardized incidence and prevalence of VL were both higher among men [0.57/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.45/10⁵, 0.72/10⁵); 0.14/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.11/10⁵, 0.18/10⁵)] than among women [0.27/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.21/10⁵, 0.33/10⁵); 0.06/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.05/10⁵, 0.08/10⁵)], and the highest mortality of VL was found among children under 5 years of age [0.24/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.08/10⁵, 0.66/10⁵)]. The age-standardized incidence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), prevalence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), mortality (r = -0.511, P < 0.001) and DALYs rates of VL (r = -0.514, P < 0.001) correlated negatively with SDI levels from 1990 to 2021. In addition, the global burden of VL was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a decline from 2022 to 2035, and the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates were projected to be reduced to 0.11/10⁵, 0.03/10⁵, 0.02/10⁵ and 1.44/10⁵ in 2035, respectively. Conclusions Although the global burden of VL appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, the burden of VL showed a tendency towards a rise in Central Asia and western sub-Saharan African areas. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of VL were relatively higher among men, and the age-standardized mortality of VL was relatively higher among children under 5 years of age. The global burden of VL was projected to continue to decline from 2022 to 2035.

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.

Objective To identify potential serum metabolic biomarkers in colorectal cancer(CRC)patients using untargeted metabolomics and to evaluate their diagnostic and staging value.Methods Serum samples from 100 healthy controls and 100 CRC patients were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS).After data normalization,differential metabolites were screened using multivariate statistical analyses(PCA,OPLS-DA)and subjected to pathway enrichment analysis.Diagnostic performance was assessed via univari-ate and multivariate regression,while Mfuzz clustering was applied to analyze stage-related metabolites(Ⅰ-Ⅳ).Results A total of 432 metabolites were identified with 59 showing significant alterations.Starch and sucrose me-tabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways were significantly enriched.A three-metabolite panel(4,8-dimethylnonanoyl carnitine,9,13-dihydroxy-4-megastigmen-3-one 9-glucoside and C17 sphingosine-1-phosphate)achieved a diagnostic AUC of 0.907,while L-Carnitine and L-Norleucine showed an AUC of 0.776 in staging anal-ysis.Conclusions Specific serum metabolite panel exhibit high diagnostic accuracy,and dysregulated metabolic pathways are associated with CRC progression,suggesting their potential value as biomarkers.

Objective:To study the correlation between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and echocardiographic parameters in patients with chronic Keshan disease, providing reference for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of chronic Keshan disease.Methods:Ninety-nine patients with chronic Keshan disease who received standardized treatment at Jingchuan County People's Hospital in Pingliang City, Gansu Province from January to December 2020 were selected. Among them, 16 patients were classified as cardiac function grade Ⅱ according to New York Heart Association (NYHA), 69 as grade Ⅲ and 14 as grade Ⅳ. The patients underwent echocardiography and their serum NT-proBNP level was measured using fluorescence immunochromatography. The differences in serum NT-proBNP levels among patients with different cardiac function grades were compared, and the correlation between cardiac function grades, serum NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters was analyzed.Results:The serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with cardiac function grades Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were (1 107.26 ± 268.03), (2 125.98 ± 293.02), and (8 268.59 ± 2 659.50) pg/ml, respectively. The differences among the three groups were statistically significant ( F = 13.94, P < 0.001). The serum NT-proBNP level was positively correlated with cardiac function grades ( r = 0.44, P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left atrial diameter ( r = 0.45, 0.52, 0.38, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction ( r = - 0.39, - 0.46, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The serum NT-proBNP level in patients with chronic Keshan disease with different cardiac function grades is different, and is positively correlated with echocardiographic parameters reflecting the degree of cardiac structural and functional impairment. The NT-proBNP level may become an early diagnostic, grading, and prognostic indicator for chronic Keshan disease.

Objective:To investigate the intelligence status of children aged 10 - 12 in rural areas of Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture (referred to as Linxia) in Gansu Province.Methods:From September to November 2019, a cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the intelligence status of children aged 10 to 12 in 8 counties (cities) of Linxia. Chinese Raven's Progressive Matrices (rural version) was used for intelligence test and children's intelligence quotient (IQ) was calculated by regular mold to evaluate children's intelligence level.Results:A total of 1 721 children in Linxia were tested for intelligence, with an average IQ of 103.2. Among them, low intelligence (≤69) accounted for 1.0% (18/1 721), borderline (70 - 79) accounted for 3.0% (52/1 721), middle and lower (80 - 89) accounted for 8.4% (144/1 721), moderate (90 - 109) accounted for 56.6% (974/1 721), middle and upper (110 - 119) accounted for 21.9% (377/1 721), excellent (120 - 129) accounted for 7.8% (135/1 721), extremely excellent (≥130) accounted for 1.2% (21/1 721). There were 635, 598 and 488 children aged 10, 11 and 12, respectively, with an average IQ of 106.1, 103.3 and 99.2. There were 919 males and 802 females, with an average IQ of 102.9 and 103.4, respectively.Conclusion:In 2019, the intelligence of children aged 10 to 12 in rural areas of Linxia has reached the moderate level.

Objective:To explore the distribution characteristics of common clinical manifestations of elbow joint in patients with endemic fluorosis and their correlation with the influencing factors.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted on all permanent adult residents in 13 endemic fluorosis villages in Gaotai and Gaolan counties of Gansu province. The survey included: ① Demographic information, family history, and current medical history. ② Physical examination specifically focued on the orthopedic clinical presentations. ③Taking DR films of the forearm (including elbow joint) and calf (including knee joint), and classify the elbow joint to grade K-L based on X-ray manifestations. ④ Measuring height and weight, and calculating BMI index. ⑤Applying the Mayo elbow joint rating scale to evaluate elbow joint function. Based on the survey results, the distribution characteristics of clinical symptoms and signs of elbow joint in patients with skeletal fluorosis, as well as the distribution characteristics and correlation of factors affecting elbow joint function such as age, gender, disease course, BMI, K-L grade, etc were described. The comparison of counting data and rates were analyzed with χ2 test or Fisher exact probability test. Pearson′s test was used for correlation analysis of continuous data that conforms to normal distribution, and Spearman test was used for non-normal distribution measurement and counting data. The correlation analysis of ordered hierarchical data was conducted using Kendall′s Tau- b test. Results:①Among 501 patients with skeletal fluorosis, a total of 465 cases (92.8%) were diagnosed with elbow joint pain. A total of 185 cases (36.9%) were with elbow joint tenderness, 300 cases (59.9%) were with elbow joint enlargement, 415 cases (82.8%) were with morning stiffness of the elbow joint, 102 cases (20.4%) were with cubital tunnel syndrome, 153 cases (30.5%) were with positive forearm extensor tendon traction test, and 97 cases (19.4%) were with positive forearm flexor tendon traction test. The detection rate of elbow joint rotation limitation was the highest among those with ROM ranging from 30 ° to 70 ° (261/501, 52.1%), and the detection rate of elbow joint extension and flexion limitation was the highest among those with ROM ranging from 50 ° to 90 °(274/501, 54.7%). ②Among 501 patients with skeletal fluorosis, a total of 465 cases were found to have symptoms and positive signs in the elbow joint, with the detection rate in males being lower than that in females, with a significant difference ( χ2=41.19, P<0.001). The majority of patients were between the ages of 50 and 65 (274/501, 58.9%), with a body mass index of <18 (217, 46.67%), K-L arthritis with a radiologic grade of Ⅲ (256/501, 55.0%), and a disease course of >30 years (217/501, 46.67%). ③The correlation between clinical characteristics, the Mayo score, and various influencing factors of skeletal fluorosis found a high correlation between pain and age ( r=0.79, P<0.001) and pain and disease course ( r=0.71, P<0.001). The ROM of extension and flexion was negatively correlated with age ( r=-0.43, P<0.001), K-L grade ( r=-0.67, P<0.001), and disease course ( r=-0.48, P<0.001); Elbow tunnel syndrome was positively correlated with age ( r=0.72, P<0.001). The Mayo functional score was negatively correlated with age ( r=-0.35, P<0.001). Conclusion:Early morning stiffness of the elbow joint (<30 min), limited rotation of the elbow joint, limited extension and flexion of the elbow joint, and cubital tunnel syndrome (degree Ⅰ) have a high detection rate in the population with skeletal fluorosis. Age, course of disease, and degree of joint degeneration have a significant impact on elbow joint function in patients with fluorosis.

Objective:To evaluate the application of the standard of "Delimitation and Classification of Keshan Disease Areas" (GB 17020-2010, Standard for short), learn about the applicability of its technical indicators and requirements, and provide a basis for revision of the Standard.Methods:In March 2022, provinces with severe epidemic areas of Keshan disease or new cases reported in recent years were selected, including Gansu Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shandong Province, Shaanxi Province, Yunnan Province, Shanxi Province, Liaoning Province, and Chongqing City. Multi-stage stratified sampling method and questionnaire survey were adopted to collect information on the application of Standard by relevant health institutions.Results:A total of 448 questionnaires were collected, including 445 valid. The survey results showed that 87.64% (390/445) of the respondents were aware of the Standard, and 64.72% (288/445) had received training on the Standard. Eighty-two point two per cent (365/445) of the respondents believed that the Standard was simple and easy to operate, 83.82% (373/445) believed that the determination of the diseased townships was scientific and reasonable, and could be effectively implemented, and 83.60% (372/445) believed that the determination of historical epidemic areas was applicable to the current situation of Keshan disease; 38.88% (173/445), 38.20% (170/445), and 37.98% (169/445) of the respondents believed that the classification indicators for classifying epidemic areas (severe, moderate, and mild epidemic areas) were not applicable to the current situation of the disease in the local or provinces with Keshan disease, respectively. Among the indicators for epidemic areas classification, 30.79% (137/445), 29.21% (130/445), and 28.54% (127/445) of the respondents thought that the annual prevalence, the annual number of new cases and the annual incidence were most suitable for classification of Keshan disease areas.Conclusions:The Standard has been applied well in practice. However, based on the current situation of Keshan disease, it is suggested to redefine the standard for the severity of the disease and the classification of historical epidemic areas.

Abstract: Objective To conduct a molecular epidemiological tracing and analysis of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from two human plague outbreaks with unknown sources in Gansu Province, China. The results of this analysis would provide a basis for isolating and controlling the sources of Yersinia pestis. Methods The strains of Yersinia pestis isolated from two human plague outbreaks occurring on December 12, 2017, and September 27, 2019 were genotyped by the different region (DFR) and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). The repeat numbers of the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci in the tested strains of Yersinia pestis were calculated by the multiple variable number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA), and the location of the phylogenetic tree of the tested strains was determined with the method of minimum spanning tree (MST) by the software BioNumerics 6.6. Results The strain of 20171212 lacked DFR01, DFR02, DFR03, DFR04, DFR13, DFR23, and the DFR type was identified as type 8. The space sequence of YPa was a1'-a2-a3-a4-a5-a6-a7-a35, the space sequence of YPb was b1-b2-b3-b4, the space sequence of YPc was c1-c2-c3, the gene cluster of CRISPR was Ca35', the genotype of CRISPR was 26'. MLVA clustering analysis showed that the strain clustered within in the cluster of Yuerhong pasture in Subei County and formed an independent branch. On the other hand, the strain of 20190927 lacked DFR01, DFR13 and DFR23, with the DFR type identified as type 1b. The space sequence of YPa was a1-a2-a3-a4-a5-a6-a7, the space sequence of YPb was b1-b2-b3-b4, the space sequence of YPc was c1-c2-c3, the gene cluster of CRSIPR was Ca7, the genotype of CRSIPR was 22 MLVA clustering analysis showed that the strain was located close to the cluster of Dangjinshan in Akesai County, and relatively distant from the cluster of Yuerhong pasture in Subei County. Conclusions The genotypes of strain 20171212 by DFR and CRISPR were consistent with the main genotypes of Y. pestis from Himalayana Marmota foci in Subei County, which confirmed that the human plague cases were naturally occurring locally. However, the strain gathered the cluster of Yuerhong pasture in Subei County, which indicated that the source of infection was not in Yanchiwan Town, but in the surrounding area of the Yuerhong pasture. The genotypes of strain 20190927 by DFR and CRISPR were in accordance with the main genotype of Y. pestis from Himalayana Marmota foci in Akesai County and were closer to the cluster of Dangjinshan in Aksai County than to

Objective: To analyze the spatial temporal distribution characteristics of tuberculosis among high school students at county levels in Gansu Province from 2018 to 2022,so as to provide a scientific basis for tuberculosis prevention and control in schools. Methods: Tuberculosis data from high school students in counties (districts) reported in Gansu Province from 2018 to 2022 was collected from the Tuberculosis Information Management System and Infectious Disease Information Reporting System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System. Demographic data of high school students in counties (districts) came from the General Management System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System, and the spatial clustering of the reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis among high school students in Gansu Province in the past five years was analyzed using the methods of global spatial autocorrelation (Moran s I) and local indicators of spatial audocorrelation(LISA). Results: A total of 41 885 pulmonary tuberculosis cases were reported in various counties of Gansu Province From 2018 to 2022, with an average reported incidence rate of 32.81/100 000. During the same period, 1 170 high school students cases were reported, with an average reported incidence rate of 13.72/100 000. With the exception of 2020, the reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis among high school students was non random distribution in other 4 years, showed a moderate intensity of spatial clustering. From 2018 to 2022, most counties in Gansu Province reported that the incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis among high school students was 10.00/100 000 or below, the counties with reported incidence rate >40.00/100 000 were mainly distributed in Luqu County, Maqu County, Diebu County, Hezuo City, Xiahe County of Gannan Prefecture, Gangu County and Wushan County of Tianshui Prefecture, Wenxian County and Kangxian County of Longnan Prefecture, Huachi County of Pingliang Prefecture, Huanxian County of Qingyang Prefecture. The number of counties where the reported incidence rate of tuberculosis among high school students more than 30.00/100 000 gradually decreased from 2018 to 2022. In the past five years, the reported incidence rate of tuberculosis among high school students in all counties of Gannan Prefecture remained above 40.00/ 100 000 . The LISA analysis results showed that the high incidence areas were mainly concentrated in Gannan Prefecture. Conclusions The epidemic situation of pulmonary tuberculosis among high school students in Gansu province from 2018 to 2022 is still a serious condition, showing the characteristics of unbalanced regional distribution. The reported incidence rate shows a strong spatial clustering, and the hot spots are concentrated in the counties (districts) of Gannan prefecture in Gansu Province.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological situation of drinking water-type endemic fluorosis in Gansu Province, and scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of water improvement and fluoride reduction projects in preventing and controlling the disease.Methods:The drinking water-type endemic fluorosis areas in Gansu Province were divided into five regions according to different ecological types: the Longzhong Loess Plateau Hilly Area in central Gansu, the Longdong Loess Plateau Gully Area in eastern Gansu, the Longnan Qinling Zhongshan Canyon Area in southern Gansu, the Gobi area of the Hexi Desert, and the Alpine Grassland Meadow Area in southern Gansu. In 2021, a survey was conducted on the basic situation, running situation of the water improvement and fluoride reduction projects, fluoride content in drinking water(fluorine ion-selective electrode), and the prevalence of dental fluorosis (Dean) among children aged 8 to 12 in all drinking water-type endemic fluorosis villages in the five regions. The pertinent assessments were executed in accordance with national guidelines such as the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality" (GB 5749-2006) and "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" (WS/T 208-2011).Results:A total of 2 000 villages in drinking water-type endemic fluorosis areas were monitored, among which 1 999 villages had implemented water improvement and fluoride reduction projects, with a coverage rate of 99.95% (1 999/2 000). All water improvement and fluoride reduction projects were operating normally, with no intermittent operation or scrapping. A total of 34 616 children aged 8 to 12 were investigated for dental fluorosis. The detection rate of dental fluorosis was 4.18% (1 448/34 616), and the dental fluorosis index was 0.09. There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of dental fluorosis among children of different ages (χ 2 = 69.77, P < 0.001). The difference in the detection rate of dental fluorosis among children of different ecological types of areas was statistically significant (χ 2 = 775.11, P < 0.001). The dental fluorosis index of children aged 8 - 12 was significantly correlated with the historical water fluoride level ( r = 0.29, P = 0.042). The water improvement time in the Gobi area of the Hexi Desert was significantly correlated with the detection rate of dental fluorosis in local children ( r = - 0.48, P = 0.023). Conclusions:In 2021, the prevention and control of drinking water-type endemic fluorosis in all villages in Gansu Province has reached the national control standards. However, due to the different ecological characteristics and changes in water source distribution in different ecological types of areas, it is still necessary to further strengthen the monitoring of the condition of drinking water-type endemic fluorosis in all the affected villages and consolidate the existing prevention and control achievements.