1.En Bloc Resection of Thoracic and Upper Lumbar Spinal Tumors Using a Novel Rotation-Reversion Technique through Posterior-Only Approach
Ming LU ; Changhe HOU ; Wei CHEN ; Zixiong LEI ; Shuangwu DAI ; Shaohua DU ; Qinglin JIN ; Dadi JIN ; Haomiao LI
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):346-353
Background:
En bloc resection is recommended for the treatment of malignant and aggressive benign spinal tumors; however, it often requires a combined anterior-posterior approach, which is usually accompanied by longer surgical duration, increased blood loss, larger trauma, and surgical complexity. The present study describes a novel rotation-reversion technique for en bloc resection of the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal tumors using a posterior-only approach and evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Methods:
Thirteen patients with thoracic and upper lumbar (L1-L3) spinal tumors were treated with en bloc resection using the rotation-reversion technique through a posterior-only approach at our institution between 2015 and 2023. The clinical characteristics and surgical results of the patients were reviewed and analyzed.
Results:
Posterior-only en bloc resection was performed successfully in all 13 patients using the rotation-reversion technique, with a median follow-up of 30.4 months (range, 6–74 months). The average maximum size of these 13 tumors was 5.7 × 5.8 × 4.8 cm.The mean operation time and blood loss were 458.5 minutes (range, 220–880 minutes) and 3,146.2 mL (range, 1,000–6,000 mL), respectively, with 4 of the 13 patients (30.8%) experiencing perioperative complications. Negative margins were achieved in all the 13 patients (100%). One patient experienced local recurrence (7.7%) and 1 patient experienced instrumentation failures. Interbody fusion was confirmed in 11 of the 13 patients (84.6%), with a median fusion time of 6.9 months. All of the 13 patients experienced varying degrees of mild postoperative neurological deficits owing to resection of the nerve roots affected by tumor invasion of the vertebrae. No vessel injury or postoperative neurological paralysis occurred, except 1 patient who had been completely paralyzed before surgery.
Conclusions
The rotation-reversion technique is an effective procedure for en bloc resection of selected thoracic and upper lumbar spinal tumors through the posterior-only approach.
2.Randomized Controlled Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence Map
Mingyue LIU ; Baixiang HE ; Jingqiu HU ; Youran DAI ; Lingling REN ; Shufan GE ; Kelin LI ; Qiubai JIN ; Ping SONG ; Huiyan CHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):138-145
ObjectiveTo characterize the evidence distribution and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic dermatitis (AD) based on evidence mapping. MethodsSeven databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCTs in Chinese and English. Evidence distribution was presented graphically and textually, and methodological quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 1.0). ResultsA total of 168 RCTs were included. The number of annual publications showing an increasing trend, and 72.6% RCTs had sample sizes of 51-100 participants. The studies evaluated 108 distinct CHM interventions categorized as decoctions, granules, Chinese patent medicines, and extracts. Compound Glycyrrhizin was the most frequently used, followed by Xiaofengsan and Chushi Weiling decoction. Among the RCTs, 57.1% had the treatment courses of 4-8 weeks. Outcome measures predominantly focused on clinical response rate, skin lesion severity scores, and adverse events, with less attention to TCM symptom scores, skin barrier function, and relapse rates. The overall risk of bias was generally high. ConclusionWhile CHM for AD is a research hotspot and demonstrates clinical advantages, the related studies have problems such as unclear clinical positioning, poor research standardization and methodological quality, and insufficient prominence of TCM clinical advantages. Large-sample, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality studies are needed to enhance the evidence base for CHM in treating AD.
3.Randomized Controlled Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence Map
Mingyue LIU ; Baixiang HE ; Jingqiu HU ; Youran DAI ; Lingling REN ; Shufan GE ; Kelin LI ; Qiubai JIN ; Ping SONG ; Huiyan CHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):138-145
ObjectiveTo characterize the evidence distribution and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic dermatitis (AD) based on evidence mapping. MethodsSeven databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCTs in Chinese and English. Evidence distribution was presented graphically and textually, and methodological quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 1.0). ResultsA total of 168 RCTs were included. The number of annual publications showing an increasing trend, and 72.6% RCTs had sample sizes of 51-100 participants. The studies evaluated 108 distinct CHM interventions categorized as decoctions, granules, Chinese patent medicines, and extracts. Compound Glycyrrhizin was the most frequently used, followed by Xiaofengsan and Chushi Weiling decoction. Among the RCTs, 57.1% had the treatment courses of 4-8 weeks. Outcome measures predominantly focused on clinical response rate, skin lesion severity scores, and adverse events, with less attention to TCM symptom scores, skin barrier function, and relapse rates. The overall risk of bias was generally high. ConclusionWhile CHM for AD is a research hotspot and demonstrates clinical advantages, the related studies have problems such as unclear clinical positioning, poor research standardization and methodological quality, and insufficient prominence of TCM clinical advantages. Large-sample, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality studies are needed to enhance the evidence base for CHM in treating AD.
4.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Deficiency of Adenosine Deaminase 2
Jingyuan ZHANG ; Xiaoqi WU ; Jiayuan DAI ; Xianghong JIN ; Yuze CAO ; Rui LUO ; Hanlin ZHANG ; Tiekuan DU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Peipei CHEN ; Hao QIAN ; Pengguang YAN ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):316-324
This case report presents a 16-year-old male patient with deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2(DADA2). The patient had a history of Raynaud′s phenomenon with digital ulcers since childhood. As the disease progressed, the patient developed retinal vasculitis, intracranial hemorrhage, skin necrosis, severe malnutrition, refractory hypertension, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the
5.En Bloc Resection of Thoracic and Upper Lumbar Spinal Tumors Using a Novel Rotation-Reversion Technique through Posterior-Only Approach
Ming LU ; Changhe HOU ; Wei CHEN ; Zixiong LEI ; Shuangwu DAI ; Shaohua DU ; Qinglin JIN ; Dadi JIN ; Haomiao LI
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):346-353
Background:
En bloc resection is recommended for the treatment of malignant and aggressive benign spinal tumors; however, it often requires a combined anterior-posterior approach, which is usually accompanied by longer surgical duration, increased blood loss, larger trauma, and surgical complexity. The present study describes a novel rotation-reversion technique for en bloc resection of the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal tumors using a posterior-only approach and evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Methods:
Thirteen patients with thoracic and upper lumbar (L1-L3) spinal tumors were treated with en bloc resection using the rotation-reversion technique through a posterior-only approach at our institution between 2015 and 2023. The clinical characteristics and surgical results of the patients were reviewed and analyzed.
Results:
Posterior-only en bloc resection was performed successfully in all 13 patients using the rotation-reversion technique, with a median follow-up of 30.4 months (range, 6–74 months). The average maximum size of these 13 tumors was 5.7 × 5.8 × 4.8 cm.The mean operation time and blood loss were 458.5 minutes (range, 220–880 minutes) and 3,146.2 mL (range, 1,000–6,000 mL), respectively, with 4 of the 13 patients (30.8%) experiencing perioperative complications. Negative margins were achieved in all the 13 patients (100%). One patient experienced local recurrence (7.7%) and 1 patient experienced instrumentation failures. Interbody fusion was confirmed in 11 of the 13 patients (84.6%), with a median fusion time of 6.9 months. All of the 13 patients experienced varying degrees of mild postoperative neurological deficits owing to resection of the nerve roots affected by tumor invasion of the vertebrae. No vessel injury or postoperative neurological paralysis occurred, except 1 patient who had been completely paralyzed before surgery.
Conclusions
The rotation-reversion technique is an effective procedure for en bloc resection of selected thoracic and upper lumbar spinal tumors through the posterior-only approach.
6.En Bloc Resection of Thoracic and Upper Lumbar Spinal Tumors Using a Novel Rotation-Reversion Technique through Posterior-Only Approach
Ming LU ; Changhe HOU ; Wei CHEN ; Zixiong LEI ; Shuangwu DAI ; Shaohua DU ; Qinglin JIN ; Dadi JIN ; Haomiao LI
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):346-353
Background:
En bloc resection is recommended for the treatment of malignant and aggressive benign spinal tumors; however, it often requires a combined anterior-posterior approach, which is usually accompanied by longer surgical duration, increased blood loss, larger trauma, and surgical complexity. The present study describes a novel rotation-reversion technique for en bloc resection of the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal tumors using a posterior-only approach and evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Methods:
Thirteen patients with thoracic and upper lumbar (L1-L3) spinal tumors were treated with en bloc resection using the rotation-reversion technique through a posterior-only approach at our institution between 2015 and 2023. The clinical characteristics and surgical results of the patients were reviewed and analyzed.
Results:
Posterior-only en bloc resection was performed successfully in all 13 patients using the rotation-reversion technique, with a median follow-up of 30.4 months (range, 6–74 months). The average maximum size of these 13 tumors was 5.7 × 5.8 × 4.8 cm.The mean operation time and blood loss were 458.5 minutes (range, 220–880 minutes) and 3,146.2 mL (range, 1,000–6,000 mL), respectively, with 4 of the 13 patients (30.8%) experiencing perioperative complications. Negative margins were achieved in all the 13 patients (100%). One patient experienced local recurrence (7.7%) and 1 patient experienced instrumentation failures. Interbody fusion was confirmed in 11 of the 13 patients (84.6%), with a median fusion time of 6.9 months. All of the 13 patients experienced varying degrees of mild postoperative neurological deficits owing to resection of the nerve roots affected by tumor invasion of the vertebrae. No vessel injury or postoperative neurological paralysis occurred, except 1 patient who had been completely paralyzed before surgery.
Conclusions
The rotation-reversion technique is an effective procedure for en bloc resection of selected thoracic and upper lumbar spinal tumors through the posterior-only approach.
7.Explainability Enhanced Machine Learning Model for Classifying Intellectual Disability and AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Psychological Test Reports
Tong Min KIM ; Young-Hoon KIM ; Sung-Hee SONG ; In-Young CHOI ; Dai-Jin KIM ; Taehoon KO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(11):e26-
Background:
Psychological test reports are essential in assessing intellectual functioning, aiding in diagnosing and treating intellectual disability (ID) and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these reports can have several problems because they are diverse, unstructured, subjective, and involve human errors. Additionally, physicians often do not read the entire report, and the number of reports is lower than that of diagnoses.
Methods:
We developed explainable predictive models for classifying IDs and ADHDs based on written reports to address these issues. The reports of 1,475 patients with IDs and ADHDs who underwent intelligence tests were used for the models. These models were developed by analyzing reports using natural language processing (NLP) and incorporating the physician’s diagnosis for each report. We selected n-gram features from the models’ results by extracting important features using SHapley Additive exPlanations and permutation importance to make the models explainable. Developing the n-gram feature-based original text search system compensated for the lack of human readability caused by NLP and enabled the reconstruction of human-readable texts from the selected n-gram features.
Results:
The maximum model accuracy was 0.92, and the 80 human-readable texts were restored from four models.
Conclusion
The results showed that the models could accurately classify IDs and ADHDs, even with a few reports. The models were also able to explain their predictions. The explainability-enhanced model can help physicians understand the classification process of IDs and ADHDs and provide evidence-based insights.
8.Dementia Overdiagnosis in Younger, Higher Educated Individuals Based on MMSE Alone: Analysis Using Deep Learning Technology
Hye-Geum KIM ; Dai-Seg BAI ; Bon-Hoon KOO ; Eun-Jin CHEON ; Seokho YUN ; So Hye JO ; Byoungyoung GU
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(9):e20-
Background:
Dementia is a multifaceted disorder that affects cognitive function, necessitating accurate diagnosis for effective management and treatment. Although the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is widely used to assess cognitive impairment, its standalone efficacy is debated. This study examined the effectiveness of the MMSE alone versus in combination with other cognitive assessments in predicting dementia diagnosis, with the aim of refining the diagnostic accuracy for dementia.
Methods:
A total of 2,863 participants with subjective cognitive complaints who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments were included. We developed two random forest models: one using only the MMSE and another incorporating additional cognitive tests.These models were evaluated based on their accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) on a 70:30 training-to-testing split.
Results:
The MMSE-alone model predicted dementia with an accuracy of 86% and AUC of 0.872. The expanded model demonstrated increased accuracy (88%) and an AUC of 0.934.Notably, 17.46% of the cases were reclassified from dementia to non-dementia category upon including additional tests. Higher educational level and younger age were associated with these shifts.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that although the MMSE is a valuable screening tool, it should not be used in isolation to determine dementia severity. The addition of diverse cognitive assessments can significantly enhance diagnostic precision, particularly in younger and more educated populations. Future diagnostic protocols should integrate multifaceted cognitive evaluations to reflect the complexity of dementia accurately.
9.Explainability Enhanced Machine Learning Model for Classifying Intellectual Disability and AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Psychological Test Reports
Tong Min KIM ; Young-Hoon KIM ; Sung-Hee SONG ; In-Young CHOI ; Dai-Jin KIM ; Taehoon KO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(11):e26-
Background:
Psychological test reports are essential in assessing intellectual functioning, aiding in diagnosing and treating intellectual disability (ID) and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these reports can have several problems because they are diverse, unstructured, subjective, and involve human errors. Additionally, physicians often do not read the entire report, and the number of reports is lower than that of diagnoses.
Methods:
We developed explainable predictive models for classifying IDs and ADHDs based on written reports to address these issues. The reports of 1,475 patients with IDs and ADHDs who underwent intelligence tests were used for the models. These models were developed by analyzing reports using natural language processing (NLP) and incorporating the physician’s diagnosis for each report. We selected n-gram features from the models’ results by extracting important features using SHapley Additive exPlanations and permutation importance to make the models explainable. Developing the n-gram feature-based original text search system compensated for the lack of human readability caused by NLP and enabled the reconstruction of human-readable texts from the selected n-gram features.
Results:
The maximum model accuracy was 0.92, and the 80 human-readable texts were restored from four models.
Conclusion
The results showed that the models could accurately classify IDs and ADHDs, even with a few reports. The models were also able to explain their predictions. The explainability-enhanced model can help physicians understand the classification process of IDs and ADHDs and provide evidence-based insights.
10.Dementia Overdiagnosis in Younger, Higher Educated Individuals Based on MMSE Alone: Analysis Using Deep Learning Technology
Hye-Geum KIM ; Dai-Seg BAI ; Bon-Hoon KOO ; Eun-Jin CHEON ; Seokho YUN ; So Hye JO ; Byoungyoung GU
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(9):e20-
Background:
Dementia is a multifaceted disorder that affects cognitive function, necessitating accurate diagnosis for effective management and treatment. Although the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is widely used to assess cognitive impairment, its standalone efficacy is debated. This study examined the effectiveness of the MMSE alone versus in combination with other cognitive assessments in predicting dementia diagnosis, with the aim of refining the diagnostic accuracy for dementia.
Methods:
A total of 2,863 participants with subjective cognitive complaints who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments were included. We developed two random forest models: one using only the MMSE and another incorporating additional cognitive tests.These models were evaluated based on their accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) on a 70:30 training-to-testing split.
Results:
The MMSE-alone model predicted dementia with an accuracy of 86% and AUC of 0.872. The expanded model demonstrated increased accuracy (88%) and an AUC of 0.934.Notably, 17.46% of the cases were reclassified from dementia to non-dementia category upon including additional tests. Higher educational level and younger age were associated with these shifts.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that although the MMSE is a valuable screening tool, it should not be used in isolation to determine dementia severity. The addition of diverse cognitive assessments can significantly enhance diagnostic precision, particularly in younger and more educated populations. Future diagnostic protocols should integrate multifaceted cognitive evaluations to reflect the complexity of dementia accurately.

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