Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） diagnostics is a discipline that studies the basic theories and fundamental skills of diagnostic methods， disease diagnosis， and differentiation in accordance with the theories of TCM. The artificial intelligence （AI） technology has gained remarkable achievements in the intelligentization of the four diagnostic methods in TCM and the standardization of differentiation and diagnosis. However， it still faces many challenges. The standardization of clinical data collection is difficult， and the data quality is uneven， which affects the usability of the data. The integration of the four diagnostic information is insufficient. Most instruments can only collect data from a single diagnostic method， lacking overall integrity. The scientific nature of the diagnostic model needs to be improved. The existing models lack dynamics and the reasoning logic of TCM differentiation. The accuracy of intelligent methods needs to be improved， and the existing evaluation indicators cannot fully reflect the practical application effect of the model. Furthermore， the relevant laws and regulations are still not perfect， and data security and patient privacy lack guarantees. The cultivation of compound talents is insufficient， and there is a lack of interdisciplinary talents who are proficient in both TCM and AI. On this basis， this paper expounded on the current development status， difficulties， and bottlenecks of AI in TCM diagnosis and then explored the development trend of AI in the field of TCM diagnosis. It proposed solutions such as optimizing the data collection process， constructing multimodal diagnostic models， facilitating multi-disciplinary exchanges and cooperation， improving laws and regulations， and cultivating compound talents. It is hoped that modern， standardized， normalized， and intelligent TCM diagnosis can be further promoted， thereby providing new impetus and methods for the inheritance and innovation of TCM.

Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different age groups, and to provide a basis for early diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples were collected from 1742 suspected cases of meningitis in Baoji, Shaanxi Province from August 2013 to July 2019. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected by isolation culture and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators and other information of laboratory confirmed cases was conducted by χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 1742 samples of encephalitis or meningitis cases were detected, and 41 cases were confirmed as laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Among them, there were 12 cases (29.27%) in the infant group, 14 cases (34.15%) in the child group, and 15 cases (36.59%) in the adult group. The proportion of the adults with headache was significantly higher than that of the infants (χ²=11.408，P＜0.017). The proportion of the adults with consciousness disorder, elevated white blood cells and elevated neutrophils were significantly higher than those in the infant and the child groups（Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017；χ² =6.428，P＜0.017；χ² =10.898，P＜0.017；χ² =6.421，P＜0.017；χ² =9.758，P＜0.017；χ² =7.744，P＜0.017). The proportion of the infants with cerebrospinal fluid turbidity was significantly higher than that of the children (Fisher's exact test，P＜0.017). The proportion of the infants with decreased white blood cells and reduced glucose in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher than that of the children group and the adult group（Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001；Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001；Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017; Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017). Conclusion Most adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis have headache and consciousness disorders, with significantly increased proportion of white blood cells and neutrophils. Infant patients tend to have cloudy appearance of cerebrospinal fluid, leukopenia in blood, and decreased glucose in cerebrospinal fluid.

Objective: To investigate the knowledge and behaviors related to hepatitis B prevention and control among carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), so as to provide the basis for conducting health education and interventions for HBsAg carriers. Methods: Based on the seroepidemiological survey of hepatitis B among individuals aged 1 to 69 years in Shaanxi Province, HBsAg carriers were selected as the study subjects. Basic information, knowledge and behaviors about hepatitis B prevention and control were collected through questionnaire surveys. The awareness of hepatitis B prevention and control knowledge and related behaviors among HBsAg carriers were analyzed. Results: A total of 107 HBsAg carriers were enrolled, including 52 males (48.60%) and 55 females (51.40%), and had a median age of 47.04 (interquartile range, 19.78) years. The awareness of hepatitis B prevention and control knowledge ranged from 56.07% to 87.85% among HBsAg carriers, with the highest awareness for "hepatitis B vaccination can effectively prevent hepatitis B "(87.85%), and the lowest awareness for "sharing meals with HBsAg carriers or hepatitis B patients will not lead to infection" (56.07%) and "hepatitis B can be treated with antiviral drugs" (61.68%). The proportions of those who did not seek medical consultation, undergo regular check-ups, or receive treatment were relatively high, at 65.42%, 72.90% and 77.57%, respectively. Conclusions The awareness of hepatitis B transmission routes and treatment-related knowledge among HBsAg carriers is relatively low, and their medical-seeking behaviors are relatively passive. There is a need to enhance the dissemination of hepatitis B prevention and control knowledge, improve medical-seeking behaviors, and reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the construction of a canine model of vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) and preliminarily evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Sixteen female Beagle dogs aged 8-12 months were randomly selected, with 8 dogs serving as donors for the harvesting of spinal cord tissue with a vascular pedicle [dorsal intercostal artery (DIA) at the T₁₀ level and accompanying vein]. The remaining 8 dogs underwent a 1.5-cm-length spinal cord defect at the T₁₀ level, followed by transplantation of the donor spinal cord tissue for repair. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied to both ends to spinal cord graft; then, using a random number table method, the dogs were divided into an experimental group (n=4) and a control group (n=4). The experimental group received immunosuppressive intervention with oral tacrolimus [0.1 mg/(kg∙d)] postoperatively, while the control group received no treatment. The operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time of two groups were recorded. The recovery of hind limb function was estimated by Olby score within 2 months after operation; the motor evoked potentials (MEP) was measured through neuroelectrophysiological examination, and the spinal cord integrity was observed through MRI. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). All dogs survived until the completion of the experiment. Within 2 months after operation, all dogs in the control group failed to regain the movement function of hind limbs, and Olby scores were all 0. In the experimental group, the movement and weight-bearing, as well as walking abilities of the hind limbs gradually recovered, and the Olby scores also showed a gradually increasing trend. There was a significant difference between the two groups from 3 to 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Neuroelectrophysiological examination indicated that the electrical signals of the experimental group passed through the transplanted area, and the latency was shortened compared to that at 1 month after operation (P<0.05), showing continuous improvement, but the amplitude did not show significant improvement (P>0.05). The control group was unable to detect any MEP changes after operation. MRI examination showed that the transplanted spinal cord in the experimental group survived and had good continuity with normal spinal cord tissue, while no relevant change was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION The vASCT model of dogs was successfully constructed. This surgical procedure can restore the continuity of the spinal cord. The combination of tacrolimus anti-immunity is a key factor for the success of transplantation.
Animals ; Dogs ; Female ; Spinal Cord/blood supply* ; Spinal Cord Injuries/surgery* ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Disease Models, Animal ; Recovery of Function ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Tacrolimus ; Immunosuppressive Agents

The current focus of materials science and biomedical science research lies in two-dimensional(2D)MXenes materials,which possess an array of distinctive material attributes.These include superior optical characteristics,a high specific surface area,remarkable hydrophilicity,facile surface functionalization modification and impressive electrochemical properties.These features endow MXenes with vast application potential across multiple domains,particularly in the biomedical realm where advancements in tumor diagnosis and therapy have garnered significant research interest.These advancements primarily center on the enhancement of imaging technology and treatment methodologies.Notably,MXenes exhibit an array of unique physical and chemical properties,including remarkable fluorescence quenching capabilities,superior X-ray attenuation performance and highly efficient photothermal conversion.In the realm of diagnostic technologies,MXenes materials have emerged as a promising candidate for multimodal imaging,encompassing fluorescence imaging,photoacoustic imaging,computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).These materials,through their composite design,offer the potential to transcend the limitations of single-mode diagnostic techniques,thereby fostering innovative approaches in tumor imaging.Furthermore,MXenes exhibit exceptional characteristics as combination therapy materials,particularly in targeted drug delivery and optical therapy for tumor treatment.By harnessing the diverse physical and chemical properties of MXenes,personalized treatment strategies can be realized through precise drug delivery,thereby mitigating the toxic side effects associated with systemic chemotherapy.Currently,a pressing challenge in cancer research lies in the rational design and modification of MXenes probes that possess both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the latest advancements,opportunities and challenges associated with two-dimensional MXenes materials and their derivatives in the context of tumor diagnosis and treatment.Additionally,it delved into the material synthesis,surface modification and tumor imaging research conducted in this field.Furthermore,it examined the obstacles and limitations encountered in the utilization of MXenes in the present context.The research and development of MXenes materials were integral to nanotherapy,and their novel properties,biological effects and oncological application value were thoroughly analyzed,in order to offer more effective and safer therapeutic options for cancer patients.

Objective:To investigate the current status of pertussis laboratory diagnosis and confirmed pertussis cases reporting in Shaanxi Province, and evaluate the quality of case reports.Methods:The information of confirmed pertussis cases reported in Shaanxi Province from January to July 2022 was collected through the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The laboratory diagnostic methods and pertussis vaccine immunization history of confirmed cases were investigated, and the descriptive epidemiological method was used for statistical description.Results:Of the 164 confirmed cases of pertussis reported from January to July 2022, two were not tested in the laboratory and 162 were tested in the laboratory. The proportions of different detection methods were 1.85% (3/162) of isolation and culture, 31.48% (51/162) of serum antibody IgG, 14.20% (23/162) of serum antibody IgM, 49.38% (80/162) of serum antibody PCR and 3.09% (5/162) of serum antibody IgM+ PCR. Among the 79 serological positive cases, 12 cases (15.19%)had no history of pertussis immunization, and 15 cases (18.99%), 11 cases (13.92%) and 41 cases (51.90%) had the time interval from vaccination to detection of <1 year, 1-3 years and >3 years, respectively. Based on the analysis of laboratory testing methods and vaccination history, 38 cases were misdiagnosed/misreported among 164 cases, with a misdiagnosis or misreported rate of 23.17%. There were 17, 12 and 9 cases of misdiagnosis/misreport in 0-2 years old group, 3-6 years old group and≥7 years old group, and the misdiagnosis or misreported rates were 27.42%(17/62), 26.67%(12/45) and 15.79%(9/57), respectively.Conclusions:The selection of pertussis laboratory testing methods in some medical institutions in Shaanxi Province is incorrect, which leads to a certain proportion of misdiagnosis or misreport, and it is necessary to further strengthen the training and standardization.

Objective:To scientifically measure and morphologically evaluate the anatomical shape of the skin in the first web space based on cadavers, and to guide the design of flap in this area.Methods:Sixteen human cadavers fixed with 10% formaldehyde without injury or deformity on the hand were selected in the Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Suqian. According to the characteristics of the first web area, marker points were selected for measurement and morphological observation. Morphological characteristics of the first web with thumb radial abduction(r) or palmar abduction(p) were measured and compared. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. According to the results of measurement, standardised shapes and parameters of the skin were obtained for flap repair of defect of the first web. Results:When the thumb was in palmar abduction, the maximum distance [a(p)] of the first web of female(F) and male(M) was 5.78/8.42 cm(F/M), and the skin [S(p)] was 17.09/23.63 cm 2(F/M), both were significantly greater than the distance [a(r)] at 4.86/6.28 cm and the area of skin area [S(r)] at 14.39/20.15 cm 2 when thumb was in the radial abduction position( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of [b(r)] and [b(p)] alone the long axis of flap between palmar and radial abductions(7.54/9.38 cm and 7.34/9.74 cm, respectively) of the thumb( P>0.05). It was found that the area of first web was not shaped as a symmetrical spindle, but an irregular quadrilateral inclined to the index finger. Conclusion:Design and measurement of a flap for the first web space should take the maximum palmar abduction of a thumb as a reference. The asymmetric quadrilateral flap design is more in line with the anatomical and characteristics in the region.

The clinical data, laboratory test, and gene mutations were collected from a family with Liddle syndrome. Literatures on Liddle syndrome published in domestic and abroad since 1994 were reviewed and the types of gene mutations were summarized. The proband was diagnosed with hypertension at the age of 24. Laboratory test showed that serum potassium was 3.65 mmol/L, plasma renin was <0.5 mU/L, and plasma aldosterone was 1.5 ng/dL. Proband′s father was diagnosed with hypertension at the age of 34 with the serum potassium 3.34 mmol/L, plasma renin 3.72 mU/L, and plasma aldosterone 6.04 ng/dL. A nonsense mutation(1724G>A, p.Trp575*) in exon 13 of SCNN1G gene was detected in the proband and his father. In 288 cases from 107 families reported in the review of domestic and foreign literature, the incidence of hypertension, hypokalemia, and low renin/low aldosterone were 95.1%, 55.2%, and 49.6%, respectively. This case suggests that the clinical phenotype of Liddle syndrome is heterogeneous. Patients with early-onset hypertension, regardless of whether they are accompanied by hypokalemia, should be screened for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and genetic testing related to Liddle syndrome should be further detected in patients with low plasma renin/aldosterone.

【Objective】 To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Shaanxi Province from 2012 to 2021. 【Methods】 We collected the information of pertussis cases in Shaanxi Province from 2012 to 2021 by the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System for analyzing the incidence and distribution characteristics. 【Results】 From 2012 to 2021, a total of 8270 cases of pertussis were reported in Shaanxi Province, with the incidence ranging from 0.21 to 6.20 per 100 000 persons, and for an annual average incidence of 2.17 per 100 000 persons. 44.81% (3 706/8 270) occurred from June to September. The annual average incidence in southern Shaanxi, Guanzhong, and northern Shaanxi was 1.78, 2.47, and 1.46 per 100 000 persons (χ²=289.638, P<0.001). The number of patients (proportions) with pertussis aged 0-1, 1-5, 5-10, and ≥10 years was 3 884 (46.96%), 2 869 (34.69%), 1 408 (17.03%), and 109 (1.32%), respectively. The number of patients (proportion) ≤ 2 months old, 3-5 months old, and ≥ 6 months old was 884 (22.76%),1 608 (41.40%), and 1 392 (35.84%) among pertussis patients under 1 year old. 【Conclusion】 The incidence of pertussis in Shaanxi Province basically showed an increasing trend with higher rates between June and September, higher rates in Guanzhong region of the province, and more patients over 5 years old.

BACKGROUND: The hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) was developed to quantify glucose metabolism and individual differences and proved to be a robust measure of individual glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) bias. Here, we aimed to explore the relationship between different HGIs and the risk of 5-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) by performing a large multicenter cohort study in China. METHODS: A total of 9791 subjects from the Risk Evaluation of Cancers in Chinese Diabetic Individuals: a Longitudinal Study (the REACTION study) were divided into five subgroups (Q1-Q5) with the HGI quantiles (≤5th, >5th and ≤33.3th, >33.3th and ≤66.7th, >66.7th and ≤95th, and >95th percentile). A multivariate logistic regression model constructed by the restricted cubic spline method was used to evaluate the relationship between the HGI and the 5-year MACE risk. Subgroup analysis between the HGI and covariates were explored to detect differences among the five subgroups. RESULTS: The total 5-year MACE rate in the nationwide cohort was 6.87% (673/9791). Restricted cubic spline analysis suggested a U-shaped correlation between the HGI values and MACE risk after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors ( χ2 = 29.5, P <0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, subjects with HGIs ≤-0.75 or >0.82 showed odds ratios (ORs) for MACE of 1.471 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.027-2.069) and 2.222 (95% CI, 1.641-3.026) compared to subjects with HGIs of >-0.75 and ≤-0.20. In the subgroup with non-coronary heart disease, the risk of MACE was significantly higher in subjects with HGIs ≤-0.75 (OR, 1.540 [1.039-2.234]; P = 0.027) and >0.82 (OR, 2.022 [1.392-2.890]; P <0.001) compared to those with HGIs of ≤-0.75 or >0.82 after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS We found a U-shaped correlation between the HGI values and the risk of 5-year MACE. Both low and high HGIs were associated with an increased risk of MACE. Therefore, the HGI may predict the 5-year MACE risk.
Humans ; Cohort Studies ; Longitudinal Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis* ; Maillard Reaction ; Glycated Hemoglobin ; Cardiovascular Diseases