Objective:To investigate the clinical application effect of absorbable plates in the treatment of children with craniosynostosis.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with congenital craniosynostosis who were treated in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to October 2022. Preoperatively, three dimensional CT scan of the skull was performed in order to make a frontal and orbital model. All patients underwent traditional fronto-orbital reconstruction with skull flaps. With the assistance of the frontal and orbital model, the skull flap were rotated and shaped, and then absorbable plates and screws were used for internal fixation under direct vision. Postoperative follow-up observations were conducted on the complications such as infection, incision dehiscence, foreign body reactions of absorbable plates, and the stability of the skull flap.Results:A total of 12 patients were enrolled, 9 males and 3 females, aged 3-17 months, with an average of 11.3 months. There were 7 cases of unilateral coronal craniosynostosis, 3 cases of unilateral coronal craniosynostosis, and 2 cases of Apert syndrome. All cases underwent operation uneventfully, the operation time was 2.8-4.5 hours with an average of 3.6 hours. Follow-up ranged from 13 to 32 months (average, 24.5 months). One patient experienced incision dehiscence 45 days after surgery, which healed after conservative management. The remaining patients had no infections, hematomas, or other complications. All patients had visible and palpable raised masses at the site of absorbable plate implantation in 3-5 months after surgery, which gradually resolved in 10-15 months after surgery.The head shape of patients with craniosynostosis had been significantly improved after surgery, and follow-up CT scans of the skull revealed no displacement of the skull flaps and good osteogenesis.Conclusion:The use of absorbable plates for internal fixation in children with craniosynostosis can achieve stable fixation effects with few complications, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

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 clinical application effect of absorbable plates in the treatment of children with craniosynostosis.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with congenital craniosynostosis who were treated in the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2019 to October 2022. Preoperatively, three dimensional CT scan of the skull was performed in order to make a frontal and orbital model. All patients underwent traditional fronto-orbital reconstruction with skull flaps. With the assistance of the frontal and orbital model, the skull flap were rotated and shaped, and then absorbable plates and screws were used for internal fixation under direct vision. Postoperative follow-up observations were conducted on the complications such as infection, incision dehiscence, foreign body reactions of absorbable plates, and the stability of the skull flap.Results:A total of 12 patients were enrolled, 9 males and 3 females, aged 3-17 months, with an average of 11.3 months. There were 7 cases of unilateral coronal craniosynostosis, 3 cases of unilateral coronal craniosynostosis, and 2 cases of Apert syndrome. All cases underwent operation uneventfully, the operation time was 2.8-4.5 hours with an average of 3.6 hours. Follow-up ranged from 13 to 32 months (average, 24.5 months). One patient experienced incision dehiscence 45 days after surgery, which healed after conservative management. The remaining patients had no infections, hematomas, or other complications. All patients had visible and palpable raised masses at the site of absorbable plate implantation in 3-5 months after surgery, which gradually resolved in 10-15 months after surgery.The head shape of patients with craniosynostosis had been significantly improved after surgery, and follow-up CT scans of the skull revealed no displacement of the skull flaps and good osteogenesis.Conclusion:The use of absorbable plates for internal fixation in children with craniosynostosis can achieve stable fixation effects with few complications, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

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.

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.

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 epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the post-elimination control strategy for malaria in Hangzhou City. Methods: The epidemic situation of malaria in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021 were collected from the National Information System for Disease Control and Prevention in China, and the temporal, spatial and human distributions of malaria cases and the source of malaria infections were analyzed in Hangzhou City during the pre-elimination stage (2004 to 2009), the elimination stage (2010 to 2015) and the post-elimination stage (2016 to 2021). Results: Totally 602 malaria cases were reported in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021,and the annual mean incidence of malaria was 0.22/105, 0.20/105 and 0.18/105 during the pre-elimination, elimination and post-elimination stages, appearing a tendency towards a decline. Men accounted for 63.96%, 85.07% and 93.75% of all malaria cases and there were 67.86%, 82.84% and 80.00% of cases at ages of 18 to 50 years during the pre-elimination, elimination and post-elimination stages, both appearing a tendency towards a decline (χ2trend=56.748, P<0.001; χ2trend=39.971, P<0.001). The predominant occupation of malaria cases shifted from farmers or migrant workers to multiple occupations, and the proportion of commercial servants increased from 4.87% during the pre-elimination stage to 24.38% during the post-elimination stage (χ2trend=73.308, P<0.001). The proportion of Plasmodium vivax malaria cases reduced from 96.43% during the pre-elimination stage to 7.50% during the post-elimination stage, and the proportion of P. falciparum malaria cases increased from 3.57% to 71.25%, while P. ovale, P. malariae and mixed infections were identified since 2010. There was a significant season-specific incidence of P. vivax malaria during the pre-elimination stage, and the period between May and October was an epidemic season; however, there was no season-specific incidence of P. vivax malaria during the elimination and post-elimination stages. The regional distribution of malaria cases presented a tendency towards a shift from suburb and rural areas to urban areas (χ2trend=74.229, P<0.001). No local cases were detected in Hangzhou City since 2010, and 94.22% of malaria cases were overseas imported cases after malaria elimination, including 90.61% from Africa. Conclusions oung and middle-aged men were high-risk populations for malaria in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021, and overseas commercial servants gradually became the predominant source of malaria infections, with malaria parasite species tending to be diverse. Improving the management of overseas imported cases and timely identification and treatment of cases are major interventions to consolidate malaria elimination achievements in Hangzhou City.

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.