Seeds are the source for the production of Chinese medicinal materials. The seed authenticity and quality of directly affect the effectiveness and safety of Chinese medicinal materials. The seed quality is faced with the problems such as mixed sources， existence of adulterants and seeds stocked for years， low maturity， and low purity. To ensure the high-quality and sustainable development of the Chinese medicinal material industry， it is urgent to standardize the seed market and identify and evaluate the quality of the seeds circulating in the market. Seed identification methods include visual inspection， microscopic observation， micro-character identification， chemical fingerprinting， molecular identification， electronic nose， X-ray diffraction， electrochemical fingerprinting， spectral imaging， and artificial intelligence. These methods have different application scopes and unique advantages and disadvantages. According to the different species of Chinese herbal medicines and different requirements of testing sites， suitable methods can be selected to achieve rapid and accurate identification with low costs. In the future， the seed identification methods should be developed based on emerging technologies with interdisciplinary knowledge， and intelligent， nondestructive， and single-grain detection methods are needed for the modern Chinese medicinal material industry. This paper introduces the seed identification technologies currently applied in research and production， compares the principles， applicability， advantages， and disadvantages of different technologies， and provides an outlook on the future development of seed identification technologies， aiming to provide a reference for the identification and quality evaluation of seeds of Chinese medicinal material.

Objective To investigate the design of cuffed pediatric tracheal tubes and compare the effects of different tracheal intubation depth placement strategies on the position of the tracheal tube tip and cuff of 5 tracheal tube brands.Methods A total of 180 children who were admitted to Tianjin Children's Hospital from October 2020 to December 2021,with endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia,aged 1-6 years,were enrolled.The length of the subglottic airway was measured by electronic bronchoscopy.Dimensional data from 5 cuffed pediatric tracheal tube brands were recorded,including the length of the tracheal tube cuff,the distance from the tip of the tracheal tube to the upper edge of the cuff,and the tip of the tracheal tube to the lower edge of the tube glottis marker line the distance.Calculation of the required cuffed endotracheal tube internal diameter(ID)for 180 pediatric patients was performed based on the Motoyama formula,the positions of tracheal tube tip and upper cuff border were calculated for each of the 180 tracheas using depth mark to based tracheal tube placement,placement of the tracheal tube tip at 2 cm above the carina,and mid-tracheal tube placement.Results There were differences in the dimensional data of the 5 cuffed pediatric tracheal tube brands.Depth mark-based tracheal tube placement resulted in the incidence rate of tube tip to carina placement less than 1 cm was 3.9%-67.8%,and the highest incidence of bronchial intubation is Ruijing,up to 17.8%.The tracheal tube tip was placed 2 cm above the carina,and no improper placement of the tracheal tube cuff and tube tip was found in all brands.Mid-tracheal tube placement led to 100%subglottic and supraglottic tracheal tube cuff positions,except Weili.Conclusions There are differences in design between different brands of cuffed pediatric tracheal tube,and some of the design deficiencies may lead to the risk of airway complications.The method used to guide the insertion depth and the brand of cuffed tracheal tubes can affect the tracheal tube position.Placement of the tracheal tube tip at 2 cm above the carina allowed safe tracheal tube placement in children aged 1-6 years.

Objective:To compare image quality and diagnostic parameters of whole-brain CT perfusion scans under different scanning conditions and assess the utility of deep learning image reconstruction algorithm (DLIR) in reducing tube current during low-dose scans.Methods:Method A total of 105 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were prospectively enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March, 2022 to March, 203 and their baseline information was recorded. All patients underwent head non-contrast CT and CT perfusion (CTP) examinations. CTP scanning was performed at 80 kV in two groups with the tube current of 150 mA (regular dose) and 100 mA (low dose), respectively. The CTP images of 150 mA group were reconstructed using filtered back-projection algorithm as well as adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) at 40% and 80% strength levels, which were denoted as groups A-C. The CTP images of 100 mA group were reconstructed using ASIR-V80%, DLIR-M, and DLIR-H, which were denoted as groups D-F. Clinical baseline characteristics and radiation doses were compared between the two groups under different scanning conditions. Furthermore, we assessed the subjective and objective image quality, conventional perfusion parameters, and abnormal perfusion parameters of AIS patients across the six groups of reconstructed CTP images.Results:Under the scanning conditions of 150 mA and 100 mA, 47 and 48 patients were diagnosed with AIS, respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in the mean effective radiation dose (5.71 mSv vs. 3.80 mSv, t = 2 768.30, P < 0.001). The standard deviation (SD) of noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were significantly different among the six groups of reconstructed images ( F = 40.58-212.13, P < 0.001). In GM, the SD values in groups C, D, and F were lower than those in other groups ( P < 0.05), and the SNR values in groups C and F were higher than those in other groups ( P < 0.05). In WM, the SD and SNR values in groups C and F were significantly different from those in other groups ( P < 0.05). Additionally, CNR values in groups C and F were higher than those in other groups ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective scores among groups B, C, and F ( P > 0.05). Regarding perfusion parameters in the brain GM, groups D and E had lower cerebral blood volume (CBV) values compared to groups A to C ( P < 0.05), and group F had lower CBV values than group B ( P < 0.05). In the brain WM, group D had consistently lower mean transit time (MTT) values compared to the other groups ( P < 0.05). Notably, there were no significant differences in AIS lesion detection rates and relevant diagnostic parameters across the six image groups. Conclusions:Low-tube current CTP scan combined with the DLIR-H algorithm can enhance image quality without affecting perfusion parameters such as CBV and MTT, while reducing radiation dose by 30%. This algorithm can be routinely applied in brain CTP examinations.

Objective:To investigate and summarize the early management experience of 22 patients with end-stage heart failure(ESHF) who underwent left ventricular assist device(LVAD) implantation in an intensive care unit(ICU) in a single center.Methods:Data of 22 patients with ESHF treated with LVAD in the ICU of TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital from September 2020 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 16 males and 6 females, aged from 20 to 67 years old, with a mean age of(51.0±13.3)years old. There were 21 cases with dilated cardiomyopathy, 1 case with ischemic cardiomyopathy, 6 cases with tricuspid regurgitation, 1 case with intra-aortic balloon pump for cardiogenic shock, and 5 cases with cardiac resynchronization therapy for arrhythmia. After the operation, all patients received restricted fluid therapy, a " stepwise" anticoagulation strategy, and strict blood pressure management. The postoperative complications and treatment process were reviewed, the treatment and management experience were summarized, and the prognosis of the patients was statistically analyzed.Results:All 22 patients survived within 90 days after surgery, and 21 patients(95.5%) recovered well, the pump works fine and there was no hemolysis and thrombosis of LVAD. Major complications included: 1 case of severe pneumonia(4.5%), 2 cases of pericardial tamponade(9.1%), 1 case of intracerebral hemorrhage(4.5%), 1 case of mediastinal infection(4.5%), 5 cases of positive occult blood in gastric juice(22.7%), no cases of right ventricular failure、aortic insufficiency and cerebral infarction. The duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was 17(8.5, 51.5) h, and the ICU stay was 14(10, 27) days.Conclusion:LVAD is another effective treatment for patients with ESHF in addition to heart transplantation. Good postoperative blood pressure control, " stepwise" anticoagulation strategy and " restrictive" fluid management can reduce postoperative complications in the early phase of post-operation, which is crucial for the prognosis of patients with LVAD.

Topical preparations for skin, including the commonly used dosage forms of ointments, creams, gels, patches and plasters, are convenient and can avoid the first-pass effect of drugs.Rheological study, which describes the flow characteristics and mechanical properties of products relevant to their Critical Quality Attributes, has become the main focus for topical preparations.Liquid and solid behaviors of products are usually investigated via steady rheology as well as dynamic rheology.This article reviews the research on topical preparations for skin and the data analysis models based on two rheological methods, aiming to provide some references for the rheological evaluation of topical preparations.

ObjectiveTo establish a specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method for the identification of Artemisia absinthium to allow accurate and convenient identification of A. absinthium and its related species. MethodThe chloroplast genome sequences of A. absinthium and its related species were searched from Chloroplast Genome Information Resource （CGIR）， and the specific single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） sites of A. absinthium were screened out. A pair of specific identification primers （zykh1-F and zykh1-R） of A. absinthium was designed. The original plant samples of A. absinthium and its related species were collected. The specific PCR method was established and optimized， and the tolerance and feasibility of this method were investigated and verified. The method was used to identify A. absinthium samples purchased from Xinjiang medicinal materials market. ResultA 210 bp bright band was obtained from A. absinthium after PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis under the following conditions： specific primers zykh1-F and zykh1-R， annealing temperature of 54 ℃， and the number of cycles of 33. No such band was observed from its relative species， such as A. argyi， A. annua， A. leucophylla， and A. lavandulaefolia. ConclusionThe specific PCR identification method of established in this study can accurately identify A. absinthium and its common related species with high specificity. The method can save time and cost and allows a convenient and fast species identification for the introduction and utilization of A. absinthium resources.

The thermal environment increases the risk of thermal injury for persons under high temperature environment. A full understanding of the effects and hazards of the thermal environment on the human body is of great significance to improve the awareness of persons under high temperature environment and reduce occupational heat damage during work. The authors mainly review the thermal environment from aspects of the definition, mechanism of its influence on main functional systems of the human body, influencing factors of heat stress and progress of protection, so as to provide references for the identification and protection of heat-induced diseases for workers under high temperature environment.

Objective:To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing in 20 348 close contacts of COVID-19 cases in different prevention and control stages in Guangzhou and to provide scientific evidence for optimizing epidemic response strategies.Methods:A total of 20 348 close contacts of COVID-19 cases in Guangzhou were traced between February 21 and September 22,2020. All the close contacts were tested for the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2. The sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid testing and diagnosis in the different prevention and control stages were compared.Results:In 20 348 close contacts, 12 462 were males (61.24%), the median ( P 25, P 75) of age of them was 31.0 years (23.0,43.0), the median number ( P 25, P 75) of nucleic acid testing for them was 2.0 (1.0,3.0), and the median ( P 25, P 75) of their quarantine days was 12.0 (8.0,13.0) days, respectively. A total of 256 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the close contacts after seven nucleic acid tests. In the 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd and 7 th nucleic acid testing, the sensitivity and specificity were 69.14% and 99.99% (177 cases confirmed), 89.84% and 99.99% (230 cases confirmed), 97.27% and 99.99% (249 cases confirmed), and 100.00% and 99.98%, respectively. In the three stages of COVID-19 prevention and control in China: domestic case stage, imported case stage, and imported case associated local epidemic stage, the sensitivity of the 1 st nucleic acid testing was 70.68%, 68.00% and 67.35%, and the specificity was 99.98%, 100.00% and 100.00%, respectively. Conclusions:The sensitivity of nucleic acid testing in the close contacts at the different stages were consistent with slight decrease, which might be related to the increased proportion of asymptomatic infections in the late stage of epidemic prevention and control with COVID-19 in Guangzhou. It is suggested to give three nucleic acid tests to improve the sensitivity and reduce false negative risk.

Objective:To study the curative effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with internal fixation with hollow screws on femoral neck fractures.Methods:The clinical data of 160 patients with femoral neck fracture were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated by internal fixation with hollow screws at Orthopedic Department Ⅲ, The Second Affiliated Hospital to Luohe Medical College from May 2012 to May 2018. According to whether PRP was used or not to assist their internal fixation, they were divided into a PRP group ( n=80) and a control group ( n=80). In the PRP group, there were 46 males and 34 females with an age of 52.3 years±7.6 years, and one case of type Ⅰ, 5 cases of type Ⅱ, 57 cases of type Ⅲ and 17 cases of type Ⅳ by the Garden classification. In the control group, there were 41 males and 39 females with an age of 50.6 years ± 7.3 years, and 2 cases of type Ⅰ, 7 cases of type Ⅱ, 51 cases of type Ⅲ and 20 cases of type Ⅳ by the Garden classification. The 2 groups were compared in terms of fracture healing time, nonunion, femoral head necrosis and Harris hip scores. Results:The 2 groups were comparable because their preoperative general data showed no significant differences ( P>0.05). The 160 patients obtained follow-up for 12 to 36 months. The PRP group showed significantly shorter fracture healing time (4.3 months ± 1.0 months), significantly lower incidences of nonunion [0% (0/80)] and avascular necrosis of femoral head [3.8% (3/80)] than the control group [7.3 months ± 1.3 months, 7.5% (6/80) and 15.0% (12/80), respectively] (all P< 0.05). The Harris scores at 6 and 12 months after operation for the PRP group (88.7±5.3 and 94.2±4.8) were significantly higher than those for the control group (81.4±4.6 and 84.2±5.2) (both P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of femoral neck fractures, compared with internal fixation with hollow screws alone, platelet rich plasma combined with internal fixation with hollow screws can significantly shorten fracture healing time, reduce incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and improve functional recovery of the hip joint.

Objective To investigate the effect of periosteum deficiency on the treatment of segmental bone defect of lower extremity by Ilizarov bone transport Technique.Methods From April 2009 to April 2016,data of 54 cases with lower limb segmental bone defect who were treated by Ilizarov bone transport technique were retrospectively analyzed.According to intraoperative observation of the distribution of periosteum at the osteotomy site,all cases were divided into two groups.There were 10 cases in absent periosteum group,including 6 males and 4 females,aged from 23 to 57 years old (mean,38.20±9.90 years old).There were 3 cases locating at femur,and 7 cases at tibia.4 cases had non-infective bone defect,while the other 6 had infective bone defect.Segmental bone defect ranged from 4.0 to 14.0 cm (mean,6.85±2.87 cm).There were 44 cases in normal periosteum group,including 32 males and 12 females,aged from 22 to 65 years old (mean,38.90±10.10 years old).There were 9 cases locating at femur and 35 cases at tibia.12 cases had non-infective bone defect,while 32 cases had infective bone defect.Segmental bone defect ranged from 4.0 to 9.0 cm (mean,6.09±1.54 cm).Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to estimate the pain during bone transport.The distraction index,bone healing index,external fixator index was collected to evaluate the distraction osteogenesis and mineralization.The Paley method was utilized to appraisal the function of proximal joints in bone transport.Results All the 54 cases were followed up for 24-48 months,with an average of 28.50±5.70 months.All skin and soft tissue defects were satisfied healed.All limbs were restored to their original lengths,and bone healing was eventually achieved.There were no statistically significant differences in the distraction index,bone healing index,external fixator index,VAS between absent periosteum group (12.29± 1.04 d/cm,39.00±3.96 d/cm,51.25±3.69 d/cm,3.30± 1.77 score) and normal periosteum group (11.67±0.96 d/cm,38.07±4.22 d/cm,49.74±4.25 d/cm,3.36± 1.66 score)(P ＞ 0.05).Paley adjacent joint function evaluation showed no statistically difference between absent periosteum group [good rate 100％(10/10)] and normal periosteum group [good rate 97.7％ (43/44)] (P=0.901).The overall incidence of complications was 20.0％ (2/10) in the absence of periosteum group,with 1 case of mild infection and 1 cases of tissue contracture incarcerated at the docking site.The overall incidence of complications was 27.3％ (12/44) in the normal of periosteum group,with 2 cases of mild infection,3 cases of poor limb strength alignment,6 cases of tissue contracture incarcerated at the docking site and 1 case of severe foot drop deformity.There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of complications between the two groups (P=0.636).Conclusion The absence of periosteum at the epiphyseal osteotomy site hasno significant effect on Ilizarov bone transport technique in the treatment of segmental bone defects of lower limbs in bone regeneration and healing,mineralization and bone remodeling,and does not increase the incidence of complications.