Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

italic>Acanthopanax senticosus is one of the genuine regional herb in Northeast China. In this study, we identified the germplasm resources of commercial A. senticosus samples based on atpI and atpB_rbcL according to the previous chloroplast genome sequencing results, and determinated the content of syringin by HPLC to evaluated the quality of commercial samples. A total of 80 A. senticosus samples were collected from 47 cities in 24 provinces. DNA was extracted to amplify the products of atpI and atpB_rbcL by PCR. The results showed that 7 haplotypes (H2, H5, H8, H10, H12, H14, H23) were formed by the combined analysis of the two gene fragments. H2 from Yichun in Heilongjiang, Shangzhi in Harbin, Suihua in Heilongjiang, Fushun in Liaoning, Benxi in Liaoning, Changbai in Jilin and Jingyu in Jilin were the dominant genotype, representing 58.75% of the total samples. H14 and H23 were the unique haplotypes of the producing area. It is speculated that the commercial A. senticosus samples with haplotypes of H14 and H23 are from Raohe, Shuangyashan, Heilongjiang and Mingshui, Suihua, Heilongjiang, respectively. HPLC analysis indicated that the content of syringin in 73.96% of the samples met the Pharmacopoeia standards. There was a significant difference in the content of syringin among the samples, ranging from 0.003 7% to 0.524 5%, with a difference of 0.520 8%, indicating that the quality of the samples in the market of A. senticosus was uneven. However, there were no significant differences in the contents of syringin in the commercial A. senticosus among different haplotypes. The content of syringin in the haplotype H23 in the market sample is relatively high, so it may be a germplasm with better quality. This study researched the germplasm resources and medicinal materials quality of commercial A. senticosus samples and will help guide the commercial circulation, reasonable medication of A. senticosus, and the screening of excellent germplasm.

Objective: To investigate the effect of activation of the stimulator of interferon genes(STING) pathway on macrophage polarization function and its role in T-cell response. Methods: Mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells were used.STING signaling related proteins in RAW264.7 macrophage treated with STING agonist diABZI were analyzed by Western blot,including TANK-binding kinase-1(TBK1),interferon regulatory factor-3(IRF3),STING,p-TBK1,p-IRF3,p-STING.The polarization of macrophage RAW264.7 cells treated with diABZI was analyzed by flow cytometry.Co-culture of diABZI-treated RAW264.7 macrophage and T cells was applied to evaluate the change of T cell response. Results: STING signaling related proteins were upregulated in macrophage RAW264.7 cells treated with diABZI for 3 hours.The expression of CD86 was upregulated on the surface of macrophages after 12 hours of diABZI treatment,and the CD86/CD206 ratio was elevated,which presented the M1 polarization phenotype.When coculturing diABZI-treated macrophage RAW264.7 cells with T cells,the cytokine secretion ability of T cells including CD4+T and CD8+T cells was enhanced and the expression of CD107a in CD8+T cells was upregulated. Conclusion STING signaling induces M1 polarization of macrophages which enhance the function of T cells,especially CD8+T cell immune response.

Objective Mobile artificial lumbar complex(MALC)which suitable for reconstruction after subtotal lumbar resection in goats was developed,and to test stability of the complex and postoperative lumbar segmental motor function.Methods Eighteen male boer goats aged from 1 to 2 years old(weighted from 35 to 45 kg)were selected and divided into con-trol group,fusion group and non-fusion group,with 6 goats in each group.According to preoperative CT scans and MRI exami-nations of lumbar,the goat MALC was designed and performed by 3D printed for non-fusion group.Operation was performed on three groups respectively,and only vertebral body and disc were exposed in control group.In fusion group,L4 part of vertebral body and the upper and lower complete disc tissues were removed,and the lumbar spine bone plate fixation was performed with titanium mesh bone grafting.In non-fusion group,vertebral body and disc were removed in the same way,and MALC was im-planted.AP and lateral X-rays of lumbar vertebrae in goat were taken at 6 months after surgery,in order to understand whether the plant was dislocated,displaced and fractured.Biomechanical tests were performed on the specimens by mechanical instru-ment to measure range of motion(ROM)of L2,3,L,4,L4,5intervertebral space and the overall ROM of L2-5 lumbar vertebrae.Results MALC of lumbar vertebra was designed by 3D printing,and its component artificial vertebrae and upper and lower ar-tificial end plates were manufactured.The semi-spherical structure was fabricated by precision lathe using high-crosslinked polyethylene material,and the prosthesis was assembled.Postoperative AP and lateral X-rays of lumbar vertebra at 6 months showed the implant position of implant and MALC were good without displacement and dislocation.In vitro biomechanical test of lumbar vertebrae specimens:(1)There were no statistical significance in ROM of lumbar intervertebral space flexion and extension,lateral flexion and rotation on L.4 and L4,5,between non-fusion group and control group(P＞0.05),while ROM of fu-sion group was significantly reduced compared with the other two groups(P＜0.05).There were no significant difference in ROM of L2.3 intervertebral flexion and extension,lateral flexion and rotation between non-fusion group and control group(P＞0.05),while fusion group was significantly increased compared with the other two groups(P＜0.001).(2)There was no signifi-cant difference in overall lumbar ROM of L2-5(P＞0.05).Conclusion The individual MALC could restore intervertebral height of lumbar vertebra while maintaining the stability of lumbar vertebra and re-establishing motor function of lumbar space.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of standardized comprehensive pure traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)treatment for short-course sudden deafness and to explore the influencing factors of clinical efficacy.Methods The clinical data of 516 short-course sudden deafness inpatients(TCM group)who were given standardized comprehensive pure TCM treatment were retrospectively analyzed,and their efficacy were compared with the efficacy of 1 024 cases in the Chinese multicenter clinical study of sudden deafness(western medicine group).The analysis was carried out for the influence of the gender,left or right ear,age group,degree of deafness,type of hearing curve,concomitant symptoms(tinnitus,vertigo,and dullness of the ear),and the TCM syndrome types on the efficacy.Results(1)The comparison of baseline data showed that in comparison with the western medicine group,TCM group had relatively low proportion of low-frequency descending type while relatively high proportion of total deafness type,and had relatively high treatment difficulty.The course of treatment in TCM group was shortened by nearly 2/3 in comparison with the western medicine group(12.60 days vs 30 days).(2)Among the 516 patients of the TCM group,175 cases were cured,121 cases were markedly effective,90 cases were effective and 130 cases were ineffective,and the total effective rate was 74.80%.Compared with the 1 024 cases in the western medicine group,there was no significant difference in the overall efficacy or the efficacy evaluated with the hearing curve classification(P＞0.05).(3)Analysis of influencing factors of curative effect showed that the type of hearing curve was closely related to the curative effect of sudden deafness(P＜0.001).The curative effect of low frequency descent type was the best,and the curative effect of total deafness type was the worst.The cure of deafness was correlated with the degree of deafness,the milder the degree of deafness,the greater the likelihood of recovery(P＜0.001).The curative effect of the patients without vertigo was superior to that of the patients with vertigo(P＜0.001).The curative effect of adolescent patients was superior to that of middle-aged and elderly patients(P＜0.05).There was no correlation between TCM syndrome types and curative effect(P＞0.05).Conclusion Standardized comprehensive pure TCM treatment exerts certain curative effect on short-course sudden deafness,and may have some advantages compared with conventional western medicine treatment.The type of hearing curve,degree of deafness,accompanied by vertigo or not,and age group are the influencing factors of the efficacy.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT)is a common endocrine disease,which can be classified into the category of goiter disease in traditional Chinese medicine.Professor LIU Min believes that the pathogenesis of HT is closely related to the heart and gallbladder,and its pathogenesis is due to the gallbladder constraint failing to descend and the disturbance of pivot,together with insufficient heart-qi and the disharmony between the nutritive qi and the defensive qi.For the treatment of HT,the modified Chaihu Guizhi Decoction is often used,which is mainly composed of Bupleuri Radix,Cinnamomi Ramulus,Scutellariae Radix,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle,Jujubae Fructus,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Os Draconis,Ostreae Concha,and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens.Chaihu Guizhi Decoction has the actions of soothing gallbladder and relieving depression,restoring the function of shaoyang pivot,regulating nutritive qi and the defensive qi,and benefiting heart spirit,which exactly accords with the HT's pathogenesis of gallbladder constraint failing to descend and insufficient heart-qi.In the clinical treatment of HT,the modification of the drugs should be performed according to the concurrent syndromes of the patients,and the dosage of the drugs should also be adjusted.In addition to drug treatment,the attention should also be addressed to the adjustment of patients'lifestyle and dietary habits and to the emotional counseling,thus to achieve significant effect.