Deep learning models for ischemic stroke lesion segmentation in medical images: A survey.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of deep learning models for ischemic stroke lesion segmentation in medical images. Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disease and a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Accurate segmentation of stroke lesions in medical images such as MRI and CT scans is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis. This paper first introduces common imaging modalities used for stroke diagnosis, discussing their capabilities in imaging lesions at different disease stages from the acute to chronic stage. It then reviews three major public benchmark datasets for evaluating stroke segmentation algorithms: ATLAS, ISLES and AISD, highlighting their key characteristics. The paper proceeds to provide an overview of foundational deep learning architectures for medical image segmentation, including CNN-based and transformer-based models. It summarizes recent innovations in adapting these architectures to the task of stroke lesion segmentation across the three datasets, analyzing their motivations, modifications and results. A survey of loss functions and data augmentations employed for this task is also included. The paper discusses various aspects related to stroke segmentation tasks, including prior knowledge, small lesions, and multimodal fusion, and then concludes by outlining promising future research directions. Overall, this comprehensive review covers critical technical developments in the field to support continued progress in automated stroke lesion segmentation.

Classification of recurrent major depressive disorder using a residual denoising autoencoder framework: Insights from large-scale multisite fMRI data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recurrent major depressive disorder (rMDD) has a high recurrence rate, and symptoms often worsen with each episode. Classifying rMDD using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can enhance understanding of brain activity and aid diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. METHODS: We developed a Residual Denoising Autoencoder (Res-DAE) framework for the classification of rMDD. The functional connectivity (FC) was extracted from fMRI data as features. The framework addresses site heterogeneity by employing the Combat method to harmonize feature distribution differences. A feature selection method based on Fisher scores was used to reduce redundant information in the features. A data augmentation strategy using a Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique algorithm based on Extended Frobenius Norm measure was incorporated to increase the sample size. Furthermore, a residual module was integrated into the autoencoder network to preserve important features and improve the classification accuracy. RESULTS: We tested our framework on a large-scale, multisite fMRI dataset, which includes 189 rMDD patients and 427 healthy controls. The Res-DAE achieved an average accuracy of 75.1 % (sensitivity = 69 %, specificity = 77.8 %) in cross-validation, thereby outperforming comparison methods. In a larger dataset that also includes first-episode depression (comprising 832 MDD patients and 779 healthy controls), the accuracy reached 70 %. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed a deep learning framework that can effectively classify rMDD and 33 identify the altered FC associated with rMDD. Our study may reveal changes in brain function 34 associated with rMDD and provide assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of rMDD.

Amorphous Co@TiO2 heterojunctions: A high-performance and stable catalyst for the efficient degradation of sulfamethazine via peroxymonosulfate activation.

Persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) cannot easily achieve the efficient degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with high stability. In this study, a simple in situ precipitation method was used to prepare an amorphous Co@TiO2 heterojunction catalyst. The deposition of Co oxide on TiO2, which is relatively nontoxic, efficiently activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade sulfamethazine (SMT) and reduce the leaching of Co ions (0.915%). A catalytic system prepared using 0.3 g L-1 Co@TiO2 and 0.5 g L-1 PMS could degrade SMT within 30 min with a degradation rate of 95.8%. Co@TiO2 could activate PMS over a wide pH range (5.00-9.00) to efficiently degrade other antibiotics and dyes. Radical-capture experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis suggested that SMT degradation occurs through a combination of the free radical and non-radical pathways, in which singlet 1O2 played a major role. Owing to the novelty of the proposed composite materials, the degradation path of SMT, which was determined through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, differed from that reported previously. This study provides not only an advanced and renewable catalyst for SMT degradation but also a feasible strategy for designing materials for AOPs.

Differences in Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Results between Only-Child and Non-Only-Child Children: Analysis of Propensity Scores Based on Large-Scale Assessment.

Based on the data of 3561 fifth-grade and 4062 eighth-grade students from the Beijing Assessment of Educational Quality in China, the present study used a propensity-value matching model to scientifically analyze only-child and non-only-child children in primary and secondary schools. Female differences in cognitive outcomes (linguistic performance) and non-cognitive outcomes (teacher-student relationships, peer relationships, and emotional management) were also evaluated. The results of the study were as follows. First, fifth-grade only-child students had a higher linguistic performance compared to that of their non-only-child counterparts, and the same result was found for eighth-grade students. Second, fifth- and eighth-grade only-child students had good teacher-student relationships that were not significantly different from those of their non-only-child counterparts. Third-, fifth-, and eighth-grade only-child students had significantly better peer relationships and emotional management compared to these parameters in their non-only-child counterparts.

Effectively compound the heterojunction formed by flower-like Bi2S3 and g-C3N4 to enhance photocatalytic activity.

In this study, the flower-shaped Bi2S3/g-C3N4-2.6 heterojunction obtained by solvothermal method and its photocatalytic degradation efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) in aqueous solution within 40 min is as high as 98.8% and 94.6%. For RhB degradation, the photocatalytic reaction rate constant (k) of Bi2S3/g-C3N4-2.6 is approximately 1.8 and 45.5 times that of Bi2S3 and g-C3N4. For TC, k is 3.1 and 2.4 times that of Bi2S3 and g-C3N4, respectively. The key to determining the high catalytic activity of Bi2S3/g-C3N4 lies in the formation of a good heterojunction between Bi2S3 and g-C3N4, which accelerates the electron transfer rate between the heterojunction interface and effectively avoids electron-hole recombination. The effects of catalyst dosage, different pH values, inorganic anions, and capture agents on the photodegradation performance of RhB were investigated. The results show that the catalyst dosage is 1.33 g/L, and the solution pH is in the range of 5-9, which has the best removal effect on pollutants, and the isolation of holes (h+) with strong oxidizing ability promotes the collapse of pollutant molecules. Combined with electrochemical tests, a possible degradation mechanism was advised.

Amorphous cobalt oxide decorated halloysite nanotubes for efficient sulfamethoxazole degradation activated by peroxymonosulfate.

In this study, a new hollow nanotube material, 30% Co-CHNTs was prepared by the impregnation-chemical reduction-calcination method. This material can be used as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator to catalyse the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The best reaction conditions that correspond to the degradation rate of SMX, up to 97.5%, are as follows: the concentration of SMX is 10 mg L-1, the amount of catalyst is 0.20 g L-1, the dosage is 1.625 mM, and the solution pH is 6.00. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) show that the calcined composites mainly stimulate an increase in the content of bivalent cobalt in PMS and reduce the leaching of cobalt ions after the reaction. Additionally, the 30% Co-CHNTs + PMS reaction system exhibits a reasonable SMX degradation rate in a natural organic matter solution and excellent stability after three repeated experiments. Furthermore, the possible degradation mechanism in the 30% Co-CHNTs + PMS reaction system was analysed through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and free-radical capture experiments, and it was observed that the non-radical degradation of 1O2 plays a leading role in SMX degradation. Finally, according to the nine degradation intermediates detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), four possible SMX degradation routes were proposed. This study proved that a 30% Co-CHNTs heterogeneous catalyst is easily prepared, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly and has potential application in antibiotic wastewater treatment.

Efficient pH-universal degradation of antibiotic tetracycline via Co2P decorated Neosinocalamus affinis biochar.

Considering the complexity of traditional cobalt phosphide (Co2P) loaded biochar synthesis research on a simple and efficient synthesis method has practical significance. In this study, after phosphoric acid activation, Neosinocalamus affinis biochar (NAB) and nanoplate Co3O4 quickly formed a Co2P-NAB composite material with high Co2P crystallinity and was uniformly dispersed on the surface of NAB in a microwave reactor. Co2P-NAB has an excellent catalytic degradation effect in the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade tetracycline (TC). The optimal TC degradation efficiency was achieved with the addition of 50 mg L-1 TC concentration, 0.2 g L-1 catalysts, 0.406 mM PMS and pH = 6.02. In addition, according to the pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant calculation, the composite of Co2P-NAB and PMS the synergy efficiency is 81.55 %. Compared with Co2P-NAB (10.83 %) and PMS (7.62 %) alone, the Co2P-NAB/PMS system has a significant promotion effect on the degradation of TC molecules. Additionally, the Co2P-NAB/PMS system had a TC mineralization rate of 68 % in 30 min. Furthermore, after a series of characterization, detection and analysis, and influencing factor experiments, we proposed a potential mechanism for the Co2P-NAB/PMS reaction system to degrade TC and found that singlet oxygen (1O2) plays an essential role in the non-radical degradation process. Finally, according to the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detection of TC degradation intermediates, a possible degradation route was proposed. Therefore, this work uses microwave technology to present a novel and simple synthesis method for transition metal phosphides, which provides potential application value for the treatment of actual wastewater with heterogeneous catalysts.

The Development of Chinese Version of Transcultural Nursing Self-Efficiency Scale: Using Rasch Model Analysis.

Introduction: With the huge advances of globalization and urbanization, the nursing services in China are meeting the challenge of varied culture-specific needs in practices. Tools to measure transcultural sensitivity thus has great value in promoting transcultural nursing practices. Method: The Chinese version of Transcultural Nursing Self-Efficacy Scale (TSET-CV) was translated and validated with a sample of 2,346 nurses in China. Utilizing the analytical framework of the rating scale model, each item of the three subscales, namely the cognitive, practical, and effect subscale, was analyzed in terms of item analysis, item fitting, difficulty, reliability, item function, and validity. Results: The analysis suggested that 5-point Likert-type scale was more suitable than the 10-point Likert-type scale originally used. Item 27 and Item 79 showed deficient properties, which was deleted in the TSET-CV. The most accurate ranges measured by the TSET-CV matched the range of the distribution of the subjects' ability. Discussion: Unlike the classical test theory, the rating scale model based on the Rasch's model can provide sample-independent psychometric properties of items. The revised TSET-CV has great potential in diagnosing deficiency among nursing student in transcultural self-efficiency, which can promote the development of corresponding education strategies.

Investigation for the transcultural self-efficacy of nurses in Guizhou, China.

AIM: As conflict caused by cultural diversity among patients in China continues to rise, hospitals are in urgent need for improvement of transcultural efficacy among nurses. This study aims to evaluate the transcultural self-efficacy of nurses working in the tertiary general hospital in Guizhou Province, an ethnic minority region in western China, and to identify whether nurses' demographic characteristics affect their transcultural self-efficacy. METHOD: We used the Chinese version of the Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET-CV) to survey 1,190 in-service nurses. RESULTS: Results showed that the level of transcultural self-efficacy of the nurses was generally moderate; few of the nurses had high or low transcultural self-efficacy. The nurses' transcultural self-efficacy was affected by demographic variables, including age, marital status, employment type, income, work experience, and whether or not they were head nurses. Having a stable work environment, a stable marriage, a good educational background, and a high-ranked professional title were associated with increased transcultural self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Nursing administrators in hospitals should offer continuing education on transcultural nursing according to nurses' demographic characteristics and the SEST scores.

CKB1 is involved in abscisic acid and gibberellic acid signaling to regulate stress responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Casein kinase II (CK2), an evolutionarily well-conserved Ser/Thr kinase, plays critical roles in all higher organisms including plants. CKB1 is a regulatory subunit beta of CK2. In this study, homozygous T-DNA mutants (ckb1-1 and ckb1-2) and over-expression plants (35S:CKB1-1, 35S:CKB1-2) of Arabidopsis thaliana were studied to understand the role of CKB1 in abiotic stress and gibberellic acid (GA) signaling. Histochemical staining showed that although CKB1 was expressed in all organs, it had a relatively higher expression in conducting tissues. The ckb1 mutants showed reduced sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination and seedling growth. The increased stomatal aperture, leaf water loss and proline accumulation were observed in ckb1 mutants. In contrast, the ckb1 mutant had increased sensitivity to polyaluminum chloride during seed germination and hypocotyl elongation. We obtained opposite results in over-expression plants. The expression levels of a number of genes in the ABA and GA regulatory network had changed. This study demonstrates that CKB1 is an ABA signaling-related gene, which subsequently influences GA metabolism, and may play a positive role in ABA signaling.

Perceived Transcultural Self-Efficacy of Nurses in General Hospitals in Guangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Conflicts arising from cultural diversity among patients and hospital staff in China have become intense. Hospitals have an urgent need to improve transcultural self-efficacy of nurses for providing effective transcultural nursing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the research was to (a) evaluate the current status of perceived transcultural self-efficacy of nurses in general hospitals in Guangzhou, China; (b) explore associations between demographic characteristics of nurses and their perceived transcultural self-efficacy; and (c) assess the reliability and validity of scores on the Chinese version of the Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of registered nurses from three general hospitals was conducted. Quota and convenience sampling were used. Participants provided demographic information and answered questions on the TSET. RESULTS: A total of 1,156 registered nurses took part. Most nurses had a moderate level of self-efficacy on the Cognitive (87.9%), Practical (87%), and Affective (89.2%) TSET subscales. Nurses who were older; who had more years of work experience, higher professional titles, higher incomes, and a minority background; and who were officially employed (not temporary positions) had higher perceived transcultural self-efficacy. Reliability estimated using Cronbach's alpha was .99 for the total TSET score; reliability for the three subscales ranged from .97 to .98. Confirmatory factor analysis of TSET scores showed good fit with a three-factor model. CONCLUSION: The results of this study can provide insights and guidelines for hospital nursing management to facilitate design of in-service education systems to improve transcultural self-efficacy of nurses.

Genetic diversity revealed by morphological traits and ISSR markers in 48 Okras (Abelmoschus escullentus L.).

Okra is a widely distributed crop in the tropics, subtropics, and warmer areas of the temperate zones. Its major potential uses as a vegetable, oil and protein source, and source of paper pulp and fuel, or biomass are compatible. It is expected to have high value of exploitation and application. Due to the limited number of molecular studies focused on okras, the methods of morphological and ISSR markers were used to analysis the genetic diversity of 48 okras in the present study. The 22 primers were picked for ISSR-PCR, and a total of 154 fragments were amplified with an overall average polymorphism of 54.55 %. We used the 154 markers to construct the dendrogram based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA). A high level of genetic diversity was found among 48 individuals. The 48 Okras was divided into four clusters at Dice's coefficient of 0.19 with clustering analysis. Based on these data of the genetic diversity, it will be possible to exploit the available resources of okra in more valuable ways.

Trends and disease burden of enteric fever in Guangxi province, China, 1994-2004.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the burden of enteric fever through trends in morbidity and mortality, bacterial species and antimicrobial resistance in Guangxi, a southern, subtropical, coastal province of China with a disproportionally large burden of enteric fever. METHODS: Data on morbidity and mortality caused by enteric fever between 1994 and 2004 were extracted from the Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Laboratory-based surveillance and outbreak investigations were integrated with reports of notifiable infectious diseases to estimate the bacterial species-specific incidence of enteric fever. To adjust for underreporting, survey data were collected from three prefectures that represent the hyper-, moderate- and low-endemic regions of Guangxi province. FINDINGS: In Guangxi province, enteric fever incidence rate varied over the study period, with a peak of 13.5 cases per 100 000 population in 1995 and a low of 6.5 in 2003. The disease occurred most frequently during the summer and autumn months and in the group aged 10-49 years. The incidence of enteric fever varied by region within Guangxi province. During the 11-year period covered by the study, 61 outbreaks of enteric fever were reported, and Salmonella paratyphi A (SPA) became the predominant causative agent in the province. CONCLUSION: Prospective studies may provide a better understanding of the reason for the shifting epidemiology of enteric fever in Guangxi province. Given the emergence of resistance to first- and second-line antimicrobials for the treatment of enteric fever, a bivalent vaccine against both SPA and S. typhi would facilitate for disease control.

[Effectiveness of an immunization campaign with group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine in controlling an outbreak of group C meningococcal disease].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (A/C MPV) in response to an outbreak of group C meningococcal disease. METHODS: A vaccination campaign with A/C MPV was prompted 6 weeks after the use of group A MPV in Laibin city, Guangxi, where an outbreak of group C meningococcal meningitis occurred in 2002. Vaccinees were observed for local and systemic reactions after the vaccination and followed up for the meningococcal disease for 5 years. Blood samples were collected from 71 people in the epidemic and 43 in the non-epidemic areas before and 1 month after the vaccination and examined by ELISA to detect IgG antibodies to group A and C polysaccharides. RESULTS: The vaccination coverage was 97%. No significant adverse reactions were observed. The positive rates of group C antibodies after vaccination was between 97.67% and 100% among the populations in the epidemic and non-epidemic areas, as well as among those negative and positive for group C antibodies prior to the vaccination. The geometric mean anti-C concentrations ranged 30.81 microg/ml to 37.44 microg/ml, showing no significant difference between groups. The incidence rate of meningococcal disease in students with timely immunization (218.58/100,000) dropped by 69.02%, when compared to that in those with delayed immunization (705.72/100,000). No clinical cases were identified during the follow-up period of 15,760 person-years. CONCLUSION: The vaccination campaign with the Chinese group A/C MPV seemed successful in controlling the group C meningococcal outbreak. The vaccine was shown to be safe even administered after the group A vaccine only 6 weeks apart. It could induce high levels of antibodies in vulnerable population and significantly increase antibody levels in seropositive individuals, thus providing a protection of at least 5 years.

[Evaluation on the safety of a group A + C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of a group A + C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine as part of a phase IV clinical trial. METHODS: The study area was divided into 108 clusters according to the principle of cluster randomization, stratified and paired sampling methods. 54 out of 108 clusters served as observation groups were administered A + C vaccine, while the rest 54 groups were administered Vi polysaccharide vaccine. An adverse event surveillance system was established to monitor the adverse events following the vaccination campaign. Identical form and methods were used for data collection to investigate the adverse events following the vaccination of both A+ C vaccine and Vi vaccine. RESULTS: 34,543 people were vaccinated, including 18,167 of whom received A + C vaccine, while the other 16,376 received Vi vaccine. The rates of immediate injection reaction and unsolicited non-serious adverse events from A + C vaccine group were 0.44% and 0.38% while of Vi vaccine group were 0.79% and 0.73% respectively. At the solicited adverse event survey on 3-day-post-vaccination, 1239 vaccinees were followed-up including 771 received A + C vaccine and 468 received Vi vaccine. The local injection reaction rate of A + C vaccine group on the 1st day was significantly higher (X2 = 13.98, P = 0.0002) than that of Vi vaccine group. Neither the local injection reaction rate nor the system reaction rate between both groups was significantly different on 2nd and 3rd day, post vaccination. It was not statistically different when comparing fever onset rate between those who received vaccine and those who did not, in each vaccine group. There were no serious adverse events observed. CONCLUSION: Results showed that the side effects of A + C vaccine and the Vi vaccine were mild and safe for vaccination campaigns targeting on populations at different age.

[Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of nano-fumed silica derivative with quaternary ammonium salts].

Nano-fumed silica reacted with gamma-chlopropyltrimethoxysilane as a coupling agent, and then by quaternization with N,N-dimethyl-n-tetradecylamine, finally the nano-fumed silica derivative with quaternary ammonium salts was obtained. The nano-fumed silica derivative was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and Zeta sizer nano series. The antimicrobial properties of the nano-fumed silica derivative against selected microorganisms were tested by the quantitative suspension method. The results revealed that (1) gamma-chlopropyltrimethoxysilane can be bound to the surface of the nano-fumed silica With increasing the amount of gamma-chlopropyltrimethoxysilane, the amount of surface hydroxyl groups of nano-fumed silica decreases. (2) The Zeta potential showed that the isoelectric point of the nano-fumed silica and the modified nano-fumed silica is pH 4.8 and pH 10.5, respectively. The shift of the isoelectric point is due to the quaternary ammonium groups. (3) The obtained nano-fumed silica derivative has significant inhibition effect on the growth of microorganisms, and the bactericidal rates in 15 min for E. coil (8099), S. aureus (ATCC6538) and C. albicans(ATCC10231) were 99.99%,, 99.99% and 94.12%, respectively.

[Application of cluster randomization method on typhoid Vi vaccine trails].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the design and application of cluster randomized controlled method on typhoid Vi vaccine trial, and to assess the effect of implementation. METHODS: Simple size calculation of cluster-randomized trial was used to determine the sample size of the two groups and a vaccination campaign was conducted. The study group was given typhoid Vi vaccine and the control group was given meningococcal A vaccine. RESULTS: According to sample size calculation, a total sample of 96,121 participants was required and the study areas were divided into 108 clusters. In practice, 53 study clusters with 44,054 participants and 54 control clusters with 48,422 participants were stratified and matched according to size, location (urban or rural), characteristics (school, department, factory, demography) were randomized respectively. Confounding factors of two groups including age, sex, resident area, income, level of education were compared. It was found that the ratio of all confounding factors between the two groups were comparable and balanced. CONCLUSION: Confounding factors can be better controlled between study group and the control group by applying cluster-randomized method on vaccine trail which enabled the intervention to be more scientifically evaluated; The implementation of cluster randomization trial was simple and easy to be accepted.

A mass vaccination campaign targeting adults and children to prevent typhoid fever in Hechi; expanding the use of Vi polysaccharide vaccine in southeast China: a cluster-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the goals of this study was to learn the coverage, safety and logistics of a mass vaccination campaign against typhoid fever in children and adults using locally produced typhoid Vi polysaccharide (PS) and group A meningococcal PS vaccines in southern China. METHODS: The vaccination campaign targeted 118,588 persons in Hechi, Guangxi Province, aged between 5 to 60 years, in 2003. The study area was divided into 107 geographic clusters, which were randomly allocated to receive one of the single-dose parenteral vaccines. All aspects regarding vaccination logistics, feasibility and safety were documented and systematically recorded. Results of the logistics, feasibility and safety are reported. RESULTS: The campaign lasted 5 weeks and the overall vaccination coverage was 78%. On average, the 30 vaccine teams gave immunizations on 23 days. Vaccine rates were higher in those aged < or = 15 years (90%) than in adolescents and young adults (70%). Planned mop-up activities increased the coverage by 17%. The overall vaccine wastage was 11%. The cold chain was maintained and documented. 66 individuals reported of adverse events out of all vaccinees, where fever (21%), malaise (19%) and local redness (19%) were the major symptoms; no life-threatening event occurred. Three needle-sharp events were reported. CONCLUSION: The mass immunization proved feasible and safe, and vaccine coverage was high. Emphasis should be placed on: injection safety measures, community involvement and incorporation of mop-up strategies into any vaccination campaign. School-based and all-age Vi mass immunizations programs are potentially important public health strategies for prevention of typhoid fever in high-risk populations in southern China.

[Epidemiologic surveillance for bacterial meningitis in 140 000 children under 5 years of age in Nanning district, Guangxi province].

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the incidence, epidemiologic features, etiologic agents and sequelae of bacterial meningitis in children under 5 years of age in Nanning, Guangxi. METHODS: A population-based surveillance was conducted to evaluate children with signs and symptoms of meningitis. All hospitals, township health centers and village clinics in the surveillance area were structured to participate in the case referral and evaluation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood specimens were obtained and processed using standardized microbiologic methods. RESULTS: During the 26-month surveillance period, among the children under 5 years old, a total of 1272 cases who met the screening criteria of meningitis were studied. 265 of 1272 cases were identified as clinically diagnosed meningitis, with an incidence rate of 86.36 per 100 000 population. The annual incidence rate under the 38 cases of confirmed bacterial meningitis appeared to be 12.38/100 000. Staphylococcus species accounted for the largest proportion of laboratory-confirmed bacterial meningitis, followed by E. coli and S. pneumoniae. The highest attack rate occurred in neonates < 1 month, followed by children aged 1 - 12 months in the confirmed patients. Meningitis caused by Sp and Hi mainly occurred in children aged 1 - 12 months. All cases of meningitis due to Hi and Sp were children aged 1 - 24 months. 13.16% and 0.00% of the cases survived with complications and sequelae, and the case-fatality rate was 18.42%. 40 bacterial isolates were identified from 1193 blood cultures and 23 from 1211 cerebrospinal fluid samples, but no Neisseria meningitidis was found. CONCLUSION: Meningitis due to Hi was first confirmed in Guangxi with the incidence of 0.98 per 100 000 population. The annual incidence rate of confirmed bacterial meningitis was 12.38 per 100 000, which was considered an important public health problem in children. Staphylococci was the predominant pathogen in confirmed bacterial meningitis.