1.Genetic diversity analysis of Aedes albopictus populations in Shandong Province using mitochondrial mtDNA-COⅠ gene sequences
Fan-jin MENG ; Yong LIU ; Huan HUANG ; Wei-bo MA ; Yi-fan WU ; Wei-long TAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):31-39
Objective This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure of Aedes albopictus across different geographical regions in Shandong Province, and to explore the relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. Methods Between July and August 2024, ten Ae. albopictus populations were sampled from seven cities in Shandong Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COⅠ)gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced. The obtained sequences were verified using BLAST and analyzed with MAFFT, MEGA 11, DnaSP v6.12, Arlequin 3.5, PopART 1.7, STRUCTURE 2.3.4 and the R packages adegenet and vegan to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Results A total of 229 COⅠ sequences(662 bp) was obtained, revealing ten variable sites with no insertions or deletions. The overall base composition showed an AT bias of 67.7%. Haplotype analysis identified 11 haplotypes, with Hap2 being the dominant and most widely distributed haplotype across all populations. Neutrality tests showed significant population expansion only in the Rizhao population. Mantel testing result revealed that geographical distance does not significantly impede gene flow. Overall, genetic differentiation among populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. When combined with additional samples from Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan and Guangxi, STRUCTURE, UPGMA and DAPC analyses revealed two primary genetic clusters of Ae. albopictus. Conclusions Ae. albopictus populations in Shandong Province exhibit frequent gene flow, low genetic differentiation, and relatively low overall genetic diversity. However, the Rizhao population showed signs of recent expansion, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted control measures in this area.
2.Analysis of monitoring data of 131I internal exposure among nuclear medicine staff in Guangdong Province, China, 2022-2024
Hongwei YU ; Xuan LONG ; Zhan TAN ; Huifeng CHEN ; Rui MA ; Weixu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):313-318
Objective To analyze the monitoring data of 131I internal exposure in Guangdong Province over the past 3 years, study the thyroid 131I contamination levels among nuclear medicine staff, and provide a basis for optimizing the monitoring plan. Methods Using a convenience sampling method, 574 detections of nuclear medicine staff from 28 hospitals in Guangdong Province were included in the study. The thyroid 131I activity was measured directly in vivo. Differences in detection rates were analyzed, and committed effective doses were estimated. Results Over the past 3 years in Guangdong Province, 131I accumulation was found in the thyroids of staff from 14 hospitals for 62 (10.8%) detections, with an average activity of 154.8 (13.2-8730.6) Bq. The adjusted annual intake was 50.7 (4.5-820.6) kBq. The committed effective dose was 0.56 (0.05-9.03) mSv/a, and the values were ≥ 2 mSv for 8 persons. Among different positions, nurses showed the highest detection rate (19.6%), followed by cleaners (14.7%), with significant differences (P<0.05). Among different exposure types, the detection rate was highest for loading medication into automatic dispenser (23.3%), and the mean activity was highest for entering thyroid cancer patient ward (495.4 Bq), with significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion Monitoring of 131I internal exposure in Guangdong Province found that the radiation doses of some staff members had exceeded the threshold specified in other investigations. Routine personal 131I internal exposure monitoring should be conducted, with increased monitoring frequency. Priority should be given to nurses and cleaners, with monitoring extended to cleaners and outsourced dispensing staff.
3.Diagnostic Dilemma in Interpreting Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling in Suspected Cyclical Cushing’s Disease in an Adolescent
Nicholas Wee Wern Phan ; Pei Sun Tan ; Subashini Rajoo ; Vanusha A/P Devaraja Pillai ; Shazatul Reza binti Mohd Redzuan ; Gayathri Devi Krishnan ; Sharifah Noor Adrilla Long Mohd Noor Affendi
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):90-
Introduction:
Cushing’s disease in adolescents is rare and frequently
difficult to diagnose due to overlapping features with
common pubertal and metabolic conditions. We present
an adolescent who underwent inferior petrosal sinus
sampling (IPSS) with possible cyclical Cushing’s disease,
highlighting the diagnostic challenges and the interpretive
value of IPSS.
Case:
A 16-year-old female presented with progressive weight
gain, acne, hirsutism, secondary amenorrhea, proximal
myopathy, violaceous striae, and facial plethora over 1 year.
Her 24-hour urinary cortisol was >3,310 nmol/L with failure
of suppression following a 1-mg overnight dexamethasone
suppression test (701 nmol/L). Her adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) was raised (77.9 pg/mL), consistent with
ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. Her hemoglobin
A1c was 5.9%, and she has low bone mass for age with a
Z score of -2.9 at the Lumbar spine.
Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging identified a rightsided microadenoma measuring 0.6 × 0.5 cm, while
computed tomography of the thorax, abdomen, and
pelvis showed no ectopic source. IPSS with desmopressin
stimulation was performed to confirm the ACTH source.
No steroidogenesis inhibitors were administered prior to
testing. Notably, cortisol levels during IPSS were relatively
low, with midnight cortisol of 91 nmol/L and morning
cortisol of 200 nmol/L, suggesting testing during a trough
phase of possible cyclical hypercortisolism. Despite this,
IPSS demonstrated a significant central-to-peripheral
ACTH gradient supporting a pituitary source.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma of interpreting
IPSS in suspected cyclical Cushing’s disease. Fluctuating
cortisol secretion may result in discordant biochemical
findings and complicate localization studies. IPSS findings should be interpreted cautiously and integrated with
clinical features, imaging, and serial biochemical monitoring. Recognition of cyclical disease patterns is essential to
ensure appropriate management in adolescent patients.
Adolescent
;
Humans
;
Petrosal Sinus Sampling
4.Rescue Plasma Exchange in Thyroid Storm: Successful Bridging to Thionamide Therapy
Pei Sun Tan ; Hafizah Mohd Amadzun ; Sharifah Noor Adrilla Long Mohd Noor Affendi ; Gayathri Devi Krishnan ; Shazatul Reza binti Mohd Redzuan ; Subashini Rajoo
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):122-
Introduction:
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has emerged as a
rescue therapy in thyroid storm. Multiple cycles are often
required to achieve adequate reduction in circulating
thyroid hormone levels. We report a case of thyroid storm
with multiorgan failure successfully managed with only
two cycles of TPE, followed by carbimazole.
:
A 43-year-old female with no significant past medical
history presented with a 5-month history of altered bowel
habits. She has a small goiter, which was not investigated
before. She underwent elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy at a private centre, both of which
were unremarkable. Post-procedure, she developed
unstable tachyarrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Return of
spontaneous circulation was achieved after three cycles of
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and she was transferred
to the intensive care unit. Biochemical evaluation revealed
severe thyrotoxicosis (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]
<0.008 mIU/L, free thyroxine 4 [FT4] >100 pmol/L). BurchWartofsky Point Scale was 90. Her clinical course was complicated by multiorgan failure,
including ischemic hepatitis with coagulopathy and
oliguric acute kidney injury requiring continuous venovenous hemodialysis. Lugol’s iodine and corticosteroids
were initiated as thionamides were contraindicated due
to severe hepatic dysfunction. She developed refractory
tachyarrhythmia despite electrical cardioversion. Following
a multidisciplinary discussion, TPE was initiated due to the
limited choice of antithyroid medication.
After two TPE sessions, thyroid function improved
markedly (TSH 0.01 mIU/L, FT4 26.2 pmol/L), accompanied
by improvement in hepatic and renal function, allowing
safe commencement of carbimazole. Thyroid function
remained stable with FT4 of 19.3 pmol/L 1 week post
TPE. Echocardiography demonstrated mildly reduced
left ventricular ejection fraction (45–50%) with bi-atrial
dilatation.
Conclusion
This case highlights the role of limited-cycle TPE as an
effective rescue therapy and bridging strategy to definitive
treatment in severe thyroid storm with multiorgan failure.
Timely TPE initiation may improve biochemical control
and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.
Plasma Exchange
;
Thyroid Crisis
5.Analysis of differences in radiation dose rates in the fluoroscopic protection zone of digital subtraction angiography devices
Hongwei YU ; Zhan TAN ; Pengxiang QU ; Weixu HUANG ; Xuan LONG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):348-353
Objective To analyze bedside radiation dose rates for interventional surgery operators in Guangdong Province, examine dose distribution patterns, and identify potential weaknesses in radiation protection, and to provide guidance for optimizing radiation monitoring and protection measures. Methods A total of 209 digital subtraction angiography devices measured in Guangdong Province between 2017 and 2024 were used as the research objects. The first and second operator positions were set at 30 cm and 90 cm horizontally from the X-ray tube focal point, respectively. Monitoring points were set up at 155, 125, 105, 80, and 20 cm above the ground. Results The median bedside radiation dose rate for interventional surgery operators in Guangdong Province was 83.0 (3.9,
6.Relationship between angle kappa, angle alpha and objective visual quality in patients with multifocal intraocular lens
Chaojie* ZHU ; Tan* LONG ; Ting MA ; Jie YAN ; Rui WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1399-1405
AIM: To investigate how angles kappa and alpha affect postoperative visual quality in patients with multifocal intraocular lens(mIOLs)implantation.METHODS: Retrospective cases series. A total of 46 patients(46 eyes)who underwent phacoemulsification were subsumed. The correlation between Preoperative angles kappa and alpha, wave-front aberrations and objective visual quality of cornea, internal, and total eye after surgery were analyzed using iTrace.RESULTS: The magnitude of angle kappa was negatively correlated with internal and total modulation transfer function(MTF)at 3 mm; the magnitude of angle kappa was positively correlated with astigmatism, trefoil, higher-order aberrations(HOAs)of both internal and total eye at 3 mm. The magnitude of angle alpha was negatively correlated with total MTF and total Strehl ratio at 3 mm. The magnitude of angle alpha was positively correlated with corneal coma at 5 mm, internal astigmatism at both 3 mm and 5 mm, and total spherical aberration(SA)at 3 mm. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that, among candidate independent variables(kappa, alpha, astigmatism, SA, coma, trefoil, and HOAs), astigmatism is the only independent factor for altering corneal MTF at 3 mm and 5 mm; astigmatism and HOAs emerged as independent factors for altering internal MTF at 3 mm and 5 mm, and total MTF at 3 mm; astigmatism, SA and HOAs emerged as independent factors for altering total MTF at 5 mm.CONCLUSION: With greater preoperative angle kappa or angle alpha, patients who accept mIOL implantation tend to have larger internal astigmatism and HOAs, which resulting in poor visual quality, especially those with small pupil size.
7.Exploring the high-quality development of talent teams in Hainan Province's disease control organizations
LI Yu ; TAN Long ; XU Ke ; LIN Yingzi
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(2):248-
Objective To analyze and study the status quo and deficiencies in the construction of talent teams at all levels of CDCs in Hainan Province and put forward countermeasures to provide a reference basis for the high-quality development of talent team construction in all levels of CDCs in Hainan Province. Methods Using field surveys and data retrieval, spatial analysis was employed to compare the overall differences in human resource status of the provincial-level CDC and CDCs in five regional areas (East, West, South, North, and Central Hainan). The coordination between human resource allocation and development strategies was analyzed. A descriptive analysis mainly utilized CDC survey questionnaires and other research forms to explore the health human resources of the province's CDCs. Results The professional and technical personnel in the provincial CDCs comprise 1 431 individuals, accounting for 82.3% (1 431/1 739) of the total number of actual employees, which falls short of the Central Institutional Reform Commission's (CIRC) mandate that technical professionals comprise at least 85% of the total workforce (CIRC Document [2014] No. 2). Among Hainan's CDC personnel, 115 individuals are recognized as high-level talents within the Hainan Free Trade Port framework. These include one Class C talent, 22 Class D talents, and 93 Class E talents. Class A, B, and C-level talents are deficient. The majority of staff at both the provincial and regional CDCs hold bachelor's degrees. There is a significant proportion of staff with associate degrees or lower qualifications, coupled with a severe shortage of highly educated personnel. Postgraduates with master’s degrees or above account for 27.8% (65/233) in the provincial CDC, indicating low educational credentials among personnel in Hainan's CDCs. The central region, characterized by slower economic and social development, faces greater challenges in attracting and retaining high-level talent. There is a scarcity of public health professionals with interdisciplinary expertise. Some public health staff lack clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in disease treatment. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen on-site emergency response capabilities for public health emergencies. The structural ratio of senior, intermediate, and junior professional and technical positions in the provincial CDC is 40%∶45%∶15%. The position settings are limited to ranking levels without distinction by professional category, leading to a bottleneck-type competition like crossing the "one log bridge" for technical position promotions. Conclusion Hainan Province faces significant challenges in developing its public health workforce, both in technical expertise and management capacity. Especially under the context of the closure operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port, it is necessary to continuously strengthen top-level talent design to cultivate a favorable policy, system, and cultural environment, thereby promoting the sustained and healthy development of the province's public health career.
9.Pregnancy-associated breast cancer: Management of the mother, fetus and tumour.
Andrea TAN ; Weining WANG ; Cheryl LONG ; Zewen ZHANG ; Joanne NGEOW ; Citra MATTAR
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(4):235-246
INTRODUCTION:
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is described as breast cancer diagnosed within pregnancy or within 1 year postpartum. PABC is becoming more common due to delayed childbearing, with older maternal age increasing the likelihood of tumorigenesis coinciding with pregnancy. Our review aims to outline the important principles of managing PABC, and discusses future fertility implications, genetic testing and postnatal considera-tions that are not often considered in other existing reviews.
METHOD:
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases.
RESULTS:
A persistent breast mass in pregnant women should be evaluated with a breast ultrasound. Total mastectomy is the standard treatment in the first trimester. Chemotherapy is contraindicated in the first trimesters, but can be given in the second and third trimester, and stopped before 35 weeks. Radiotherapy should be delayed until delivery, and hormone receptor therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team involving an obstetrician, medical oncologist and other allied health professionals is crucial. Delivery should be planned as close to 37 weeks as possible, and at least 3 weeks after the last chemotherapy cycle. Vaginal delivery is preferred, and breastfeeding can resume 14 days after the last chemotherapy regime.
CONCLUSION
A breast mass in a pregnant woman should not be dismissed. PABC must be managed by multidisciplinary teams at tertiary medical centres with access to surgery and chemoradiation therapies. Management strategies must include safe manage-ment and delivery of the fetus, contraception and future fertility planning.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/diagnosis*
;
Mastectomy
;
Delivery, Obstetric
10.Exploration of differences in decoction phase state, material form, and crystal form between Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O based on supramolecules of traditional Chinese medicine.
Yao-Zhi ZHANG ; Wen-Min PI ; Xin-Ru TAN ; Ran XU ; Xu WANG ; Ming-Yang XU ; Xue-Mei HUANG ; Peng-Long WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):412-421
With Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum drug pair as the research object, supramolecular chemistry of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) was used to study differences between the compatibility of herbal medicine Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with mineral medicine Gypsum Fibrosum and its main component CaSO_4·2H_2O, so as to preliminarily discuss the scientific connotation of compatibility of Gypsum Fibrosum in clinical application. A Malvern particle sizer, a scanning electron microscope(SEM), and a conductivity meter were used to observe and determine the physical properties such as microscopic morphology, particle size, and conductivity of Gypsum Fibrosum, CaSO_4·2H_2O, and water decoctions of them with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES) was employed to detect the inorganic metal elements in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. Isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC) was conducted to quantify the interactions of Gypsum Fibrosum and CaSO_4·2H_2O with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR) was used to analyze the characteristic absorption peak change of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. X-ray diffraction(XRD) was performed to determine the crystal structure and phase composition of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. Further, glycyrrhizic acid(GA) was substituted for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to co-decoct with Gypsum Fibrosum, CaSO_4·2H_2O, and freeze-dried powder of their respective water decoctions. The results of XRD were used for verification analysis. The results showed that although CaSO_4·2H_2O is the main component of Gypsum Fibrosum, there were significant differences between their decoctions and between the decoctions of them with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Specifically,(1) Both CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum were amorphous fibrous. However, the particle size and conductivity were significantly different between the decoctions of CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum alone.(2) Under SEM, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O was a hybrid system with various morphologies, while Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum presented uniform nanoparticles.(3) The particle sizes and conductivities of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum were significantly different and did not follow the same tendency as those of the decoctions of CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum alone.(4) Compared with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum had stronger molecular binding ability and functional group structure change.(5) The crystal form was largely different between the freeze-dried powder of CaSO_4·2H_2O decoction and Gypsum Fibrosum decoction, and their crystal forms were also significantly different from those of the freeze-dried powder of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum decoctions. The reason for the series of differences is that Gypsum Fibrosum is richer in trace elements than CaSO_4·2H_2O. The XRD results of GA-Gypsum Fibrosum and GA-CaSO_4·2H_2O decoctions further prove the importance of trace elements in Gypsum Fibrosum for supramolecule formation. This research preliminarily reveals the influence of compatibility of Gypsum Fibrosum or CaSO_4·2H_2O on decoction phase state, material form, and crystal form, providing a basis for the rational clinical application of Gypsum Fibrosum.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Calcium Sulfate/chemistry*
;
Glycyrrhiza/chemistry*
;
Crystallization
;
Particle Size
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Rhizome/chemistry*


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