OBJECTIVE To investigate the management status of small pressure steam sterilizers in dental institu-tions across seven major regions of China and provide references for establishing standardized monitoring and eval-uation protocols for sterilization efficacy.METHODS From Aug.to Nov.2023,a convenience sampling method was employed to select 885 dental institutions of various levels from seven geographical regions.An online survey using a self-designed questionnaire was conducted to assess the management status of small pressure steam steri-lizers in dental institutions.RESULTS A total of 885 questionnaires were distributed,with 770 valid responses col-lected,covering 770 dental institutions at all levels.The survey involved 2 056 small pressure steam sterilizers,of which 43.14％were pre-vacuum type and 89.40％were benchtop models.Tertiary dental institutions had the high-est proportion of imported small pressure steam sterilizers(60.15％),with most devices in use for 5-10 years(36.88％).Secondary and low er-level institutions predominantly used domestically produced small pressure steam sterilizers(74.60％),which used for 3-5 years accounting for the highest proportion(34.29％).While 85.58％of dental institutions employed dedicated sterilization personnel,only 45.84％performed proper maintenance for small pressure steam sterilizers.Training rates were 80.00％for department of stomatology in ungraded general hospitals and primary medical institutions,76.19％in prejob and 71.43％during the work for department of sto-matology in primary clinics,respectively.CONCLUSIONS Although most dental institutions demonstrate sound policy formulation,challenges persist in equipment maintenance,policy implementation and grassroots training.Future efforts should be made on strengthening maintenance and inspection of equipment,enhancing sys-tem supervisory mechanisms,and optimizing training systems to ensure dental treatment safety.

In proton therapy,prompt gamma-ray imaging is considered as one of the most promising methods for assessing proton beam range.Prompt gamma-ray imaging detector evaluates the proton beam range based on the prompt gamma-ray distribution obtained by the prompt gamma-ray imaging system,which enables high-precision measurement of the proton beam range.Herein a proton beam range verification algorithm is designed for the newly developed prototype of the range verification detector(pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector),which verifies the range estimation accuracy of the prototype for different phantoms and different energies of homogeneous media through Monte Carlo simulation.The results show that the accuracy of the proton beam range verification algorithm is within 0.5 mm of the safety margin error of the Bragg peak,and the measurement accuracy is significantly improved with the increase of the number of protons,indicating that the prototype algorithm is feasible for proton beam range verification.

Psoriasis is a chronic,inflammatory,recurrent,and systemic disease mediated by immune dysregulation,which is often accompanied by psychological issues such as depression and anxiety.Recent research on the gut microbiota and depression and anxiety has made significant progress,with studies demonstrating that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may be an important comorbidity mechanism linking psoriasis with depression and anxiety.This article summarizes the changes in the abundance of gut microbiota in patients with psoriasis and those with depression and anxiety,as well as how the gut microbiota influences this comorbidity through neural pathways and immune-endocrine pathways.It aims to provide novel perspectives for the study of the comorbidity mechanisms and clinical treatment of psoriasis and depression and anxiety.In the future,targeting the gut microbiota may enable the development of personalized treatments.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel reduction device in the treatment of A3N0/1 thoracolumbar fracture using navigation-assisted techniques.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients (29 males, 16 females; mean age 40.67±16.11 years, range 24-57) with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent fracture reduction and pedicle screw fixation via the Wiltse approach at Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital between January 2022 and January 2023. Injury levels included: T 10 in 2 cases, T 11 in 5 cases, T 12 in 13 cases, L 1 in 20 cases, L 2 in 3 cases, L 3 in 2 cases. All patients underwent fracture reduction via the Wiltse approach using the spinal fracture reduction instrument for vertebral body reduction. Among them, 20 patients received O-arm navigation-assisted internal fixation and vertebral reduction (O-arm group), while 25 received C-arm fluoroscopy-guided internal fixation and vertebral reduction (C-arm group). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, vertebral reduction time using the instrument, first-time screw placement success rate, screw placement accuracy, and complications were compared. Mid-vertebral body height ratio (MVBHr), local Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were compared preoperatively, at 1 week postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and final follow-up. Results:All surgeries were successfully completed in both groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the O-arm group (106.8±14.4 min) than in the C-arm group (119.1±16.4 min, P<0.05). All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 15.9±3.9 months (range 12-20 months). Vertebral reduction time was significantly shorter in the O-arm group (11.0±2.2 min) than in the C-arm group (20.4±5.7 min, P<0.05). The first-time screw placement success rate was significantly higher in the O-arm group (100%) than in the C-arm group (95.3%, P<0.05). Screw placement accuracy (Grade I) was significantly higher in the O-arm group (117 screws, 97.5%) than in the C-arm group (136 screws, 90.7%, P<0.05). No cases of wrong-level surgery, infection, or spinal cord/nerve injury occurred. Both groups showed significant improvements in MVBHr, Cobb angle, VAS, and ODI at all postoperative time points compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). At final follow-up, the O-arm group demonstrated significantly better outcomes than the C-arm group in MVBHr (90.6%±4.5% vs. 86.4%±6.9%, P<0.05), Cobb angle (7.6°±1.8° vs. 10.1°±3.2°, P<0.05), VAS (1.3±0.4 vs. 1.7±0.6, P<0.05), and ODI (4.6%±1.9% vs. 7.7%±2.0%, P<0.01). Conclusion:O-arm navigation-assisted intrasegmental push reduction for A3N0/1 type thoracolumbar fractures demonstrates advantages including faster and more accurate screw placement, precise reduction with improved outcomes, and significant postoperative pain relief.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel reduction device in the treatment of A3N0/1 thoracolumbar fracture using navigation-assisted techniques.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients (29 males, 16 females; mean age 40.67±16.11 years, range 24-57) with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent fracture reduction and pedicle screw fixation via the Wiltse approach at Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital between January 2022 and January 2023. Injury levels included: T 10 in 2 cases, T 11 in 5 cases, T 12 in 13 cases, L 1 in 20 cases, L 2 in 3 cases, L 3 in 2 cases. All patients underwent fracture reduction via the Wiltse approach using the spinal fracture reduction instrument for vertebral body reduction. Among them, 20 patients received O-arm navigation-assisted internal fixation and vertebral reduction (O-arm group), while 25 received C-arm fluoroscopy-guided internal fixation and vertebral reduction (C-arm group). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, vertebral reduction time using the instrument, first-time screw placement success rate, screw placement accuracy, and complications were compared. Mid-vertebral body height ratio (MVBHr), local Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were compared preoperatively, at 1 week postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and final follow-up. Results:All surgeries were successfully completed in both groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the O-arm group (106.8±14.4 min) than in the C-arm group (119.1±16.4 min, P<0.05). All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 15.9±3.9 months (range 12-20 months). Vertebral reduction time was significantly shorter in the O-arm group (11.0±2.2 min) than in the C-arm group (20.4±5.7 min, P<0.05). The first-time screw placement success rate was significantly higher in the O-arm group (100%) than in the C-arm group (95.3%, P<0.05). Screw placement accuracy (Grade I) was significantly higher in the O-arm group (117 screws, 97.5%) than in the C-arm group (136 screws, 90.7%, P<0.05). No cases of wrong-level surgery, infection, or spinal cord/nerve injury occurred. Both groups showed significant improvements in MVBHr, Cobb angle, VAS, and ODI at all postoperative time points compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). At final follow-up, the O-arm group demonstrated significantly better outcomes than the C-arm group in MVBHr (90.6%±4.5% vs. 86.4%±6.9%, P<0.05), Cobb angle (7.6°±1.8° vs. 10.1°±3.2°, P<0.05), VAS (1.3±0.4 vs. 1.7±0.6, P<0.05), and ODI (4.6%±1.9% vs. 7.7%±2.0%, P<0.01). Conclusion:O-arm navigation-assisted intrasegmental push reduction for A3N0/1 type thoracolumbar fractures demonstrates advantages including faster and more accurate screw placement, precise reduction with improved outcomes, and significant postoperative pain relief.

In proton therapy,prompt gamma-ray imaging is considered as one of the most promising methods for assessing proton beam range.Prompt gamma-ray imaging detector evaluates the proton beam range based on the prompt gamma-ray distribution obtained by the prompt gamma-ray imaging system,which enables high-precision measurement of the proton beam range.Herein a proton beam range verification algorithm is designed for the newly developed prototype of the range verification detector(pixelated prompt gamma-ray imaging detector),which verifies the range estimation accuracy of the prototype for different phantoms and different energies of homogeneous media through Monte Carlo simulation.The results show that the accuracy of the proton beam range verification algorithm is within 0.5 mm of the safety margin error of the Bragg peak,and the measurement accuracy is significantly improved with the increase of the number of protons,indicating that the prototype algorithm is feasible for proton beam range verification.

Diffuse pediatric-type high-grade glioma (pHGG), H3- and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild-type, is a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 diffuse glioma with malignant histological features, which typically affects in children and adolescents. This multidisciplinary treatment case involves a 24-year-old young female patient initially diagnosed via biopsy. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy reduced the tumor size, complete resection was achieved, followed by adjuvant therapy with temozolomide and regorafenib. After recurrence, the tumor was resected again, and a second course of radiotherapy was administered, but the disease ultimately progressed rapidly, with an overall survival exceeding 32 months. pHGGs are highly malignant, aggressive, and associated with poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention require close collaboration among a multidisciplinary team, which highlights the critical value of multidisciplinary manage-ment in clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) using the partition injection technique in the treatment of Kümmell’s disease of stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted of the 30 patients with stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ Kümmell’s disease (the partition group) who had been treated by PVP using the partition injection technique at Department of Spinal Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. The data of another 30 patients who had been treated at the same department and the same period using conventional PVP for stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ Kümmell's disease were selected as the conventional group. In the partition group, there were 13 males and 17 females, with an age of (72.3±10.1) years and disease duration of (3.1±1.5) months. Seventeen thoracic and 13 lumbar vertebrae were affected. In the conventional group, there were 11 males and 19 females, with an age of (75.5±12.7) years and disease duration of (3.5±1.8) months. Eighteen thoracic and 12 lumbar vertebrae were affected. Surgical time, volume of bone cement injected, bone cement leakage, and bone cement distribution were compared between the 2 groups. The heights of the anterior and middle vertebral bodies, kyphotic Cobb angle, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed postoperatively at 1 day, 6 months, and the last follow-up and compared between the 2 groups.Results:No significant differences were found in the baseline data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (17.3±3.1) months. There were no significant differences in the surgical time or bone cement leakage between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). The volume of bone cement injected in the partition group was significantly higher [(6.3±1.5) mL] than that in the conventional group [(4.9±1.0) mL] ( P<0.05). Bone cement distribution was significantly better in the partition group than that in the conventional group ( P<0.05). At postoperative 1 day, 6 months, and the last follow-up, the partition group was significantly better than the conventional group in anterior vertebral body height, middle vertebral body height, and kyphotic Cobb angle ( P<0.05). At the 6-month and the last follow-ups, the partition group was also significantly better than the conventional group in VAS pain score and ODI ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of Kümmell’s disease of stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ, compared with conventional PVP, PVP using the partition injection technique may lead to better long-term outcomes due to its better bone cement distribution, more adequate cement injection, and better restoration of vertebral body heights and correction of local deformity.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.