Objective The study aimed to elucidate the population composition and seasonal distribution characteristics of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Methods Mosquito surveillance was conducted in Laoshan District in Qingdao City using light traps from April to November 2020-2022. Dominant mosquito species were identified using the Berger-Parker dominance index(I)and mosquito density was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The seasonal distribution characteristics of adult mosquitoes were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution method. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between mosquito populations and meteorological factors with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity, and mean monthly rainfall. Results The mean mosquito density for the trapping period was 9.771 females/(trap·night)in 2020,9.771 in 2021, and 9.427 in 2022. There was no statistically significant difference in mosquito density between different years(H = 0.095, P = 0.954). In total, 2 781 adult female mosquitoes comprising five species from four genera were captured over three years. Culex pipiens(I = 0.654), Aedes albopictus(I = 0.202), and Aedes aegypti(I = 0.118)were identified as dominant species. Seasonal fluctuations in the adult mosquitoes were unimodal, and primarily concentrated from June to September. The peak period of adult mosquito varied between years with statistical significance. (F = 3.838, P ＜ 0.05). Mosquito density was highly correlated with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity and mean monthly precipitation(P＜ 0.05). Conclusions Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ar. inamoratus are the dominant mosquito species in the Laoshan District of Qingdao City. The activity of adult mosquitoes is seasonal, and primarily concentrated in summer and autumn, during which the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever is increased.

Objective To investigate the significance of modified Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity score (S-ReSC), renal stone complexity score (R.I.R.S.), and Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society Nephrolithometric Nomogram (CROES) score in predicting the stone-clearance rate (SFR) after ureteroscopy combined with flexible negative pressure suction sheath in the treatment of kidney stones. Methods A total of 200 patients with kidney stones treated in our hospital during Dec.2022 and Apr.2024 were selected.According to abdominal CT evaluation 1 month after surgery, the patients were divided into the residual group (n=38) and the non-residual group (n=162).The relationship between the scores was assessed with Pearson correlation, the independent risk factors were identified with binary logistic regression, the predictive efficacy was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the difference in the area under the ROC curves (AUCs) was compared with the Delong test. Results Compared with the non-residual group, the residual group had significantly higher modified S-ReSC and R.I.R.S., but significantly lower CROES score (P＜0.05). Modified S-ReSC was positively correlated with R.I.R.S. (P＜0.05), while CROES score was negatively correlated with S-ReSC and R.I.R.S.Staghorn stones, maximum stone diameter, elevated CT values, increased S-ReSC and R.I.R.S., and decreased CROES score were independent risk factors for postoperative stone residual (P＜0.05).ROC curves showed the optimal AUC of R.I.R.S.was 0.855, and the optimal AUC of combined prediction was 0.950.Conclusion The R.I.R.S.has the best efficacy in predicting postoperative stone residual, especially for complex stones.The combination of stone characteristics and the three scoring systems can improve the prediction efficiency, and provide reference for preoperative evaluation and individualized treatment.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women of reproductive age. However, several endocrine disorders, particularly Cushing disease (CD), can closely mimic the clinical, biochemical, and radiological features of PCOS. This overlap may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed recognition of hypercortisolism, with significant metabolic and reproductive consequences. Case: We report a 24-year-old female with young-onset diabetes mellitus who was referred for endocrine co-management during admission for recurrent mons pubis and labial abscesses with poorly controlled glycemia. She had a 5-year history of progressive hirsutism, oligomenorrhoea, scalp hair loss, significant weight gain, and insulin resistance, and had previously been labelled as having PCOS during adolescence, with subsequent default of follow-up. On examination, she was obese (body mass index 33 kg/ m²) with plethoric facies, acanthosis nigricans, proximal myopathy, and hirsutism (Ferriman–Gallwey score 10), without overt virilization or acromegalic features. Biochemical evaluation demonstrated severe hyperandrogenism with markedly elevated total testosterone (7.05 nmol/L), suppressed gonadotropins, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent hypercortisolism. Cortisol failed to suppress on low-dose dexamethasone testing, and 24-hour urinary free cortisol was markedly elevated (>4,900 nmol/24 h). Pelvic ultrasonography and computed tomography imaging showed polycystic ovarian morphology without evidence of an ovarian mass. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small right-sided pituitary microadenoma measuring 2.6 × 3.7 mm. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling demonstrated a central-to-peripheral ACTH gradient with adequate prolactin ratios, confirming pituitary CD. Conclusion This case highlights how Cushing disease can closely mimic PCOS, including polycystic ovarian morphology and hyperandrogenism. Progressive symptoms, severe biochemical androgen excess, and marked insulin resistance should prompt evaluation for secondary causes of hyperandrogenism, particularly hypercortisolism, to avoid delayed diagnosis and prolonged morbidity.
Female ; Hyperandrogenism ; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Acromegaly is usually diagnosed by elevated age- and sex-adjusted insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels reflecting chronic growth hormone (GH) excess. IGF-1 is preferred as a screening biomarker due to its longer half-life and reduced pulsatility compared with GH. However, IGF1 levels may be disproportionately low or only modestly elevated in certain clinical contexts, leading to diagnostic uncertainty. Pituitary apoplexy is one such condition in which acute tumor hemorrhage or infarction may disrupt sustained GH secretion and attenuate IGF-1 production Case: A 48-year-old female with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia presented with a 2-day history of severe headache, vomiting, and visual disturbance, on a background of progressive acral enlargement over 2 years. Examination revealed coarse facial features, prognathism, enlarged hands, and cranial nerve involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an invasive sellar– suprasellar pituitary macroadenoma with optic chiasmal compression and cavernous sinus encasement. Intravenous dexamethasone was initiated pre-operatively due to a significant mass effect. Biochemical evaluation showed markedly elevated random GH levels (>50 ng/mL) with only mildly elevated IGF-1 at 1.19 times the upper limit of normal, below the threshold at which confirmatory oral glucose tolerance testing may be omitted according to current guidelines. Other pituitary axes suggested evolving hypopituitarism. During admission, she developed severe hyperglycemia with marked insulin resistance, requiring high-dose insulin therapy (approximately 1.5 U/kg/day). She underwent urgent transsphenoidal surgery, with histopathology confirming a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor with extensive hemorrhage and infarction, consistent with pituitary apoplexy. Postoperatively, GH levels were suppressed to <5 ng/mL, insulin requirements decreased markedly, and hormone replacement was initiated for secondary adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism. Conclusion This case highlights that IGF-1 levels below conventional diagnostic thresholds do not exclude clinically significant acromegaly, particularly in the setting of pituitary apoplexy. Integration of clinical phenotype, GH levels, and imaging findings is essential to avoid diagnostic delay and ensure timely management.
Acromegaly ; Insulin Resistance ; Pituitary Apoplexy

Introduction: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is an uncommon but important cause of secondary hyperthyroidism, termed trophoblastic hyperthyroidism, resulting from the structural similarity between human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Excessively elevated hCG levels can stimulate the TSH receptor, leading to increased thyroid hormone production and clinically significant thyrotoxicosis. Early recognition is essential as uncontrolled hyperthyroidism may lead to serious perioperative complications. Case: We report a 50-year-old female who presented with persistent vaginal bleeding following a prior uterine evacuation. Clinical examination and ultrasonography revealed a uterine mass corresponding to approximately 14 weeks’ gestation. Serum β-hCG was markedly elevated at >1,000,000 IU/L. Histopathological evaluation confirmed choriocarcinoma. Thyroid function tests demonstrated severe biochemical hyperthyroidism, with suppressed TSH and elevated free thyroxine levels. Notably, the patient did not exhibit classic symptoms or signs of hyperthyroidism such as palpitations, tremor, goiter, or thyroid eye signs. She was started on beta-blockers and carbimazole for initial control. Given the underlying pathology, early definitive surgical management was planned with multidisciplinary input, and she subsequently underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy successfully. Hyperthyroidism in GTD is well described, but patients may remain clinically asymptomatic despite significant biochemical derangement, as seen in this case. Markedly elevated β-hCG can mimic primary thyroid disease and may lead to misinterpretation if the underlying cause is not recognized. While antithyroid drugs such as carbimazole are commonly initiated, they may have limited effect in this setting, as the hyperthyroidism is driven by hCG rather than intrinsic thyroid overactivity. Beta-blockers play an important role in controlling symptoms and reducing peripheral conversion of T4–T3. Early definitive treatment of the underlying trophoblastic disease remains the key to resolution. Conclusion Trophoblastic hyperthyroidism is a reversible condition secondary to the underlying disease process. Treatment of the trophoblastic tumor results in resolution of the thyrotoxic state. Early recognition and appropriate preoperative optimization are essential to ensure safe patient outcomes.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ; Hyperthyroidism

Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prototypical neurodegenerative disorder, encompasses multifaceted pathological processes. As pivotal cellular structures within the central nervous system, ion channels play critical roles in regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and neurotransmitter release. Extensive research has revealed significant alterations in the expression and function of ion channels in AD, implicating an important role of ion channels in the pathogenesis of abnormal Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in calcium homeostasis and neural network functionality. This review systematically summarizes the crucial roles and underlying mechanisms of ion channels in the onset and progression of AD, highlighting how these channel abnormalities contribute to AD pathophysiology. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of ion channel modulation in AD treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing multifactorial nature and heterogeneity of AD. The development of multi-target drugs and precision therapies is proposed as a future direction of scientific research.
Alzheimer Disease/therapy* ; Humans ; Ion Channels/physiology* ; Oxidative Stress ; Animals ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; Synaptic Transmission ; Calcium/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To explore potential keywords, research clusters, collaborative pattern, and research trends in the field of medical technology management (MTM) through bibliometric analysis, providing insights for researchers, policy makers, and hospital administrators. METHODS: A retrieval formula was applied to the title, abstract, and keywords in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, along with system-recommended terms, to identify articles on MTM. A total of 181 articles published between 1974 and 2022 were retained for quantitative analysis. The global trend of research output; total citations, average citations, and H-index; and bibliographic coupling, co-authorship, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using VOSviewer. RESULTS: The number of articles on MTM has been steadily increasing year by year. The focus of research has shifted from addressing basic medical needs to prioritizing emergency response and medical information security. The United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom emerged as the main contributors, with the United States leading in both volume of publications (60 articles) and academic impact (H-index = 21). Authors from the United Kingdom and the United States led the way in cross-border cooperation. The top five institutions, ranked by total link strength among cross-institutional authors, were primarily located in Canada and Spain. CONCLUSIONS The field of MTM has experienced stable growth over the past three decades (1993-2022). The shift of research focus has prompted a heightened emphasis on protecting patient privacy and ensuring the security of medical data. Future research should emphasize interdisciplinary and professional collaboration, as well as international cooperation and open sharing of knowledge.
Bibliometrics ; Humans ; Biomedical Technology

OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress of pathological changes of glenohumeral capsule in patients with recurrent shoulder anterior dislocation (RSAD). METHODS: The literature on shoulder capsules, both domestic and international, was reviewed. The anatomy, histology, and molecular biology characteristics of the glenohumeral capsule in RSAD patients were summarized. RESULTS: Anatomically, the glenohumeral capsule is composed of four distinct parts: the upper, lower, anterior, and posterior sections. The thickness of these sections is uneven, and the stability of the capsule is further enhanced by the presence of the glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligaments. Histologically, the capsule tissue undergoes adaptive changes following RSAD, which improve its ability to withstand stretching and deformation. In the realm of molecular biology, genes associated with the regulation of structure formation, function, and extracellular matrix homeostasis of the shoulder capsule's collagen fibers exhibit varying degrees of expression changes. Specifically, the up-regulation of transforming growth factor β ₁ (TGF-β ₁), TGF-β receptor 1, lysyl oxidase, and procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 1 facilitates the repair of the joint capsule, thereby contributing to the maintenance of shoulder joint stability. Conversely, the up-regulation of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL3A1, and COL5A1 is linked to the recurrence of shoulder anterior dislocation, as these changes reflect the joint capsule's response to dislocation. Additionally, the expressions of tenascin C and fibronectin 1 may play a role in the pathological processes occurring during the early stages of RSAD. CONCLUSION Glenohumeral capsular laxity is both a consequence of RSAD and a significant factor contributing to its recurrence. While numerous studies have documented alterations in the shoulder capsule following RSAD, further research is necessary to confirm the specific pathological anatomy, histological, and molecular biological changes involved.
Humans ; Joint Capsule/metabolism* ; Shoulder Dislocation/metabolism* ; Recurrence ; Shoulder Joint/metabolism* ; Tenascin/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics* ; Collagen Type I/genetics* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*