Objective To explore the echocardiographic features of critically ill patients with infection, and to evaluate the predictive value of echocardiographic parameters for 28-day mortality and myocardial injury. Methods Using a single-center prospective cohort design, 120 critically ill patients with infection admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University from January 2024 to January 2025 were enrolled consecutively. According to the severity of infection, patients were divided into the sepsis group (n＝75) and the non-sepsis group (n＝45). Cox proportional hazards models and modified Poisson regression were used to analyze risk factors of 28-day all-cause mortality and myocardial injury. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to assess prognosis differences among patients with different ultrasound parameters. ROC curve and area under the curve (AUC) were applied to evaluate the predictive performance of ultrasound parameters, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was used to explore nonlinear relationships. Results The E/e′ ratio was significantly higher in the sepsis group than in the non-sepsis group (P＜0.001), while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were lower in the sepsis group (P＜0.05). The Cox proportional hazards model found no association between ultrasound parameters and 28-day all-cause mortality. Modified Poisson regression showed that, after adjusting for confounding factors, elevated E/e′ was an independent risk factor of myocardial injury (RR＝1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.17, P＜0.001). Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with E/e′ ＞10.9 had lower 28-day survival rates (P＝0.02), and the AUC for E/e′ predicting myocardial injury was 0.835. RCS analysis suggested a nonlinear relationship between E/e′ and myocardial injury risk (P＜0.001). Conclusions E/e′, LVEF, and LVFS have no significant predictive value for 28-day mortality risk in critically ill patients with infections. Elevated E/e′ is an independent risk factor of myocardial injury in such patients, with a nonlinear relationship.

Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of selective fetal reduction in the first trimester for the treatment of intrauterine pregnancy combined with cesarean scar pregnancy (CI-CSP), this article reports a 41-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with CI-CSP after assisted reproductive technology. At 6 + weeks of gestation, mechanical fetal reduction surgery was performed under ultrasound guidance to eliminate the fetus at the scar site, and the fetal reduction was successful. The pregnancy lasted until 38 weeks of gestation. A healthy male infant was delivered by cesarean section. This case suggests that selective fetal reduction surgery can be a feasible option to preserve intrauterine pregnancy and reduce the risk of CI-CSP, but the indications and perioperative management need to be strictly controlled.

Objective To explore the effects of different nerve blocks under ultrasound guidance on the expression of inflammatory factors after total hip replacement in the elderly,and its correlation with postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD).Methods A total of 100 elderly patients who underwent total hip replacement in our hospital from February to November 2023 were selected as the research objects,and they were divided into the femoral nerve block(FNB)group and the pericapsule nerve group block(PNGB)group according to different nerve block methods during the operation.The expression of inflammatory factors such as serum interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-10(IL-10),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and tumor necrosis factor-β(TNF-β)1 day before surgery,6 hours after anesthesia,1 day after surgery,and 3 days after surgery of patients in the two groups were compared.The cognitive function of patients was evaluated by the mini-mental state examination(MMSE)score,and the pain of patients was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS)score.GEE model was used to evaluate the effects of two kinds of nerve block on the expression of inflammatory factors.Logistic regression was used to analyzed the correlation between postoperative inflammatory factors and POCD in patients.Results The levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α and TNF-β 1 day after operation in the PNGB group were higher than those in the FNB group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The MMSE score 1 day after surgery in the PNGB group was significantly higher than that in the FNB group(P<0.05),and the VAS score 3 days after surgery was significantly lower than that in the FNB group(P<0.05).GEE model showed that PNGB has a greater impact on IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,and TNF-β.IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,and TNF-β were all independently related to POCD induced by two different nerve blocks(P<0.05).Conclusion PNGB can effectively inhibit pro-inflammatory factors,reduce inflammatory stress responses,and maintain the balance of inflammatory factors.Inflammatory factors are independently related to POCD induced by different nerve blocks.With the occurrence of inflammatory stress response,the risk of POCD in patients increases.

This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Shaoxing City and provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control measures against imported malaria.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted. Data on imported malaria cases reported in Shaoxing City from 2012 to 2024 were collected from the infectious disease reporting information system of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the parasitic disease control information management system, including general information, epidemiological investigation reports and diagnosis/treatment status, to analyze their epidemiological characteristics.Results:From 2012 to 2024, there were 110 imported malaria cases in Shaoxing City, including 105 males and 5 females, with a sex ratio of 21 ∶ 1. The youngest patient was 21 years old and the oldest was 73 years old, with 72 cases (65.45%) in the 30-50 age group. The 110 malaria cases included 69 cases of falciparum malaria, 22 cases of vivax malaria, 15 cases of ovale malaria, 3 cases of quartan malaria, and 1 case of mixed infection. The infection sources were Africa (84.55%, 93/110) and Asia (15.45%, 17/110). Among all patients, there were 19 foreign nationals and 91 Chinese citizens. The main purposes of travel for Chinese citizens were labor work (67.03%, 61/91) and business (29.67%, 27/91). Areas with more reported cases were Zhuji City (32 cases), Keqiao District (27 cases), Xinchang County (19 cases) and Yuecheng District (19 cases). The peak months of onset were January, July and September, with 12, 12 and 18 cases respectively. The first medical visits were mainly at county-level hospitals, center for disease control and prevention at all levels and municipal hospitals, with diagnosis rates of 86.67% (52/60), 100% (21/21) and 12/15 respectively. Compared with cases without malaria history, cases with malaria history had shorter time from onset to diagnosis (median, 5.00 d vs. 2.00 d, Z =-2.40, P = 0.004). Conclusions:From 2012 to 2024, imported malaria in Shaoxing City was mainly falciparum malaria, with Africa being the main infection source. The peak incidence occurred in summer. Male young adult overseas workers were the high-risk population. The prevention and control of imported malaria in Shaoxing City should focus on preventing relapse after importation and cure.

Objective To explore the clinical and imaging manifestations of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction(PTTD).Methods A retrospective selection was conducted on 61 patients with clinically diagnosed PTTD.According to the classification criteria of Johnson and Strom,8 patients were classified as stage 1,17 as stage 2,20 as stage 3,and 16 as stage 4.The clinical manifestations and imaging features of patients were summarized at each stage.Results Among the 8 patients with stage 1 PTTD,no abnormalities were found on X-ray examination of the weight-bearing foot,while MRI revealed posterior tibial tendon(PTT)tendinitis in 4 cases(50.0％).For stage 2 patients(n=17),X-ray examination of the weight-bearing foot showed a decrease in the longitudinal arch of the foot in 15 patients(88.2％).MRI mainly revealed PTT degeneration in 12 cases(70.6％),PTT tears in 2 cases(11.8％),and other structural injuries in 5 cases(29.4％).For stages 3-4 patients(n=36),X-ray examination of the weight-bearing foot showed flatfoot in all cases.MRI mainly revealed PTT degeneration in 12 cases(33.3％),PTT tears in 24 cases(66.7％),spring ligament injuries in 33 cases(91.7％),and deltoid ligament injuries in 23 cases(63.9％).Conclusion Patients with stage 1 PTTD often have a normal foot longitudinal arch and may present with PTT tendinitis.Middle-aged females are more commonly affected by advanced PTTD,which is characterized by gradual decrease and collapse of the foot arch,accompanied by varying degrees of PTT degeneration and tears.The spring ligament injuries and deltoid ligament are frequently involved in structural injuries associated with PTTD.

Objective To compare imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners.Methods Thirty-four patients who underwent 18F-FDG whole-body scanning using NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT systems respectively on the same day were enrolled.The imaging quality and semi-quantitative parameters of 2 kind images,also the mean standard uptake value(SUVmean)of normal tissue,the maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax),peak standard uptake value(SUVpeak),SUVmean of lesions,total lesion glycolysis(TLG)and metabolic tumor volume(MTV)were compared.Results No significant difference of imaging quality nor semi-quantitative parameters of lesions(all P＞0.05),while significant differences of SUVmean of aortic arch,liver,lumbar vertebra and spinal cord were found between 2 kind images(all P＜0.05).Strong correlations of SUVmax,SUVmean,MTV and TLG of lesions(r,=0.734-0.890,P＜0.001),and high correlation of SUVpeak(rs=0.919,P＜0.001)were found between 2 kind images.The consistency of SUVmax,SUVpeak,SUVmean,TLG and MTV at the lesion site between 2 kind images were very good to extremely good(ICC=0.891-0.986,all P＜0.001),and the differences of all above semi-quantitative parameters were within 95％confidence interval.Conclusion Imaging quality of 18F-FDG whole-body images obtained with domestic NeuWise and Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT scanners could meet the requirements of clinical diagnosis and treatment,and semi-quantitative parameters obtained based on both images had good consistencies.

Objective:To develop a scientific and practical questionnaire for general practice residents, and to conduct multidimensional and comprehensive evaluation of the quality of general practice teaching clinics.Methods:A preliminary draft of the questionnaire items was formulated based on a literature review and in-depth interviews. The Delphi method was employed to conduct two rounds of consultation with 14 experts. Following revisions, a convenience sampling method was used to invite general practice residents from three standardized residency training bases to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.Results:The questionnaire consisted of 23 items, covering the three dimensions of preparation, implementation process, and comprehensive evaluation of the teaching clinics. The response rates for the two rounds of the expert consultation were both 100.00%, with expert authority coefficients of 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.93, and the correlation coefficients between each item score and the total score were all >0.30. Structural validity analysis revealed that three common factors were extracted from the questionnaire, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 77.89%. Conclusions:The General Practice Teaching Clinic Quality Evaluation Questionnaire for Residents developed in this study demonstrates high reliability and validity. The questionnaire provides a scientific basis for the standardized assessment of teaching quality in general practice clinics. By incorporating resident feedback on the teaching process, the questionnaire promotes the development of a teaching clinic quality improvement mechanism focused on residents and plays a significant role in enhancing the teaching capabilities of supervising physicians in clinics.

Objective:To investigate the perception of supportive mentoring style among master's degree students in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the current status of research autonomous motivation and self-efficacy, and to analyze the impact of such a style on these two factors.Methods:From April 14 to April 20, 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among master's degree students in traditional Chinese medicine from eight traditional Chinese medicine standardized training bases in Beijing using the Supportive Mentoring Style Scale, Research Autonomous Motivation Scale, and Research Self-Efficacy Scale. SPSS 20.0 was used for difference analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis on the collected data.Results:In the survey, 405 qualified samples were collected. The score of the Supportive Mentoring Style Scale was (6.00±1.25), the score of the Research Autonomous Motivation Scale was (5.12±1.51), and the score of the Research Self-Efficacy Scale was (4.67±1.55). There were no significant differences in the four demographic variables, students' sex, students' grade, supervisors' title, and supervisors' sex, for the three scales. The supportive mentoring style was positively correlated with both research autonomous motivation ( r=0.509, P<0.01) and research self-efficacy ( r=0.468, P<0.01). Research autonomous motivation was positively correlated with research self-efficacy ( r=0.826, P<0.01). The supportive mentoring style can positively predict research self-efficacy through the mediating effect of research autonomous motivation, with the mediating effect accounting for 86.32% of the total effect. Conclusions:The overall research self-efficacy of master's degree students in traditional Chinese medicine in Beijing is poor. The supportive mentoring style can enhance research autonomous motivation and self-efficacy, promote cultivation efficiency, and strengthen students' self-efficacy, which is beneficial for improving their research capacity training.