Objective:To investigate the external quality control assessment results of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) laboratories at all levels in Yunnan Province, so as to provide technical support for IDD monitoring.Methods:In 2023, all IDD laboratories at provincial, city (prefecture) and county level in Yunnan Province tested the assessment samples randomly provided by the National IDD Reference Laboratory based on their participation in external quality control assessment projects (urinary iodine, salt iodine, water iodine). For laboratories that do not use fully automatic iodine detectors, urinary iodine detection was carried out using the "Determination of Iodine in Urine - Part 1: As 3+-Ce 4+ Catalytic Spectrophotometry" (WS/T 107.1-2016), salt iodine detection was carried out using the direct titration method in the "General Test Methods in Salt Industry-Determination of Iodine"(GB/T 13025.7-2012), and water iodine detection was carried out using the cerium sulfate catalytic spectrophotometry. The test results were evaluated using standard value ± uncertainty. Results:A total of 146 IDD laboratories in Yunnan Province participated in the external quality control assessment, including 1 at the provincial level, 16 at the city (prefecture) level, and 129 at the county level. The feedback rate and qualification rate of urinary iodine, salt iodine in the provincial, city (prefecture) and county level IDD laboratories were all 100% (146/146). The feedback rate and the qualified rate of urinary iodine, salt iodine and water iodine in county level IDD laboratories were all 100%(17/17).Conclusion:In 2023, all external quality control assessment results of IDD laboratories in Yunnan Province are qualified, with stable testing quality, providing reliable laboratory technical support for IDD monitoring.

Objective:To establish a reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function and to analyze the relationship between serum iodine and thyroid disease risk.Methods:From July 2022 to October 2023, using cross-sectional survey method, pregnant women aged 18 to 48 years old who had lived in iodine-deficient areas in the six provinces of China (Shanxi Province, Fujian Province, Yunnan Province, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Zhejiang Province, and Anhui Province) for more than six months were selected as the survey subjects. Blood samples were collected, serum iodine was tested, and the percentile method was used to establish a reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function. Meanwhile, serum levels of free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were tested, and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between serum iodine and thyroid disease risk.Results:A total of 1 409 pregnant women from 6 provinces were investigated, including 1 087 with normal thyroid function and 322 with abnormal thyroid function. The median serum iodine level of pregnant women with normal thyroid function was 79.74 μg/L, and the preliminary reference interval for serum iodine was 47.57 - 128.96 μg/L. When serum iodine levels were lower (< 47.57 μg/L), pregnant women had a significantly increased risk of developing TgAb positivity, TPOAb positivity, hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis ( OR = 4.44, 2.91, 3.41, 41.67, 23.43, P < 0.05). When serum iodine levels were high (> 128.96 μg/L), pregnant women had a significantly increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism ( OR = 9.91, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function is successfully established. Low serum iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of TgAb positivity, TPOAb positivity, hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis, while high serum iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the current status of research on the development of indicators for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) of residents in China.Methods:We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Airiti Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for literature on the development of EPA indicators for residents in China published between January 1, 2005 and February 28, 2025. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data, followed by descriptive analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for expert opinion. Quantitative data were presented as medians (ranges) and qualitative data were presented as frequencies (percentages).Results:A total of eight articles were included, in which two general EPA indicator systems and six specialty-specific EPA indicator systems were developed for residents. The overall quality of the research was high, with the main shortcomings related to the methods used in the process of constructing the consensus indicators. The number of experts recruited ranged from 22 to 45, with 100.00% response rate, high authority coefficients (0.820-0.914), and high coordination coefficients (0.157-0.741). Most of the studies used literature reviews as one source for the indicator pool (8 studies, 100.00%), employed the Delphi method to reach consensus (6 studies, 75.00%), and provided inclusion criteria for the indicators (7 studies, 87.50%). However, only one study (12.50%) explored the practical application of the developed indicators, and none of the studies set indicator weights or conducted quality assessments. The number of EPA indicators developed ranged from 10 to 38 per study. The reporting of EPA indicators was included in most studies regarding titles (8 studies, 100.00%) and the expected levels of entrustment at various stages of training (6 studies, 75.00%), but the reporting on other aspects was lacking. Among the specialty-specific EPA indicators, 38.39% overlapped with the general EPAs indicators.Conclusions:The research on the development of EPA indicators for residents in China is still in its early stages, and there is room for improvement in methodological quality and reporting coverage. There is partial overlap between specialty-specific and general EPA indicators, failing to fully reflect the unique characteristics of different specialties.

Objective:To investigate the external quality control assessment results of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) laboratories at all levels in Yunnan Province, so as to provide technical support for IDD monitoring.Methods:In 2023, all IDD laboratories at provincial, city (prefecture) and county level in Yunnan Province tested the assessment samples randomly provided by the National IDD Reference Laboratory based on their participation in external quality control assessment projects (urinary iodine, salt iodine, water iodine). For laboratories that do not use fully automatic iodine detectors, urinary iodine detection was carried out using the "Determination of Iodine in Urine - Part 1: As 3+-Ce 4+ Catalytic Spectrophotometry" (WS/T 107.1-2016), salt iodine detection was carried out using the direct titration method in the "General Test Methods in Salt Industry-Determination of Iodine"(GB/T 13025.7-2012), and water iodine detection was carried out using the cerium sulfate catalytic spectrophotometry. The test results were evaluated using standard value ± uncertainty. Results:A total of 146 IDD laboratories in Yunnan Province participated in the external quality control assessment, including 1 at the provincial level, 16 at the city (prefecture) level, and 129 at the county level. The feedback rate and qualification rate of urinary iodine, salt iodine in the provincial, city (prefecture) and county level IDD laboratories were all 100% (146/146). The feedback rate and the qualified rate of urinary iodine, salt iodine and water iodine in county level IDD laboratories were all 100%(17/17).Conclusion:In 2023, all external quality control assessment results of IDD laboratories in Yunnan Province are qualified, with stable testing quality, providing reliable laboratory technical support for IDD monitoring.

Objective:To establish a reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function and to analyze the relationship between serum iodine and thyroid disease risk.Methods:From July 2022 to October 2023, using cross-sectional survey method, pregnant women aged 18 to 48 years old who had lived in iodine-deficient areas in the six provinces of China (Shanxi Province, Fujian Province, Yunnan Province, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Zhejiang Province, and Anhui Province) for more than six months were selected as the survey subjects. Blood samples were collected, serum iodine was tested, and the percentile method was used to establish a reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function. Meanwhile, serum levels of free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were tested, and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between serum iodine and thyroid disease risk.Results:A total of 1 409 pregnant women from 6 provinces were investigated, including 1 087 with normal thyroid function and 322 with abnormal thyroid function. The median serum iodine level of pregnant women with normal thyroid function was 79.74 μg/L, and the preliminary reference interval for serum iodine was 47.57 - 128.96 μg/L. When serum iodine levels were lower (< 47.57 μg/L), pregnant women had a significantly increased risk of developing TgAb positivity, TPOAb positivity, hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis ( OR = 4.44, 2.91, 3.41, 41.67, 23.43, P < 0.05). When serum iodine levels were high (> 128.96 μg/L), pregnant women had a significantly increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism ( OR = 9.91, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The reference interval for serum iodine of pregnant women with normal thyroid function is successfully established. Low serum iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of TgAb positivity, TPOAb positivity, hypothyroxinemia, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis, while high serum iodine levels are associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the current status of research on the development of indicators for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) of residents in China.Methods:We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Airiti Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for literature on the development of EPA indicators for residents in China published between January 1, 2005 and February 28, 2025. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data, followed by descriptive analysis. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for expert opinion. Quantitative data were presented as medians (ranges) and qualitative data were presented as frequencies (percentages).Results:A total of eight articles were included, in which two general EPA indicator systems and six specialty-specific EPA indicator systems were developed for residents. The overall quality of the research was high, with the main shortcomings related to the methods used in the process of constructing the consensus indicators. The number of experts recruited ranged from 22 to 45, with 100.00% response rate, high authority coefficients (0.820-0.914), and high coordination coefficients (0.157-0.741). Most of the studies used literature reviews as one source for the indicator pool (8 studies, 100.00%), employed the Delphi method to reach consensus (6 studies, 75.00%), and provided inclusion criteria for the indicators (7 studies, 87.50%). However, only one study (12.50%) explored the practical application of the developed indicators, and none of the studies set indicator weights or conducted quality assessments. The number of EPA indicators developed ranged from 10 to 38 per study. The reporting of EPA indicators was included in most studies regarding titles (8 studies, 100.00%) and the expected levels of entrustment at various stages of training (6 studies, 75.00%), but the reporting on other aspects was lacking. Among the specialty-specific EPA indicators, 38.39% overlapped with the general EPAs indicators.Conclusions:The research on the development of EPA indicators for residents in China is still in its early stages, and there is room for improvement in methodological quality and reporting coverage. There is partial overlap between specialty-specific and general EPA indicators, failing to fully reflect the unique characteristics of different specialties.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of thyroid volume in children aged 8 - 10 in Yunnan Province, and provide scientific basis for improving iodine deficiency disorders monitoring.Methods:From March to July 2020, in 129 counties (cities, districts) under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, each county (city, district) was divided into 5 sampling areas based on east, west, south, north, and middle. One township was selected from each area, and 40 non-boarding children aged 8 - 10 from one primary school were selected from each township (age balanced, half male and half female) as survey subjects. One random urine sample and household edible salt samples were collected for urine iodine and salt iodine testing, and physical examination and thyroid volume measurement were conducted for children. The influencing factors of thyroid volume were analyzed using Pearson correlation.Results:A total of 24 934 urine samples were collected from children, with a median urine iodine of 233.2 μg/L. A total of 24 933 household edible salt samples were collected from children, the median salt iodine was 24.17 mg/kg, and the qualified rate of iodized salt was 96.63% (24 003/24 839); A total of 24 937 children were examined of their thyroid gland, with a median thyroid volume of 2.62 ml and a goiter rate of 1.12% (280/24 937). Among them, there were 12 410 boys and 12 527 girls, with thyroid volumes of 2.61 and 2.64 ml, respectively. The thyroid volume of boys was positively correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, body surface area, and salt iodine ( r = 0.15, 0.21, 0.26, 0.18, 0.25, 0.03, P < 0.001). The thyroid volume of girls was positively correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area ( r = 0.17, 0.26, 0.28, 0.17, 0.27, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Children aged 8 - 10 in Yunnan Province are at an iodine excess level; the age, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area are influencing factors of thyroid volume.

Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of plasminogen activator inhibi-tor-1(PAI-1),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and inter-leukin-6(IL-6)in patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis.Methods A total of 103 patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis who were treated in a hospital from July 2020 to July 2023 were selected as the research subjects.After 2 weeks of treatment,they were divided into a significant effect group and a non-significant effect group based on the therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticoid treatment.The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion were compared before treatment,after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.The correlation between the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion and the therapeutic efficacy was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Pearson correlation analy-sis was used to analyze the correlation between the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleu-ral effusion and the levels of these indicators in pleural effusion after 2 weeks of treatment.A receiver operat-ing characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion for the efficacy of tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis patients after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.Results The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment in both groups were lower than those before treatment,and the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment in the significant effect group were lower than those in the non-significant effect group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment were negatively correlated with the efficacy(P＜0.05).The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 2 weeks of treatment were positively correlated(r=0.761,0.783,0.812,0.741,all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of combined detection of serum and pleural effusion in-dicators after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment was greater than the AUC of individual indicators(P＜0.05).Con-clusion The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion of patients with tubercu-lous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis are related to the efficacy of treatment.The combined detection of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion has good predictive value and can provide reference for clinical intervention.

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutritional status of adults and pregnant women in Jianshui County and Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province.Methods:From May to August 2021, one urban area and one rural area in Jianshui County and Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province were selected as investigation sites. At least 100 adults (half male and half female) and 100 pregnant women were selected as survey subjects in each investigation site. Random urine samples were collected from all survey subjects once to detect urine iodine, creatinine and sodium contents. Venous blood samples of all pregnant women were collected to detect the serum iodine content, and the 95% medical reference range of serum iodine was established using the percentile method.Results:The medians urinary iodine, creatinine and sodium of adults in Jianshui County and Zhenxiong County were 184.7 μg/L ( n = 432), 12 355.0 μmol/L ( n = 431) and 156.5 mmol/L ( n = 420), respectively. The median urinary iodine of adults in Jianshui County was higher than that in Zhenxiong County (197.3 vs 170.2 μg/L), the difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 2.90, P = 0.003). The median serum iodine of pregnant women in Jianshui County and Zhenxiong County was 92.1 μg/L ( n = 412), with a 95% medical reference value ranged from 45.3 to 183.5 μg/L; the medians urinary iodine, creatinine and sodium of pregnant women were 138.6 μg/L ( n = 413), 12 173.0 μmol/L ( n = 408) and 152.2 mmol/L ( n = 409), respectively. The urinary iodine (154.1 vs 115.8 μg/L), urinary creatinine (13 216.0 vs 11 376.0 μmol/L) and urinary sodium (161.8 vs 141.8 mmol/L) of pregnant women in Jianshui County were higher than those in Zhenxiong County, with statistical differences ( Z = - 5.12, - 2.29, - 4.30, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Adults in Jianshui County and Zhenxiong County are at an appropriate level of iodine, but pregnant women in Zhenxiong County are at an iodine deficiency level.

Objective:To understand the contents of edible salt iodine and urinary iodine of children and pregnant women in Yunnan Province, and to evaluate the iodine nutrition status, so as to provide a basis for scientific prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).Methods:From November to December 2020, one county (city) was selected from each prefecture (city), two townships (towns and streets) were selected from each county (city) and two villages (neighborhood committees) were selected from each township (town and street) from each of the 16 prefectures (cities) in Yunnan Province as the investigation sites. A total of 20 non-boarding children (male and female balanced) aged 8 - 10 years old were selected from each primary school in each village (neighborhood committee) to collect salt and urine samples. A total of 80 children were investigated in each county (city). A total of 20 pregnant women were selected from each township (town and street) to collect salt and urine samples. A total of 40 pregnant women were investigated in each county (city). All salt samples and urine samples were tested for iodine contents.Results:A total of 2 009 salt samples and 2 041 urine samples (1 375 for children, 666 for pregnant women) were collected from children aged 8 - 10 years old and pregnant women in 16 counties (cities) of Yunnan Province. Among them, the median salt iodine was 26.0 mg/kg, the coverage rate of iodized salt was 100.0% (2 009/2 009), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 98.7% (1 982/2 009), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 98.7% (1 982/2 009). The difference of salt iodine content in key populations in different counties (cities) was statistically significant ( H = 258.98, P < 0.01). The median urinary iodine of children aged 8 - 10 years old was 188.5 μg/L. There was statistically significant difference in urinary iodine content among children of different ages ( H = 29.45, P < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference in urinary iodine content among children of different genders ( H = 1.43, P > 0.05). In addition, the median urinary iodine of pregnant women was 141.9 μg/L, 52.1% (347/666) was < 150 μg/L. There was statistically significant difference in urinary iodine content of pregnant women in different counties (cities, H = 88.32, P < 0.01). Conclusions:The qualified rate of iodized salt, the coverage rate of iodized salt and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt in key populations of Yunnan Province are more than 90%, and the iodized salt supply is good. Iodine nutrition of children aged 8 - 10 years old is at an appropriate level (100 - 199 μg/L); iodine nutrition of pregnant women is in an state of iodine deficiency ( < 150 μg/L). It is suggested to strengthen IDD monitoring and health education among key populations, improve residents' awareness of disease prevention, and make scientific iodine supplementation.