Objective:To explore the relationship between the morphology of the carotid siphon, its related risk factors, and cerebral blood flow perfusion in patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (aCSVD), and provide imaging evidence for the etiology of aCSVD.Methods:A total of 130 aCSVD patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of the First People′s Hospital of Hefei from March 2022 to June 2024, all of whom underwent multimodal imaging assessments, were enrolled. The baseline data were collected, and the morphology of the carotid siphon was visually evaluated using post-processing of head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA), which was categorized into U-type ( n=63), C-type ( n=32), and V-type ( n=35). Calcification degree was semi-quantitatively assessed based on transverse CTA images. Cerebral perfusion was measured using magnetic resonance arterial spin labeling. The relationship between different siphon segment morphologies, calcification degrees, their risk factors, and cerebral blood flow perfusion was analyzed using analysis of variance and multinomial Logistic regression. Results:Univariate analysis of the 3 siphon types showed significant differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [U-type (2.44±0.84) mmol/L,V-type (2.21±0.57) mmol/L, C-type (2.89±1.07) mmol/L, F=5.578, P=0.005], calcification degree [Among the 63 cases in the U-type group, 19 cases (30.15%) had mild calcification, 20 cases (31.75%) had moderate calcification, and 24 cases (38.10%) had severe calcification; among the 35 cases in the V-type group, 20 cases (57.14%) had mild calcification, 10 cases (28.57%) had moderate calcification, and 5 cases (14.29%) had severe calcification; among the 32 cases in the C-type group, 12 cases (37.50%) had mild calcification, 14 cases (43.75%) had moderate calcification, and 6 cases (18.75%) had severe calcification; χ2=13.092, P=0.011], and total aCSVD load [modified aCSVD load score: U-type 4.00(1.00, 4.00),V-type 3.00(1.00, 4.00),C-type 2.00(2.00, 4.00), H=9.997, P=0.007]. Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that patients with U-shaped siphons had a significantly higher overall aCSVD load than those with C-shaped siphons, with a regression coefficient of 0.728, and a statistically significant difference ( OR=2.070 ,95% CI 1.026-4.178, P=0.042). Additionally, total brain and white matter cerebral blood flow were decreased in patients with U-type siphons compared to those with C-type and V-type, primarily involving bilateral superior frontal gyri, left orbital frontal gyrus, and left straight gyrus regions (false discovery rate correction, P<0.05). Conclusions:The imaging manifestations of aCSVD are closely related to the shape of the internal carotid artery siphon.The U type siphon is more likely to lead to hemodynamic changes, resulting in decreased global and regional cerebral blood flow, and demonstrating a higher overall burden of aCSVD, which has certain clinical reference value for assessing the etiology of aCSVD.

Objective To explore the application value of the Plan-Do-Check-Act(PDCA)cycle in the refined whole-process management of low-value medical consumables.Methods Using the PDCA cycle as a framework,the Plan phase in-volved analyzing the causes of traceability difficulties for low-value medical consumables.The Do phase implemented multiple im-provement measures,including establishing standardized management systems,strengthening personnel supervision,creating a split-item tertiary inventory,and introducing the Unique Device Identification(UDI)system.The Check phase evaluated man-agement effectiveness by comparing data from June to December 2023 and June to December 2024.The Act phase refined institu-tional norms and operational processes through a closed-loop feedback mechanism.Results After PDCA management,the appli-cation time for low-value medical consumables[(6.16±1.47)min]and the collection time[(15.08±1.89)min]were signif-icantly shorter than before implementation(P＜0.001).The acceptance qualification rate increased from 92.96％to 99.11％.The application of the split-item tertiary inventory ensured synchronization between inventory deduction and billing data.Conclu-sion The PDCA cycle improves the traceability of low-value medical consumables through systematic quality improvement.Its dynamic feedback mechanism supports continuous improvement,providing an effective pathway for hospitals to achieve refined management and cost control.

Objective To explore the application value of the Plan-Do-Check-Act(PDCA)cycle in the refined whole-process management of low-value medical consumables.Methods Using the PDCA cycle as a framework,the Plan phase in-volved analyzing the causes of traceability difficulties for low-value medical consumables.The Do phase implemented multiple im-provement measures,including establishing standardized management systems,strengthening personnel supervision,creating a split-item tertiary inventory,and introducing the Unique Device Identification(UDI)system.The Check phase evaluated man-agement effectiveness by comparing data from June to December 2023 and June to December 2024.The Act phase refined institu-tional norms and operational processes through a closed-loop feedback mechanism.Results After PDCA management,the appli-cation time for low-value medical consumables[(6.16±1.47)min]and the collection time[(15.08±1.89)min]were signif-icantly shorter than before implementation(P＜0.001).The acceptance qualification rate increased from 92.96％to 99.11％.The application of the split-item tertiary inventory ensured synchronization between inventory deduction and billing data.Conclu-sion The PDCA cycle improves the traceability of low-value medical consumables through systematic quality improvement.Its dynamic feedback mechanism supports continuous improvement,providing an effective pathway for hospitals to achieve refined management and cost control.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the morphology of the carotid siphon, its related risk factors, and cerebral blood flow perfusion in patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (aCSVD), and provide imaging evidence for the etiology of aCSVD.Methods:A total of 130 aCSVD patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of the First People′s Hospital of Hefei from March 2022 to June 2024, all of whom underwent multimodal imaging assessments, were enrolled. The baseline data were collected, and the morphology of the carotid siphon was visually evaluated using post-processing of head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA), which was categorized into U-type ( n=63), C-type ( n=32), and V-type ( n=35). Calcification degree was semi-quantitatively assessed based on transverse CTA images. Cerebral perfusion was measured using magnetic resonance arterial spin labeling. The relationship between different siphon segment morphologies, calcification degrees, their risk factors, and cerebral blood flow perfusion was analyzed using analysis of variance and multinomial Logistic regression. Results:Univariate analysis of the 3 siphon types showed significant differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [U-type (2.44±0.84) mmol/L,V-type (2.21±0.57) mmol/L, C-type (2.89±1.07) mmol/L, F=5.578, P=0.005], calcification degree [Among the 63 cases in the U-type group, 19 cases (30.15%) had mild calcification, 20 cases (31.75%) had moderate calcification, and 24 cases (38.10%) had severe calcification; among the 35 cases in the V-type group, 20 cases (57.14%) had mild calcification, 10 cases (28.57%) had moderate calcification, and 5 cases (14.29%) had severe calcification; among the 32 cases in the C-type group, 12 cases (37.50%) had mild calcification, 14 cases (43.75%) had moderate calcification, and 6 cases (18.75%) had severe calcification; χ2=13.092, P=0.011], and total aCSVD load [modified aCSVD load score: U-type 4.00(1.00, 4.00),V-type 3.00(1.00, 4.00),C-type 2.00(2.00, 4.00), H=9.997, P=0.007]. Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that patients with U-shaped siphons had a significantly higher overall aCSVD load than those with C-shaped siphons, with a regression coefficient of 0.728, and a statistically significant difference ( OR=2.070 ,95% CI 1.026-4.178, P=0.042). Additionally, total brain and white matter cerebral blood flow were decreased in patients with U-type siphons compared to those with C-type and V-type, primarily involving bilateral superior frontal gyri, left orbital frontal gyrus, and left straight gyrus regions (false discovery rate correction, P<0.05). Conclusions:The imaging manifestations of aCSVD are closely related to the shape of the internal carotid artery siphon.The U type siphon is more likely to lead to hemodynamic changes, resulting in decreased global and regional cerebral blood flow, and demonstrating a higher overall burden of aCSVD, which has certain clinical reference value for assessing the etiology of aCSVD.

Background/Aims: Four-week treatment of linvencorvir (RO7049389) was generally safe and well tolerated, and showed anti-viral activity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of 48-week treatment with linvencorvir plus standard of care (SoC) in CHB patients. Methods: This was a multicentre, non-randomized, non-controlled, open-label phase 2 study enrolling three cohorts: nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC)-suppressed patients received linvencorvir plus NUC (Cohort A, n=32); treatment-naïve patients received linvencorvir plus NUC without (Cohort B, n=10) or with (Cohort C, n=30) pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFN-α). Treatment duration was 48 weeks, followed by NUC alone for 24 weeks. Results: 68 patients completed the study. No patient achieved functional cure (sustained HBsAg loss and unquantifiable HBV DNA). By Week 48, 89% of treatment-naïve patients (10/10 Cohort B; 24/28 Cohort C) reached unquantifiable HBV DNA. Unquantifiable HBV RNA was achieved in 92% of patients with quantifiable baseline HBV RNA (14/15 Cohort A, 8/8 Cohort B, 22/25 Cohort C) at Week 48 along with partially sustained HBV RNA responses in treatment-naïve patients during follow-up period. Pronounced reductions in HBeAg and HBcrAg were observed in treatment-naïve patients, while HBsAg decline was only observed in Cohort C. Most adverse events were grade 1–2, and no linvencorvir-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions 48-week linvencorvir plus SoC was generally safe and well tolerated, and resulted in potent HBV DNA and RNA suppression. However, 48-week linvencorvir plus NUC with or without Peg-IFN did not result in the achievement of functional cure in any patient.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in captive-bred Mustela putorius furo in Jiangsu Province.. Methods A total of 290 fresh stool samples were collected from a ferret farm in Jiangsu Province on May 2017, and the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium was amplified in stool samples using nested PCR assay. The actin, cowp and gp60 genes were amplified in positive samples and sequenced to characterize Cryptosporidium species/genotypes. Results A total of 18 stool samples were tested positive for Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene, with a detection rate of 6.2%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of SSU rRNA, actin and cowp genes characterized Cryptosporidium isolated from captive-bred ferrets as Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype. In addition, gp60 gene was amplified in 10 out of 18 stool samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Conclusions Cryptosporidium is widely prevalent in captive-bred ferrets in Jiangsu Province, and Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype is the only Cryptosporidium genotype in ferrets.

Objective: To investigate abnormal spinal curvature among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province, so as to provide evidence for scientific prevention. Methods: Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, a total of 210 713 students of grade 4 to grade 12 from 21 cities (prefectures) in Sichuan Province were selected for spinal curvature screening and questionnaire survey from September to November 2022. Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of abnormal spinal curvature. Results: The detection rate of abnormal spinal curvature was 3.42%, with urban areas (4.54%) higher than that in suburban areas(2.57%), girls (3.86%) higher than that in boys(2.98%), high school students (4.70%) higher than that in middle school students (3.80%) and elementary school students(2.21%), the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=606.96, 123.81, 645.24, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that urban area, junior and senior high school, girl, carrying backpack on one shoulder, desks and chairs adjusted for student height less than ≤1 time every school year, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity less than 1 h per week, and indoors sedentary time more than 10 h/d were positively associated with abnormal spinal curvature ( OR=1.72, 1.75, 1.87, 1.26, 1.09, 1.07, 1.10, 1.25 , P <0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of abnormal spinal curvature of primary and secondary school students may be affected by the urbanicity, educational stage as well as gender in Sichuan Province. More attention should be paid to urban high school girls, and targeted strategies should be explored to reduce the incidence of abnormal spinal curvature.

Objective:To establish the normal reference range of neurotransmitters in Han-nationality children aged 3-12 in Hubei province.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on healthy Han-nationality children aged 3-12 who took physical examination in Wuhan Children′s Hospital, Hubei province from January to August 2021.The children were asked for their medical histories, and those with neurological diseases, psychiatric diseases, infection, trauma, and a drug history in the past 2 weeks were excluded.The plasma of 324 children (262 males, 62 females; 217 cases in the 3-7 years old, 107 cases in the 8-12 years old) and urine of 391 children (302 males, 89 females; 266 cases in the 3-7 years old, 125 cases in the 8-12 years old) were collected.They ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry multiple techniques (UPLC-MS/MS) were used to detect 10 kinds of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, epinephrine, glutamic acid, etc.) in plasma and 8 kinds of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, epinephrine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, etc.) in random urine.The normal reference range of neurotransmitters in Han-nationality children aged 3-12 in Hubei province was established.The Kruskal- Wallis H test was made for statistical analysis of the differences in neurotransmitter levels among different age groups and gender groups.The neurotransmitter levels between different groups were compared by the Nemenyi test. Results:There were no significant differences in the levels of various neurotransmitters in children of different genders(all P>0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of dopamine, methoxy-norepinephrine, tryptophan and γ-aminobutyric acid in the plasma of children aged 3-7 years and 8-12 years.There were significant differences in the levels of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, methoxy-norepinephrine, high vanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the random urine between the 3-7 years old group and the 8-12 years old group. Conclusions:The normal reference range of neurotransmitters in Han-nationality children aged 3-12 in Hubei province is established.This study provides reference for clinical practice and lays a foundation for the study of neurotransmitter-related diseases in children.

Objective:To construct the pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 prokaryotic expression plasmid and induce the expression of EgG1Y162-2 protein, so as to provide a research basis for development of Echinococcus granulosus vaccine. Methods:Using Echinococcus granulosus cDNA as a template, the target gene of EgG1Y162-2 was synthesized by PCR, and after digestion with restriction enzymes EcoRⅠ and Hind Ⅲ, it was connected to the prokaryotic expression vector pET30a to construct the recombinant plasmid pET30a-EgG1Y162-2. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into competent cell BL21 (DE3) and induced by isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) to express a large number of proteins. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The purification level was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the expression product was identified by Western blotting. Results:The recombinant plasmid pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 was successfully constructed. After inducting expression, the bacterial supernatant and the eluate were both at a relative molecular weight of about 15 × 10 3, and the protein antigen component eluted with 200 mmol/L imidazole was relatively pure. Western blotting results showed that the purified recombinant protein EgG1Y162-2 with His tag could be recognized by His monoclonal antibody. Conclusion:The pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 prokaryotic expression plasmid of Echinococcus granulosus is successfully constructed, and the recombinant protein of EgG1Y162-2 is induced to express, laying a foundation for further study on anti- Echinococcus granulosus vaccine.

Objective:To investigate the status of professional self-efficacy and its influencing factors among postgraduates in Master of Nursing Specialist(MNS).Methods:Totally 185 postgraduates from 33 universities were chosen by convenience sampling from December 2018 to January 2019 for a cross-sectional survey. Subjects completed a questionnaire covering demographic data, Professional Self-efficacy Questionnaire for Nursing Students, the Chinese version of Proactive Personality Scale and Career Social Support Inventory for Chinese College Students.Results:The score of professional self-efficacy was (92.78±13.22) . Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the sense of achievement in clinical work, proactive personality and career decision support were the influencing factors of postgraduates professional self-efficacy, with an interpretability of 40.2%.Conclusion:Professional self-efficacy of postgraduates is at upper middle level. Schools, hospitals and other relevant institutions should further improve the postgraduates cultivation model, establish high quality clinical practice bases, encourage postgraduates to actively explore career development pathway and provide adequate advices and supports, to improve the professional self-efficacy of postgraduates.