Angle class Ⅱ malocclusion is often characterized by mandibular retraction and lip incompetence,which affects the patient's lateral appearance and may even lead to upper airway stenosis.It can be classified into dental and skeletal types.For skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion patients with mandibular retraction during the peak growth period,mandibular anterior guidance with a functional orthodontic appliance is generally considered as the optimal clinical treatment approach.At present,there remains a paucity of clinical reports on the clinical application of bracket-free clear aligners in mandibular anterior guidance,both domestically and internationally.This article presented a case of an adolescent patient with skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion accompanied with deep overbite treated with bracket-free clear aligner for mandibular anterior guidance in combination with intermaxillary class Ⅱ traction.During the treatment,vertical correction involved anterior intrusion of the anterior teeth to improve the deep overbite,while horizontal correction included maxillary and mandibular expansion to coordinate the width of the dental arches,and asymmetric anterior guidance was used to correct the midline deviation.After 35 months of treatment,the patient's convex facial profile and mandibular retrusion were significantly improved.The subspinale-nasion-supramentale angle(ANB)was decreased from 6.8° to 3.9°,the overbite and overjet were normalized,and the bilateral canine and molar reached a neutral relationship.The mentolabial sulcus depth(Si-LiPg′)and the soft tissue thickness of pogonion to pogonion(Pm-Pm′)were decreased,resulting in a shallower mentolabial sulcus and a more harmonized lateral facial soft tissue profile.The mandibular incisor to mandibular plane angle(IMPA)was decreased from 116.6° to 110.7°,indicating retraction of the lower incisors during mandibular anterior guidance.In conclusion,the orthodontic strategy of mandibular advancement with clear aligners in skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion patients can avoid excessive overcompensation of the upper and lower anterior teeth and shorten the orthodontic treatment cycle.

The clinical data, laboratory test, and gene mutations were collected from a family with pseudohypoaldosteronism type II(PHA2). The proband, aged 1 year and 7 months, presented with hyperkalemia(6.69 mmol/L; reference range 3.5-5.3 mmol/L), blood pressure of 110/68 mmHg(normal<106/61 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), blood chloride of 111.5 mmol/L(reference 99-110 mmol/L), blood HCO 3- of 17.1 mmol/L(reference 22-29 mmol/L), estimated glomerular filtration rate of 128.5 mL·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1[>90 mL·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1], and blood renin concentration of 0.30 μIU/mL(reference 4.2-45.6 μIU/mL). The mother and maternal grandfather also exhibited normal renal function with hyperkalemia, hypertension, hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis, and low renin. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation(c.1685A>G, p. E562G) in exon 7 of the no-lysine kinase 4(WNK4) gene. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide was effective. Literature review comparing this E562G pedigree with other WNK4 variants suggested clinical heterogeneity of WNK4 mutations. For unexplained hyperkalemia, especially with concurrent hypertension, PHA2 should be considered early for genetic screening to prevent misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

Objective:To analyze the mutation characteristics of rpoB gene in rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains. Methods:DNA of 4 rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains (JSY-26, G-9, WSY-13 and AW-3) isolated from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was selected, rifampicin rpoB gene was amplified by PCR and its nucleotide sequence was sequenced. The rpoB gene sequences of rifampicin-resistant Brucella standard strain (RB51) and sensitive strain (ALT-8) were used as reference, the mutation sites and types of the rpoB gene inside and outside the rifampicin resistance determination region (RRDR) of the 4 rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains were analyzed by Mega 7.0 software. Results:Through sequence alignment, both JSY-26 and WSY-13 strains underwent a single base point mutation at the RRDR 1 576 bp of the rpoB gene, with the base changing from guanine (G) to adenine (A). The G-9 strain underwent a single base point mutation at the RRDR 1 606 bp of the rpoB gene, with the base changing from cytosine (C) to A. The AW-3 strain showed 5 mutations of 3 types outside rpoB gene RRDR at 2 536, 2 537, 2 626, 2 636 and 2 654 bp, namely 3 insertion mutations [thymine (T) insertion once and C insertion twice], 1 deletion mutation (C deletion), and 1 single base point mutation (from G to C mutation).Conclusion:The RRDR mutations in the rpoB gene of the rifampicin-resistant Brucella strains are mainly characterized by single base point mutations, while multiple insertion and deletion mutations occur outside the RRDR.

Objective To investigate the dosimetric difference between manual and inverse optimization in 3-dimensional (3D) brachytherapy for gynecologic tumors. Methods This retrospective study was conducted among a total of 110 patients with gynecologic tumors undergoing intracavitary combined with interstitial brachytherapy or interstitial brachytherapy. Based on the original images, the brachytherapy plans were optimized for each patient using Gro, IPSA1, IPSA2 (with increased volumetric dose limits on the basis of IPSA1) and HIPO algorithms. The dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the clinical target volume (CTV) including V200, V150, V100, D90, D98 and CI, and the dosimetric parameters D2cc, D1cc, and D0.1cc for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon were compared among the 4 plans. Results Among the 4 plans, Gro optimization took the longest time, followed by HIPO, IPSA2 and IPSA1 optimization. The mean D90, D98, and V100 of HIPO plans were significantly higher than those of Gro and IPSA plans, and D90 and V100 of IPSA1, IPSA2 and HIPO plans were higher than those of Gro plans (P<0.05), but the CI of the 4 plans were similar (P>0.05). For the organs at risk (OARs), the HIPO plan had the lowest D2cc of the bladder and rectum;the bladder absorbed dose of Gro plans were significantly greater than those of IPSA1 and HIPO (P<0.05). The D2cc and D1cc of the rectum in IPSA1, IPSA2 and HIPO plans were better than Gro (P<0.05). The D2cc and D1cc of the sigmoid colon did not differ significantly among the 4 plans. Conclusion Among the 4 algorithms, the HIPO algorithm can better improve dose coverage of the target and lower the radiation dose of the OARs, and is thus recommended for the initial plan optimization. Clinically, the combination of manual optimization can achieve more individualized dose distribution of the plan.

Objective To analyze the characteristics of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in hypovascular renal tumors,and to explore the application value of combining the 2 methods in diagnosing benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors.Methods The conventional ultrasound and CEUS data of 104 hypovascular renal tumors(76 benign lesions[benign group]and 28 malignant lesions[malignant group])from 99 patients,who were confirmed by postoperative pathology,biopsy pathology or computed tomography(CT)/magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)enhancement combined with long-term follow-up in Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and its Wuxi Branch from Oct.13,2009 to Oct.26,2022,were retrospectively analyzed.The location,size,internal echo,morphology,internal and peripheral blood supply of the lesions were observed by conventional ultrasound,and the perfusion mode,regression pattern,perfusion uniformity and ring enhancement signs were observed by CEUS.Taking the pathological results or confirmed results of CT/MRI enhancement combined with long-term follow-up as the gold standard,the value of conventional ultrasound combined with CEUS in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors was analyzed.Results There were significant differences in gender,age of patients and internal echo,contrast agent regression and ring enhancement signs of lesions between the 2 groups(all P＜0.05).The malignant tumors were mostly found in males(78.6％,22/28)with an average age of(58.29±11.76)years old;the masses were mostly hypoechoic(64.3％,18/28),and rapid washout was predominant with CEUS(60.7％,17/28).In the benign group,most of the patients were female(55.3％,42/76),with an average age of(50.64±14.88)years old;the majority of the masses were hyperechoic(64.5％,49/76),and CEUS showed simultaneous washout as the main lesion(56.6％,43/76).Three patients(10.7％,3/28)with ring enhancement signs were all malignant.The diagnostic accuracy(82.7％)and specificity(88.2％)for benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors were relatively high when combining the diagnostic indicators of ring enhancement signs and hypoechoic.The diagnostic sensitivity(85.7％)and negative predictive value(92.3％)were relatively high when combining the 3 diagnostic indicators of ring enhancement,hypoechoic,and rapid washout.Conclusion Conventional ultrasound combined with CEUS has significant clinical practical value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant hypovascular renal tumors.The ring enhancement sign is highly specific in the diagnosis of malignant hypovascular renal tumors.However,if this sign is not significant and conventional ultrasound shows hypoechoic or CEUS exhibits rapid washout,there is a strong suggestion that the mass may be a malignant lesion.

Objective To investigate the need for and utilization of health services among six Zhiguo ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province,aiming to provide further evidence for the improvement of healthcare.Methods Using stratified random sampling,1921 individuals from six Zhiguo ethnic minority groups,aged 15 and above,were investigated with a structured questionnaire between August and December 2022.A structured questionnaire was used to collect participants'information on health service needs and utilization.Results Am-ong the surveyed participants,the two-week prevalence rate was found to be 22.54%,while the prevalence rate of chronic diseases was 38.52%.Among the residents,the risk of two-week prevalence was higher for females(OR=1.564),individuals aged≥60 years(OR=1.727),and those who reported poorer health utility value(OR=5.277),while it was lower for residents of Keno(OR=0.470)and Lahu(OR=0.659)ethnicity,as well as those who reported higher EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.446/0.174).Meanwhile,residents aged≥45 years(OR=3.392/7.072)were at higher risk for chronic disease prevalence,while it was lower for Keno ethnicity(OR=0.409),unmarried individuals(OR=0.479),and those with higher education levels(OR=0.629/0.603),higher EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.208)P<0.05.Additionally,among the participants,the treat-ment rate for two-week illness was 14.32%,while the non-treatment rate stood at 36.49%.Furthermore,the one-year hospitalization rate was reported as 19.89%,with a corresponding rate of individuals who needed hospitalization but did not receive it being recorded at 15.86%.Among the residents,the likelihood of treatment for two-week illness was higher for females(OR=1.461)and residents aged≥45 years(OR=1.510/1.560),whereas it was lower for individuals with higher EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.445).The likelihood of hospitalization within one year was also higher for residents aged≥60 years(OR=2.029)and individuals of Nu(OR=1.599),Lisu(OR=1.688),and Keno(OR=1.968)ethnicity,whereas those with high EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.325)had a lower risk(P<0.05).Conclusion In Yunnan Province,the need for healthcare services among six Zhiguo ethnic minority groups in this study is relatively low;however,the high prevalence of chronic diseases raises concerns.The utilization of healthcare services appears to be relatively sufficient,but the utilization of outpatient services still needs to be improved.

Objective To investigate the dosimetric difference between manual and inverse optimization in 3-dimensional (3D) brachytherapy for gynecologic tumors. Methods This retrospective study was conducted among a total of 110 patients with gynecologic tumors undergoing intracavitary combined with interstitial brachytherapy or interstitial brachytherapy. Based on the original images, the brachytherapy plans were optimized for each patient using Gro, IPSA1, IPSA2 (with increased volumetric dose limits on the basis of IPSA1) and HIPO algorithms. The dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of the clinical target volume (CTV) including V200, V150, V100, D90, D98 and CI, and the dosimetric parameters D2cc, D1cc, and D0.1cc for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid colon were compared among the 4 plans. Results Among the 4 plans, Gro optimization took the longest time, followed by HIPO, IPSA2 and IPSA1 optimization. The mean D90, D98, and V100 of HIPO plans were significantly higher than those of Gro and IPSA plans, and D90 and V100 of IPSA1, IPSA2 and HIPO plans were higher than those of Gro plans (P<0.05), but the CI of the 4 plans were similar (P>0.05). For the organs at risk (OARs), the HIPO plan had the lowest D2cc of the bladder and rectum;the bladder absorbed dose of Gro plans were significantly greater than those of IPSA1 and HIPO (P<0.05). The D2cc and D1cc of the rectum in IPSA1, IPSA2 and HIPO plans were better than Gro (P<0.05). The D2cc and D1cc of the sigmoid colon did not differ significantly among the 4 plans. Conclusion Among the 4 algorithms, the HIPO algorithm can better improve dose coverage of the target and lower the radiation dose of the OARs, and is thus recommended for the initial plan optimization. Clinically, the combination of manual optimization can achieve more individualized dose distribution of the plan.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions which diameter more than 1 cm.Methods A retrospective analysis included CEUS data of 142 cases with gallbladder lesions diameter more than 1 cm.All lesions were confirmed by surgical pathology,enhanced CT/MRI or clinical diagnosis with following up more than 2 years.To summarize the CEUS characteristics of benign and malignant gallbladder lesions over 1 cm in diameter,the CEUS characteristics of benign and malignant gallbladder lesions diameter more than 1 cm were analyzed,referring to the gallbladder CEUS guidelines.The contrast medium washout before 35 s and 60 s were used as the combined diagnosis with CEUS standard to identify gallbladder cancer,and the diagnostic efficiency was calculated respectively.Results There were statistical differences between the malignant group and the benign group in terms of CEUS enhancement pattern,contrast arrival time,washout time,and gallbladder wall continuity,as well as enhancement levels(P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy in the diagnosis of gallbladder malignant lesions were 93.0%,83.8%,and 86.6%based on CEUS standard.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of diagnosis gallbladder malignant lesions were increased to 93.0%,92.9%and 93.0%when combined with washout before 35 s of contrast medium.Conclusions CEUS is highly valuable in differentiating benign and malignant gallbladder lesions diameter more than 1 cm.Combined with contrast medium washout before 35 s is helpful to improve the ability of differentiating benign and malignant gallbladder lesions.

Tooth transposition is a challenge for orthodontists, especially in correcting the order of teeth. At present, the literature on transposition canines mainly focuses on epidemiological studies and case reports, and no systematic treatment guidance has been formed. In this article, the definition and classification, epidemiology and etiology, imaging diagnosis, treatment and risk control of transposed canines are systematically described in order to provide reference for clinical practice.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) convened a writing group to develop a consensus report on the management of anti-rheumatic medication in patients with rheumatic diseases undergoing elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty in June 2022. In particular, the consensus provides significant updates on target synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and perioperative medication management in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as the addition of newly approved antirheumatic medications for administration. This article will interpret the consensus and provide a reference for the perioperative management of antirheumatic medications for hip and knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatic diseases in China.