This study sought to assess, using subjective (self-assessment) and objective (MCQ) methods, the efficacy of using heart models with ventricular septal defect lesions produced with three-dimensional printing technology in a congenital heart disease curriculum for medical students. Three computed tomography datasets of three subtypes of ventricular septal defects (perimembranous, subarterial and muscular, one for each) were obtained and processed for building into and printing out 3D models. Then a total of 63 medical students in one class were randomly allocated to two groups (32 students in the experimental, and 31 the control). The two groups participated in a seminar with or without a 3D heart model, respectively. Assessment of this curriculum was carried out using Likert-type questionnaires as well as an objective multiple choice question test assessing both knowledge acquisition, and structural conceptualization. Open-ended questions were also provided for getting advice and suggestion on 3D model utilization in CHD education. With these 3D models, feedback shown in the questionnaires from students in experimental group was significantly more positive than their classmates in the control. And the test results also showed a significant difference in structural conceptualization in favor of the experimental group. It is effective to use heart models created using current 3D printing technology for congenital heart disease education. It stimulates students’ interest in congenital heart disease and improves the outcomes of medical education.

There are significant sex differences in the incidence rate, pathological features, and clinical progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in elderly women compared with males. This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for AD in elderly women. Epidemiological data reveal higher prevalence rates and accelerated cognitive decline in women with AD, potentially associated with sex-specific effects of the APOE ε4 allele, postmenopausal estrogen depletion, and exacerbated neuroinflammatory responses. In terms of diagnosis, the application of neuroimaging techniques and fluid biomarkers has improved early detection rates, yet there remains a need to further optimize sex-specific diagnostic criteria. Therapeutically, while existing pharmacological agents and nonpharmacological interventions demonstrate some effectiveness, the observed sex differences in therapeutic efficacy necessitate the urgent development of personalized treatment strategies. Future research should integrate emerging technologies to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying AD in women and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration to advance the development of gender-sensitive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the unique characteristics of AD in elderly women and optimizing clinical management strategies.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is rare in children, and large (>30 mm), mobile, right-sided PFEs are exceptionally uncommon. This report describes a 7-year-and-6-month-old patient who presented with upper respiratory tract infection and an incidental cardiac murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a 30 × 25 × 21 mm pedunculated, mobile mass on the anterior tricuspid valve leaflet. Differential diagnosis included thrombus, vegetation, and other cardiac tumors. Surgical excision with tricuspid valvuloplasty was performed due to embolization risk. Gross examination showed a cauliflower-like mass. The patient recovered uneventfully with preserved valve function. This case demonstrates that large, mobile right-sided PFEs can occur in asymptomatic children, and early surgical intervention with valve preservation is recommended to prevent embolic complications.

The right axillary thoracotomy, an alternative approach for selected open-heart procedures, offers aesthetic advantages. However, intercostal vessel injury is a potential postoperative complication that can lead to major bleeding. Herein, we report a case of postoperative active bleeding from intercostal vessel injury after right axillary thoracotomy for ventricular septal defect repair. Hemorrhage was successfully halted by compressing the suspected bleeding site with a Foley catheter inserted through the chest wall. This case demonstrates a simple management method of active intercostal vascular bleeding after cardiac operation. It may be an appropriate option in selected postoperative patients with a high index of suspicion of intercostal vascular bleeding after operation via a thoracotomy approach.