BackgroundDissociative identity disorder (DID) is a psychiatric condition characterized by the existence of at least two distinct identities. This disorder often serves as a defense mechanism, a response to severe childhood trauma, aimed at protecting the individual from overwhelming emotions or experiences. There is no specific targeted treatment for DID at present.ObjectiveThe purpose of this report is to explore the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in combination with pharmacological treatment for the treatment of concomitant depression in an adolescent female with DID, and to provide new clinical ideas and empirical evidence for similar cases.Case summaryA 15-year-old adolescent female presented with three distinct personality states, accompanied by hallucinations, negative thoughts, and self-harming behaviors. She was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and depression according to DSM-5 criteria. Following combined ECT and medication treatment, the patient’s disparate personalities were integrated, and depressive symptoms were alleviated. During ECT administration, no significant adverse reactions occurred beyond mild headaches and transient memory impairment.ConclusionFor adolescent patients with DID comorbid with depression who are at high risk of suicide, ECT combined with pharmacological treatment may be considered an effective and relatively safe treatment strategy in emergency situations. It is likely that the combined use of ECT, medication and psychotherapy has led to an improvement in the patient’s condition.
Anxiety among Chinese primary school teachers under the “double reduction” policy: prevalence and associated factors
ObjectivesThe implementation of the “Double Reduction” Policy in China has raised concerns about increased anxiety levels among primary school teachers. However, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and the factors associated with them remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and correlates of anxiety among primary school teachers under this policy.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to October 2022 among primary school teachers in 15 cities across China. Participants completed a series of questionnaires administered via WeChat to assess anxiety symptoms and potential related factors, including perceived stress, sociodemographic characteristics, and job-related variables. Anxiety and perceived stress were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), respectively.ResultsOverall, 44.5% (1,423/3,199) of teachers reported at least mild anxiety symptoms. Among them, 56.43%, 25.30% and 18.27% had mild, moderate, and severe anxiety, respectively. In the final logistic regression model, five variables remained independently associated with anxiety: education level (master’s degree or above: OR = 2.781, 95% CI: 1.858–4.163), income dissatisfaction (OR = 1.487, 95% CI: 1.205–1.834), intermediate professional title (OR = 1.372, 95% CI: 1.084–1.738), younger age (OR = 0.979, 95% CI: 0.966–0.993), and perceived stress (OR = 1.489, 95% CI: 1.443–1.538).ConclusionAnxiety was prevalent among primary school teachers during the implementation of the “Double Reduction” Policy. Higher education level, income dissatisfaction, intermediate professional title, younger age, and elevated perceived stress were significant risk factors for anxiety. Therefore, interventions focusing on stress management and occupational support may help improve teachers’ mental well-being.
Synthetic microbial co-cultures for modular bioelectronic sensing in diverse environments
Nature Biotechnology, Published online: 17 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41587-026-03075-7
Modular integration of bacterial strains expands the application range of whole-cell bioelectric sensors.
A roadmap to competitive preclinical packages
Nature Medicine, Published online: 17 April 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04345-2
Should researchers avoid translational research in animals in favor of human or AI models? We argue that this debate should focus not on comparing species but instead on how experimental systems can be combined to maximize mechanistic confidence, human relevance, and real-world decision-making value.
New gene-editing approaches for β-hemoglobinopathies
Nature Medicine, Published online: 17 April 2026; doi:10.1038/d41591-026-00021-7
Three phase 1/2 trials show that direct editing of HBG1 and HBG2 promoters is a promising disease‑agnostic strategy for treating β‑hemoglobinopathies such as sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia.
Medical devices win 2026 Edison Awards for innovation
Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medical Microinstruments (MMI) and other medical device developers earned honors at the 2026 Edison Awards. They were among more than 150 finalists for the awards, which recognize “excellence in product and service innovation, marketing, and human-centered design” across a range of categories including health, medical and biotech, engineering and robotics, materials…
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Microstructure makes ePTFE a versatile medtech material
By Matt Navarro, Aptyx Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has become a staple in the medical device industry for applications ranging from vascular grafts to stent encapsulations and more. It’s known for chemical inertness, biocompatibility, flexibility, and durability. What may surprise engineers is that ePTFE is not a single, uniform material. It takes several forms with varying…
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MiniMed flexes with next-gen insulin pump after spinning off from Medtronic
Within two weeks of MiniMed’s initial public offering in March, the Medtronic spinoff received FDA clearance for its latest-generation MiniMed Flex automated insulin delivery system. The smaller, screenless pump system is a major milestone for one of the world’s largest diabetes businesses. “We have a long history with durable pumps,” MiniMed EVP, Chief Product and…
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Abbott’s device leader pay climbs again with double-digit sales growth
Abbott EVP and Medical Devices Group President Lisa Earnhardt’s pay package increased more than 20% in 2025 as device sales maintained their double-digit growth. That’s according to the latest executive compensation disclosure from Abbott, which was the world’s eighth-largest medical device company in Medical Design & Outsourcing‘s Medtech Big 100 ranking by revenue. That ranking…
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The MDO Nitinol Knowledge webinar returns with a Medtronic distinguished engineer
Medtronic Distinguished Engineer Ramesh Marrey is the featured guest of Medical Design & Outsourcing‘s 2026 Nitinol Knowledge webinar on May 14. Marrey works in the Medtronic Structural Heart & Aortic business unit’s R&D group and previously worked in the company’s Neurovascular business. He also worked at Cordis when it was part of Johnson & Johnson…
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