ObjectiveTo identify the pathogen species responsible for the wilt disease of Tetradium ruticarpum in Chongqing， investigate there biological characteristics， and screen effective fungicides， so as to provide a theoretical basis for disease control in production. MethodsThe pathogen was isolated via the tissue culture method. Pathogenicity was verified according to Koch's postulates. The pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The mycelial growth rate method was used for biological characterization of the pathogen and fungicide screening. ResultsThe pathogen colonies were nearly circular with irregular edges， white， short， velvety aerial hyphae， and pale purple undersides. Macroconidia were colorless， sickle-shaped， with 3-5 septa， while microconidia were transparent， elliptical， aseptate or with 1-2 septa. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis showed that the pathogen clustered in the same clade as Fusarium fujikuroi with 100% support， which， combined with morphological characteristics， identified the pathogen causing wilt of T. ruticarpum in Chongqing as F. fujikuroi. The optimal conditions for the mycelial growth of F. fujikuroi were mung bean agar （MBA） with glucose as the carbon source， beef extract and yeast powder as nitrogen sources， 28 ℃， pH 7.0， and alternating light/dark conditions. The optimal conditions for sporulation were potato dextrose agar （PDA） with glucose as the carbon source， beef extract as the nitrogen source， 28 ℃， pH 7.0， and complete darkness. Among chemical fungicides， phenazine-1-carboxylic acid exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on F. fujikuroi. Shenqinmycin and tetramycin were the most effective bio-fungicides. ConclusionThis study is the first to report F. fujikuroi as the causal agent of wilt disease in T. rutaecarpa. The chemical fungicide phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and the bio-fungicides shenqinmycin and tetramycin showed strong inhibitory effects against F. fujikuroi.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of simvastatin pretreatment on kidney ischemia reperfusion injury （IRI） in mice. MethodsFifteen male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into three groups： Sham operation group （Sham group）， kidney IRI group （IR group）， and simvastatin pretreatment+kidney IRI group （SIM group）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining of kidney tissue and detection of serum creatinine （SCr） and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） were used to evaluate kidney injury. The levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， reduced glutathione （GSH）， malondialdehyde （MDA） and reactive oxygen species （ROS） were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The contents of ferrous iron （Fe²⁺） and ferric iron （Fe³⁺） in kidney tissue were detected， and the morphological changes of mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscope. The relative expression levels of Kruppel-like factor 2 （KLF2）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， and acyl-coa synthetase long chain family member 4 （ACSL4） protein in kidney tissue were detected. ResultsCompared with the IR group， the SIM group had significantly reduced renal tubular injury and decreased contents of Scr and LDH in serum （P < 0.001）. It also showed increased expression of SOD and GSH and decreased expression of MDA and ROS （P < 0.01）. Simvastatin pretreatment reduced the contents of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in the tissues （P < 0.01） and alleviated mitochondrial damage. It also promoted the expression of KLF2 （P < 0.01）， up-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related protective proteins GPX4 and SLC7A11， and down-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related damage protein ACSL4 （P < 0.05）. ConclusionSimvastatin pretreatment may inhibit kidney ferroptosis by promoting the expression of KLF2 to alleviate kidney IRI.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of Remodeling+Ring (modified Yacoub) for patients with aortic root aneurysm. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent modified Yacoub surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Four male patients were enrolled, with an average age of (47.3±10.3) years and body surface area of (1.9±0.2) m2. One patient had bicuspid aortic valve. Aortic valve regurgitation was mild in three patients and moderate in one patient. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function was gradeⅠin one patient and gradeⅡin three patients. The maximum diameter of the aortic sinus was (59.3±8.1) mm. All four patients recovered and were discharged without a second thoracotomy. No postoperative complications such as brain injury, infection, respiratory failure or renal insufficiency occurred. During the follow-up of (17.0±13.1) months, two patients showed no regurgitation of the aortic valve, two patients exhibited mild regurgitation. Three patients had a heart function of gradeⅠ and one patient of gradeⅡ. Conclusion Modified Yacoub technique is safe and effective for patients with aortic root aneurysm.

Objective: To explore the early effects of birth weight at different gestational ages on blood pressure trajectory among primary school students, so as to provide evidence for incorporating gestational age birth weight into individualized early warning and intervention strategies for childhood hypertension. Methods: From May to November 2023, a purposeful sampling method was used to recruit 1 676 students in grade 1-3 from three primary schools in a certain urban district of Chongqing. Follow up assessments were conducted in May 2024(T1), November 2024(T2), and May 2025(T3). General demographic and birth related information were collected via self administered questionnaires, while height, weight and blood pressure were obtained through physical examinations. Linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the associations between birth weight at different gestational ages and blood pressure trajectories. Results: During the T1-T3 period, the systolic blood pressure of boys were 98.5 (93.0, 104.5 ),98.5 (93.5, 105.0), and 97.5 (92.5, 103.5)mmHg, respectively, while the diastolic blood pressure were 60.5 (56.5, 65.0), 61.5 ( 57.0 , 65.5), and 60.0 (56.0, 64.0)mmHg, respectively. For girls, the systolic blood pressure were 95.5 (90.0, 102.0),95.5 (90.5, 101.5), and 96.0 (90.5, 101.5)mmHg, respectively, and the diastolic blood pressure were 60.5 (56.0, 64.5 ),61.5 (57.5, 65.5), and 59.5 (56.0, 63.0)mmHg, respectively. Through Friedman test within both boys and girls, diostolic blood pressure were statistically significant across three measurements( χ 2=48.85，81.54，both P <0.01). The proportion of normal blood pressure increased , and the proportion of prehypertension and hypertension decreased with time( χ 2=39.72，25.62，both P < 0.01 ). Linear mixed effects model analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, sex, household income monthly, parental education, family history of hypertension and maternal pregnancy complications, large for gestational age had significantly higher trajectories of systolic ( β = 1.50) and diastolic( β =0.94) blood pressure compared to appropriate for gestational age(both P <0.01). Conclusion Large for gestational age is associated with elevated blood pressure trajectories during school age, and it may be considered as an early indicator for individualized screening and intervention for childhood hypertension.

ObjectiveTo explore the role and potential mechanism of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity by aerobic exercise. This research may provide a novel strategy for preventing metabolic diseases through precise exercise interventions. MethodsTo investigate the effects of elevated circulating glutamate on insulin sensitivity and its potential mechanisms, 18 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a group receiving 500 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (M), and a group receiving 1 000 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (H). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with treatments administered 6 d per week. Following the intervention, an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were conducted. Circulating glutamate levels were measured using a commercial kit, and the activity of the skeletal muscle InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed via Western blot. To further investigate the role of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity through aerobic exercise, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CS), an exercise intervention group (ES), and an exercise combined with glutamate supplementation group (EG). The ES group underwent treadmill-based aerobic exercise, while the EG group received glutamate supplementation at a dosage of 1 000 mg/kg in addition to aerobic exercise. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with sessions occurring 6 d per week, and the same procedures were followed afterward. To further elucidate the mechanism by which glutamate modulates the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, C2C12 myotubes were initially subjected to graded glutamate treatment (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 mmol/L) to determine the optimal concentration for cellular intervention. Subsequently, the cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a glutamate intervention group (G), and a glutamate combined with MK801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) intervention group (GK). The G group was treated with 5 mmol/L glutamate, while the GK group received 50 μmol/L MK801 in addition to 5 mmol/L glutamate. After 24 h of intervention, the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blot. ResultsCompared to the mice in group C, the circulating glutamate levels, the area under curve (AUC) of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group H were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle were significantly downregulated. Compared to the mice in group CS, the circulating glutamate levels, the AUC of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group ES were significantly reduced. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle of group ES mice were significantly upregulated. There were no significant changes observed in the mice of group EG. Compared to the cells in group 0 mmol/L, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in cells of group 5 mmol/L were significantly downregulated. Compared to the cells in group C, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the cells of group G were significantly downregulated. No significant changes were observed in the cells of group GK. ConclusionLong-term aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity by lowering circulating levels of glutamate. This effect may be associated with the upregulation of the InsR/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, glutamate can weaken the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, potentially by binding to NMDAR expressed in skeletal muscle.

Objective To establish a chronic kidney disease-associated aortic calcification model in SD rats using different nephrectomy surgical methods, and to compare and evaluate surgical duration and survival time to explore a more optimized modeling method. Methods According to different surgical methods, the SD rats were divided into four groups: Group A: intraperitoneal resection of 2/3 of the left kidney followed by right total nephrectomy in the second stage; Group B: intraperitoneal resection of 2/3 of the left kidney and simultaneous right total nephrectomy; Group C: dorsal approach right total nephrectomy followed by resection of 2/3 of the left kidney in the second stage; Group D: dorsal approach resection of 2/3 of the left kidney followed by right total nephrectomy in the second stage. After comparing survival curves of SD rats undergoing intraperitoneal versus dorsal approaches, and staged versus single-stage nephrectomy, the optimal nephrectomy surgical method was determined. Then, twenty-four 8-week-old SPF-grade male SD rats were selected for nephrectomy combined with calcitriol-induced calcification. Experimental group (12 rats): the dorsal approach left 2/3 nephrectomy followed by right total nephrectomy, with intraperitoneal injection of 1 μg/kg calcitriol administered one week later to induce aortic calcification. Control group (12 rats): the intraperitoneal injection of 250 μL/kg physiological saline containing 1% DMSO one week after sham surgery. After intraperitoneal injection of drugs for 3 months, the survival status of rats in each group was observed. Under anesthesia, blood samples were collected from each group to measure serum phosphorus and calcium ion concentrations, as well as serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. After euthanizing the rats, a post-mortem examination was performed to observe the residual kidney morphology, and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the coronal section of the kidney. Additionally, the entire aorta of each group was taken, and the degree of aortic calcification was observed by staining with Alizarin red S and von Kossa. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the gene expression of smooth muscle actin-associated protein alpha (Sm22), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteopontin (OPN) in rat aortic tissue to evaluate the effectiveness of the model. Results The exploratory optimization experiment of different surgical procedures found that the survival rate of group D rats,which underwent 2/3 left kidney resection followed by right whole kidney resection via the dorsal approach, was the highest, indicating that this surgical procedure was the best method for establishing a chronic kidney disease model with renal dysfunction. The experimental group rats treated with this surgical procedure combined with high-dose calcitriol injection had significantly lower serum calcium ion concentration than those in the sham-operated control group (P<0.05), while serum phosphorus ion concentration, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). HE staining of the kidneys showed significant organic changes in the kidneys of the experimental group rats, with a significant decrease in glomerular count compared to that of the control group (P<0.05), indicating the successful establishment of a renal failure model. Alizarin red S staining showed significant pigment deposition in the aortic media of the experimental group rats, while von Kossa staining showed significant silver nitrate deposition in the aortic media of the experimental group rats, which was consistent with the manifestation of aortic calcification in renal failure. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression level of Sm22 in the aortic tissue of the experimental group rats decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of OPN and Runx2 increased (P<0.05), indicating a transition of aortic smooth muscle cells from smooth muscle phenotype to bone-like phenotype and successful induction of an aortic calcification model. Conclusion The method of establishing an aortic calcification model of chronic kidney disease in SD rats by first removing two-thirds of the left kidney via the dorsal approach followed by right total nephrectomy, combined with high-dose calcitriol administration, shortens the surgical time, improves the success rate of modeling, and increases the animal survival rate.

Objective To establish a chronic kidney disease-associated aortic calcification model in SD rats using different nephrectomy surgical methods, and to compare and evaluate surgical duration and survival time to explore a more optimized modeling method. Methods According to different surgical methods, the SD rats were divided into four groups: Group A: intraperitoneal resection of 2/3 of the left kidney followed by right total nephrectomy in the second stage; Group B: intraperitoneal resection of 2/3 of the left kidney and simultaneous right total nephrectomy; Group C: dorsal approach right total nephrectomy followed by resection of 2/3 of the left kidney in the second stage; Group D: dorsal approach resection of 2/3 of the left kidney followed by right total nephrectomy in the second stage. After comparing survival curves of SD rats undergoing intraperitoneal versus dorsal approaches, and staged versus single-stage nephrectomy, the optimal nephrectomy surgical method was determined. Then, twenty-four 8-week-old SPF-grade male SD rats were selected for nephrectomy combined with calcitriol-induced calcification. Experimental group (12 rats): the dorsal approach left 2/3 nephrectomy followed by right total nephrectomy, with intraperitoneal injection of 1 μg/kg calcitriol administered one week later to induce aortic calcification. Control group (12 rats): the intraperitoneal injection of 250 μL/kg physiological saline containing 1% DMSO one week after sham surgery. After intraperitoneal injection of drugs for 3 months, the survival status of rats in each group was observed. Under anesthesia, blood samples were collected from each group to measure serum phosphorus and calcium ion concentrations, as well as serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. After euthanizing the rats, a post-mortem examination was performed to observe the residual kidney morphology, and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the coronal section of the kidney. Additionally, the entire aorta of each group was taken, and the degree of aortic calcification was observed by staining with Alizarin red S and von Kossa. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the gene expression of smooth muscle actin-associated protein alpha (Sm22), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteopontin (OPN) in rat aortic tissue to evaluate the effectiveness of the model. Results The exploratory optimization experiment of different surgical procedures found that the survival rate of group D rats,which underwent 2/3 left kidney resection followed by right whole kidney resection via the dorsal approach, was the highest, indicating that this surgical procedure was the best method for establishing a chronic kidney disease model with renal dysfunction. The experimental group rats treated with this surgical procedure combined with high-dose calcitriol injection had significantly lower serum calcium ion concentration than those in the sham-operated control group (P<0.05), while serum phosphorus ion concentration, serum creatinine, and serum urea nitrogen levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). HE staining of the kidneys showed significant organic changes in the kidneys of the experimental group rats, with a significant decrease in glomerular count compared to that of the control group (P<0.05), indicating the successful establishment of a renal failure model. Alizarin red S staining showed significant pigment deposition in the aortic media of the experimental group rats, while von Kossa staining showed significant silver nitrate deposition in the aortic media of the experimental group rats, which was consistent with the manifestation of aortic calcification in renal failure. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression level of Sm22 in the aortic tissue of the experimental group rats decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of OPN and Runx2 increased (P<0.05), indicating a transition of aortic smooth muscle cells from smooth muscle phenotype to bone-like phenotype and successful induction of an aortic calcification model. Conclusion The method of establishing an aortic calcification model of chronic kidney disease in SD rats by first removing two-thirds of the left kidney via the dorsal approach followed by right total nephrectomy, combined with high-dose calcitriol administration, shortens the surgical time, improves the success rate of modeling, and increases the animal survival rate.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Objective To explore the ^“contribution^” of different exposures to cardiovascular diseases at the population level and to construct a risk prediction model for the effective allocation of prevention resources. Methods The CHNS (China Health and Nutrition Survey) database was used. In 2009, 2011 and 2015, 9 899 permanent residents aged 35 to 75 years in 10 provinces and cities in the central and eastern regions (Beijing, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi and Jiangsu) were selected as the research subjects. A single-factor analysis was conducted to examine the risk factors including sex, age, BMI, marital status, urban/rural area, sleep time, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, education, and health insurance. The multifactor-adjusted population-attributable risk of certain risk factors was also estimated based on logistic regression analysis. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction model was developed using a modeling group of 6 927 randomly selected individuals (70%) and a validation group of 2 974 individuals (30%). The model's differentiation and calibration were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results The results showed that the adjusted population attributable risk and 95% confidence interval for BMI, sleep time, smoking, drinking and diabetes were 32.20% (27.67%-36.89%), 7.90% (1.68%-16.58%), 18.56% (11.35%-26.24%), 6.47% (0.11%-13.25%) and 5.73% (4.42%-7.03%). The results of multivariate adjusted population attributable risk percentage showed that BMI was the dominant cause of cardiovascular diseases, followed by smoking, sleep time, drinking and diabetes. The low-risk prevalence rate was 18.44%, the higher-risk prevalence rate was 14.19%, and the high-risk prevalence rate was 42.52%. The area under ROC curve AUC was 0.711, P<0.001, and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed P=0.257. Conclusion In the future, it is important to focus on high-risk groups , control body mass index to the normal range, and reduce smoking , which is of great significance for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The risk prediction model has the value of good differentiation and practicability , and can provide certain prediction ability for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.