Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Objective: To understand the current status of malnutrition, depressive symptoms, and their coexistence among middle school students, so as to provide references for exploring the "comorbidity-common cause-common prevention" model for these conditions. Methods: In September 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling method was adopted to select 88 594 students from junior high schools, regular high schools, and vocational high schools in 12 leagues/cities (covering 103 banners/counties) of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Physical examinations were conducted to collect data on malnutrition, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. The Chi-square test and multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis were employed to analyze the related factors of malnutrition, depressive symptoms, and their coexistence. Results: In 2023, the detection rates of malnutrition, depressive symptoms, and their coexistence among middle school students in Inner Mongolia were 4.60%, 21.85%, and 0.90%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of malnutrition, depressive symptoms, and their coexistence among middle school students of different genders, monitoring sites (except for malnutrition), and school stages ( χ 2=4.95-817.39, all P <0.05). The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that high school students，drink sugar sweetened beverages ≥1 time per day and those with Internet addiction had higher risk of coexisting malnutrition and depressive symptoms [ OR (95% CI )=1.38 (1.04-1.83), 1.46 (1.20-1.78), 2.28 (1.90-2.74), respectively, all P <0.05 ]. The risk of coexistence was lower among female students, those who ate fresh fruits at least once a day, those who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for ≥1 time/day, those who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for ≥1 hour/day on ≥5 days/week, those who did not use cough syrup without therapeutic need, those who did not use sedative hypnotic drugs without medical advice, and non-drinking students [ OR (95% CI )=0.84 (0.73-0.98), 0.77 (0.66-0.89), 0.82 (0.68-0.98), 0.66 (0.53- 0.80 ), 0.57 (0.41-0.78), 0.63 (0.53-0.72), respectively, all P <0.05]. Conclusions The occurrence of undernutrition, depressive symptoms, and their coexistence among middle school students in Inner Mongolia can t be ignored. Schools, the government and society should implement a strategy aimed at concurrent prevention of multiple conditions through comprehensive interventions.

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) expresses abundant glycolytic enzymes and displays comprehensive glucose metabolism reprogramming. Aldolase A (ALDOA) plays a prominent role in glycolysis; however, little is known about its role in HCC development. In the present study, we aim to explore how ALDOA is involved in HCC proliferation. HCC proliferation was markedly suppressed both in vitro and in vivo following ALDOA knockout, which is consistent with ALDOA overexpression encouraging HCC proliferation. Mechanistically, ALDOA knockout partially limits the glycolytic flux in HCC cells. Meanwhile, ALDOA translocated to nuclei and directly interacted with c-Jun to facilitate its Thr93 phosphorylation by P21-activated protein kinase; ALDOA knockout markedly diminished c-Jun Thr93 phosphorylation and then dampened c-Jun transcription function. A crucial site Y364 mutation in ALDOA disrupted its interaction with c-Jun, and Y364S ALDOA expression failed to rescue cell proliferation in ALDOA deletion cells. In HCC patients, the expression level of ALDOA was correlated with the phosphorylation level of c-Jun (Thr93) and poor prognosis. Remarkably, hepatic ALDOA was significantly upregulated in the promotion and progression stages of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC models, and the knockdown of A ldoa strikingly decreased HCC development in vivo. Our study demonstrated that ALDOA is a vital driver for HCC development by activating c-Jun-mediated oncogene transcription, opening additional avenues for anti-cancer therapies.

Based on the viewpoints of turbidity and toxin and years of clinical experience,professor Wei Aisheng proposed that spleen qi deficiency leading to internal retention of turbidity and toxin contributes to the key pathogenesis of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)characterized by obesity or metabolic disorders.For T2DM patients with obesity or metabolic disorders in the middle and end stages,long-term retention of turbidity and toxin leads to unsmooth qi movement of triple energizer and damage of viscera.Therefore,Professor Wei put forward the viewpoint of cutting off the toxin in the early stage,and established the therapy of replenishing qi,respectively expelling pathogens and eliminating turbidity from triple energizer.Professor Wei formulated Sanhuang Yinchen Wuling San as the primary prescription for T2DM.The prescription is derived from the classical formula Yinchen Wuling San with the herbs of Astragali Radix,Coptidis Rhizoma and Ephedrae Herba added,having the actions of replenishing qi and supporting healthy qi,respectively expelling pathogens from triple-energizer to resolve phlegm-damp and stagnated heat.The application of Sanhuang Yinchen Wuling San for T2DM can invigorate spleen qi,smooth qi movement of triple energizer,and eliminate turbidity and toxin,and enhance the efficacy for T2DM.

【Objective】 To understand the prevalence of overweight/obesity among school-age children in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, and to explore the influence of gestational weight gain and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on weight status of school-age children. 【Methods】 From November to December 2020,a stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to select first-grade students from 13 primary schools in Pudong New Area of Shanghai.After matching with the birth monitoring database, 755 students with complete birth information were selected as the study subjects.The relevant information of mothers before and during pregnancy was retrospectively collected, and the effects of pregnancy weight gain combined with pre-pregnancy BMI on overweight/obesity in school-age children were analyzed. 【Results】 1) The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity of first-grade children were 15.89% and 18.41%, respectively.2) Maternal excessive weight gain during pregnancy (OR=1.678) and overweight/obesity before pregnancy (OR=2.315,2.412) were risk factors for overweight/obesity of the offspring at school age(P<0.05).3) For mothers who were underweight before pregnancy, excessive weight gain during pregnancy was associated with overweight/obesity in school-age children in their offspring (OR=7.436, 95%CI: 1.489 - 37.143,P<0.05).4) Excessive weight gain during pregnancy combined with overweight/obesity before pregnancy significantly increased the risk of overweight/obesity in offspring (OR=3.606, 95%CI: 2.030 - 6.405, P<0.05). Mothers who gained a moderate amount of weight during pregnancy and were emaciated before pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of overweight/obesity in their school-age children (OR=0.217, 95%CI: 0.049 - 0.967, P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of overweight/obesity in school-age children in their offspring, strengthening pregnancy health education and perinatal care to help pregnant women maintain appropriate weight gain during pregnancy may be an important and novel strategy to prevent childhood obesity.