Objective To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules in the physical examination population in Mianyang region and analyze its association with metabolic syndrome. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 9 978 individuals who underwent health examinations at our hospital from January 2024 to May 2025. Thyroid examinations were performed using color Doppler ultrasound to analyze the prevalence of thyroid nodules in this population. Clinical data of all subjects were collected, and logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of thyroid nodule development. Results The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the physical examination population of Mianyang region was 17.98% (1 794/9 978). The logistic regression results showed that after adjusting for gender, age, BMI, occupation, consumption of non-iodized salt, staying up late, daily sleep duration, anxiety, and depression, metabolic syndrome (OR=6.593, 95% CI: 3.961-10.975) was associated with thyroid nodules (P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of thyroid nodules among the physical examination population in the Mianyang area is 17.98%, and metabolic syndrome remains associated with the risk of thyroid nodules after effectively controlling for confounding factors.

AIM: To explore the effect of dihydroquercetin on visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia based on the NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome pathway.METHODS: The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and form deprivation myopia model group, and the form deprivation myopia model group was constructed by covering the right eye with a translucent eye patch. After successful modeling, the mice in the model group of form deprivation myopia were randomly divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups, and high-dose dihydroquercetin + NLRP3 agonist group. The diopter and axial length of mice in each group were detected. The kit was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in retinal tissue. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated spot-like protein(ASC), Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in retinal tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in retinal tissues. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis in retinal tissue.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the diopter of the mice in the model group decreased, and axial length increased, and the SOD decreased whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 increased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the diopter of mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups increased, axial length shortened, the SOD increased, whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 decreased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose dihydroquercetin group, the high-dose dihydroquercetin+NLRP3 agonist group had reduced diopter, increased axial length, decreased SOD levels, elevated MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as increased apoptosis rate in retinal tissue(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Dihydroquercetin can improve visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia by inhibiting pyroptosis and oxidative stress responses, which may be related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 agonists can partially mitigate the effects of high-dose dihydroquercetin on form deprivation myopia in mice.

Background Microparticles (MPs) are one of the main medium of inflammatory reaction with an important role in atherosclerotic progression. Studies on association of air pollution exposure and levels of peripheral blood MPs are limited among human. Objective To evaluate the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on levels of peripheral blood MPs. Method A panel of 73 healthy adults was followed with 4 repeated follow-ups in Beijing, China, from November 2014 to January 2016. During each visit, we collected questionnaire information, fasting venous blood, urine, and exposures to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), black carbon, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. We used linear mixed-effect models to analyze associations of air pollution exposure with levels of total MPs (TMPs) and MPs derived from various cells. Stratified analysis was conducted by levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results The results showed significant associations between air pollution exposure and peripheral blood TMPs at 2 h-6 d prior to the follow-ups (P<0.05), while no statistical associations were found for MPs derived from different cell types. Significant increases in TMPs of 7.8% (95%CI: 0.7%, 15.3%) and 14.3% (95%CI: 2.8%, 27.2%) were observed with each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM_2.5 (IQR=64.9 μg·m⁻³) at prior 18 h and NO (IQR=40.5 μg·m⁻³) at prior 48 h. Among participants with low levels of CRP and MDA, significantly positive associations were observed between air pollution exposure and levels of TMPs (P<0.05). Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollution is significantly associated with increased levels of circulating MPs in healthy adults, and in people with lower systemic inflammation, peripheral blood MPs levels are more easily affected after exposure to air pollutants.

Objective:To investigate the relationship among iron content, volume and drainage venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2) in deep gray matter nuclei of healthy people using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 126 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled in the community in Tianjin from June 2019 to December 2023, and 57 males and 69 females, aged 48±15 years. All healthy volunteers underwent MRI examinations to get STrategically Acquired Gradient Echo images, then it was post-processed to obtain T 1 weighted enhanced images, QSM maps and the maximum intensity projection images. In QSM maps, caudate nucleus (CN), putamen (PUT), globus pallidus (GP), thalamus (THU), subthalamic nucleus (STN), substantia nigra (SN) and red nucleus (RN) were semi-automatically segmented to calculate the iron content and volume using SPIN software. Four bilateral deep cerebral veins regions of interest, including septum pellucidum veins, thalamostriate veins, internal cerebral veins and basilar veins, were manually delineated on the maximum intensity projection images of QSM to obtain venous magnetic sensitivity. The venous magnetic sensitivity was calculated as SvO 2. To observe the age-related trend of SvO 2, iron content and volume, the partial correlation analysis was conducted. The relationships between iron content, volume and SvO 2 were explored using the partial correlation analysis. To explore the potential effects of SvO 2 between iron content and volume in deep gray matter, the mediation analysis was utilized. Results:The relationships between the SvO 2 of thalamostriate veins ( r=0.23, P=0.018), basilar veins ( r=0.27, P=0.004) and age were positive. The relationships between the SvO 2 of internal cerebral veins and the iron contents of CN ( r=?0.25, P=0.042) and PUT ( r=?0.33, P<0.001) were negative. The relationships between the SvO 2 of basilar veins and the iron contents of STN ( r=?0.25, P=0.042) and SN ( r=?0.24, P=0.045) were negative. The relationships between iron content and volume including CN ( r=0.46, P<0.001), PUT ( r=0.20, P=0.027), GP ( r=0.76, P<0.001), STN ( r=0.87, P<0.001), SN ( r=0.90, P<0.001), RN ( r=0.79, P<0.001) were positive. The mediation analysis showed that the SvO 2 of internal cerebral veins indirectly mediated the relationship between iron content and volume of CN, PUT, GP and THU. Conclusions:The process of iron deposition required the participation of oxygen in deep gray matter nuclei. Volume shows positive correlation with iron content in deep gray matter nuclei, with individual variations. The SvO 2 of internal cerebral veins mediate the relationship between iron content and volume of deep gray matter nuclei.

Objective To analyze effects of caragliflozin and empagliflozin on inflammatory markers,glucose and lipid metabolism and miR-144 expression in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 148 obese T2DM patients admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to May 2024 were selected and divided into the caragliflozin group and the empagliflozin group by random number table method.The two groups were treated with canagliflozin and empagliflozin on the basis of conventional treatment for 6 months.The inflammatory indicators,glucose metabolism indicators,lipid metabolism indicators,microRNA-144(miR-144)expression,body mass index(BMI),clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results After a total of 7 cases were excluded during the treatment period,there were 71 cases in the caragliflozin group and 70 cases in the empagliflozin group.After treatment,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,C-reactive protein,fasting blood glucose(FBG),2 h postprandial blood glucose(2 h-PPG),glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol,BMI and miR-144 expression were lower than those before treatment in two groups of patients(P＜0.05),and the levels of FBG,2 h-PPG,HbA1c,TG and miR-144 expression were lower in the caragliflozin group than those of the empagliflozin group(P＜0.05).After treatment,high density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher than that before treatment in the two groups(P＜0.05),and that in the canagliflozin group was higher than the empagliflozin group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups after treatment(P＞0.05).Conclusion Both caragliflozin and empagliflozin have certain therapeutic efficacy and good safety for obese T2DM patients,and caragliflozin is more effective in improving glucose and lipid metabolism.

The hemodynamics within the aortic lumen is highly complex,and the mechanical stimuli generated by blood flow play a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of aortic dilation disease.Endothelial cells,as key components of the vascular endothelium,respond precisely to microenvironmental changes caused by blood flow through mechanoreceptors,including ion channels,receptor tyrosine kinases,and membrane structures.These mechanoreceptors convert mechanical stresses into biochemical signals,thereby affecting the physiological functions and pathological changes of blood vessels.In recent years,significant advances have been made in understanding the mechanisms by which endothelial mechanoreceptors are involved in aortic dilation diseases.This review summarizes the research progress of mechanoreceptor-mediated endothelial cell function in regulating aortic dilation diseases and provides a perspective on future research directions,with the aim of offering new insights and potential targets for the development of clinical treatment strategies.

Kidney transplantation is widely recognized as the optimal treatment for children with end-stage renal disease(ESRD),offering significant improvements in growth,development,and long-term quality of life compared with prolonged dialysis.However,kidney transplantation in low-age(＜5 years old)and low-weight(＜15 kg)children presents significant clinical challenges due to their delicate vas-cular structures,limited surgical space,and complex perioperative management.This report presents two cases of kidney transplantation in low-age,low-weight children performed at Peking University People's Hospital.Case 1:a 2-year-3-month-old boy(8.8 kg),presenting a preoperative serum creatinine of 248μmol/L post-dialysis and the estimated glomerular filtration rates(eGFR)of 35.17 mL/(min·1.73 m2).Case 2:a 3-year-8-month-old girl(11.25 kg),presenting a preoperative creatinine of 281 μmol/L post-dialysis and the eGFR of 22.63 mL/(min·1.73 m2).Both recipients underwent transplantation via the extraperitoneal approach,with end-to-side anastomosis of the donor renal artery and vein to the recipient's common iliac artery and vein,respectively.The ureters were anastomosed to the bladder using the tunnel technique,and double-J stents were placed intraoperatively.The surgeries were uneventful,and both pa-tients exhibited rapid recovery of renal function.Postoperatively,serum creatinine levels decreased to 26μmol/L(Case 1)and 39 μmol/L(Case 2)by the third day,with the eGFR reaching 245.23 mL/(min·1.73 m2)and 164.12 mL/(min·1.73 m2),respectively.No complications,such as vascular thrombosis,ureteral stenosis,or abdominal compartment syndrome were observed during follow-up.A comprehensive literature review was conducted to contextualize these cases within global advancements in pediatric renal transplantation.Current evidence highlights the growing adoption of kidney transplantation for low-age,low-weight children,though debates persist regarding optimal surgical strategies(specifical-ly,the intraperitoneal versus extraperitoneal approaches).This case report underscores the feasibility of the extraperitoneal approach in overcoming anatomical limitations of low-weight pediatric recipients,with distinct advantages including reduced gastrointestinal complications and enhanced accessibility for post-operative ultrasound monitoring.Furthermore,mean arterial pressure(MAP)and central venous pressure(C VP)were systematically monitored intraoperatively to ensure optimal renal blood perfusion and graft viability.Our single-center experience provides valuable insights into surgical strategy selection and peri-operative management for this high-risk population.Nevertheless,larger multicenter studies are warranted to validate long-term outcomes and refine standardized protocols.

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of adverse reactions of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and provide a basis for the rational clinical application.Methods:The adverse drug reaction (ADR) cases of SGLT2i reported by Beijing from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024 were collected through searching the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System of China. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) terminology set was used to standardize the description of ADR, and the involving system organ class (SOC) and preferred term (PT) was extracted. Data of ADR were analyzed descriptively and statistically. Results:A total of 409 SGLT2i-related adverse reaction reports involving 409 patients were included. Among these patients, there were 232 females and 177 males; the median age was 62(52, 70) years, and 231 cases (56.48%) were under the age of 65 years; 5 types of SGLT2i (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, canagliflozin, ertugliflozin, and henagliflozin proline) were involved, and reports of dapagliflozin was the most (279 cases, 68.22%). The primary indication for medication was diabetes (404 cases, 98.78%). The majority of ADRs did not reach the severe level (395 cases, 96.58%). The 14 cases (3.42%) of severe ADR were primarily about diabetic ketoacidosis (11 cases, 11/14), of which 7 cases presented with normal blood glucose levels and 5 cases occurred after medical stress events. The outcomes of patients were improvement in 241 cases (58.92%) and recovery in 127 cases (31.05%). In total, 476 ADR occurrences were recorded among the 409 patients, involving 82 PTs, 24 of which were not listed in the drug labels. The top 2 SOCs were the infections and infestations [26.26% (125/476)] and renal and urinary disorders [13.87% (66/476)]; the top 3 PTs were urinary tract infection [23.32% (111/476)], urinary ketone detection [6.51% (31/476)], and vulvovaginal pruritus [5.88% (28/476)]; the top 3 newly identified possible ADRs (PTs) were dizziness [2.31% (11/476)], palpitations [1.89% (9/476)], and decreased appetite [1.05% (5/476)].Conclusions:Based on the ADR monitoring data in Beijing in the past 5 and a half years, SGLT2i-associated adverse reactions primarily involved the infections and infestations, and renal and urinary disorders. ADRs identified in the study such as dizziness and palpitations are not documented in the drug labels, euglycaemic ketoacidosis accounts for a high proportion of severe reactions, and most of them occur after acute stress events.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical significance of morular metaplasia (MM) in fertility-preserving treatment for young patients with endometrial hyperplasia and grade 1 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma.Methods:Clinical data was retrospectively collected from patients diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia or grade 1 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma under 40 years old who underwent progestin-based fertility-sparing treatmentat in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2018 and November 2022.Patients were divided into the MM group (37 cases) and the non-MM group (63 cases) based on pathological findings. Clinical characteristics, hysteroscopic features, treatment efficacy and fertility outcomes were compared between the two groups. The MM group was further stratified into three subgroups based on the timing of MM occurrence:(1) MM-Bef group ( n=10): MM was present in the initial endometrial curettage or hysteroscopic biopsy pathology before fertility-sparing treatment and disappeared after treatment; (2) MM-Sus group ( n=14): MM persisted consistently before and after therapy;(3) MM-Aft group ( n=13): MM was absent before therapy but appeared after treatment. The risk factors which had impact on the treatment outcomes of the patients were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results:The rate of polycystic ovary syndrome were higher in the MM group than the non-MM group [51% (19/37) vs 27% (17/63), P=0.014]. The complete response (CR) rate was significantly lower in the MM group than in the non-MM group [73% (27/37) vs 95% (60/63), P=0.006], and the median time to CR was significantly longer in the MM group (6.0 vs 5.0 months, P=0.005).Multivariate analysis identified that MM-Sus ( HR=0.355, 95% CI:0.174-0.723; P=0.004) and MM-Aft ( HR=0.314, 95% CI:0.145-0.681; P=0.003) were independent risk factors for delayed CR in fertility-sparing treatment. The patients in the MM group and non-MM group underwent hysteroscopic biopsy for 76 and 131 times. "Gravel-like change" was a more frequent hysteroscopic manifestation in the MM group than that in the non-MM group [18% (14/76) vs 2% (2/131), P<0.001]. Conclusions:Patients in the MM group have poorer treatment outcomes than patients in the non-MM group. MM-Sus and MM-Aft are risk factors for fertility-preserving treatment in young patients with endometrial hyperplasia or grade 1 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. "Gravel-like change" is the characteristic hysteroscopic manifestations of MM.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of pediatric prurigo nodularis (PN), and to explore factors associated with the treatment response.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 26 children with PN who received dupilumab treatment at the Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between December 2022 and January 2025. Primary efficacy endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving investigator's global assessment-activity (IGA PN-A) and stage (IGA PN-S) scores of 0/1 at week 8; secondary efficacy endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 4-point reduction in the pruritus numerical rating scale (NRS) and changes in laboratory parameters. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for pre- and post-treatment comparisons; generalized estimating equation models were applied to evaluate changes in eczema area and severity index (EASI) scores over time; univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios ( ORs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) to analyze factors influencing efficacy. Results:Among the 26 children with PN, 14 (53.8%) were males and 12 (46.2%) were females, with ages ( M[ Q1, Q3]) of 4.50 (3.00, 9.25) years and disease duration of 1.00 (0.48, 2.25) years. Twenty-four (92.3%) patients had comorbid atopic diseases, including 17 with allergic rhinitis and 15 with atopic dermatitis (AD). At week 8, IGA PN-A scores decreased from 3.27 ± 0.53 points at baseline to 1.31 ± 0.84 points ( t = 10.44, P < 0.001), with 16 (61.5%) patients achieving IGA PN-A 0/1; IGA PN-S scores decreased from 3.15 ± 0.46 points at baseline to 1.73 ± 0.78 points ( t = 10.33, P < 0.001), with 10 (38.5%) patients achieving IGA PN-S 0/1; pruritus NRS scores decreased from 5.00 (5.00, 6.00) points at baseline to 2.00 (1.00, 3.00) points ( Z = -3.82, P < 0.001), with 10 (38.5%) patients achieving a ≥ 4-point reduction in NRS scores. At week 40, 7 patients who continued treatment achieved complete remission. Univariate logistic regression showed that head/face involvement ( OR = 7.000, 95% CI: 1.200 - 40.829) and disease duration of < 1 year ( OR = 7.000, 95% CI: 1.200 - 40.829) were associated with better treatment response, while baseline IGA scores of 4 points predicted poorer outcomes ( OR = 0.114, 95% CI: 0.017 - 0.742). During treatment, conjunctivitis and local infection occurred in 2 cases without discontinuation, and no serious adverse events occurred in any of the cases. Conclusions:Dupilumab demonstrated rapid and sustained efficacy in pediatric PN with a favorable safety profile. Head/face involvement, shorter disease duration, and lower baseline severity were associated with better treatment response.