Objective To explore the relationship between levels of retinol binding protein (RBP) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and obesity and the occurrence risk of cardiovascular disease in population with prehypertension (PH). Methods A total of 301 patients with PH who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology for physical examination from July 2021 to July 2024 were selected as the study subjects. The levels of serum RBP and Lp(a) were determined, and the waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were measured to evaluate the obesity of patients. All patients were followed up. According to whether cardiovascular disease occurred during the follow-up period, they were classified into a study group (with cardiovascular disease) and a control group (without cardiovascular disease). The effects of serum RBP and Lp(a) levels, WC and BMI on the risk of cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Results The follow-up results showed that 53 out of 301 cases developed cardiovascular disease. The levels of RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the areas under the curves of RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI for predicting the cardiovascular disease were 0.823, 0.741, 0.768, and 0.841, respectively. Serum RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI were influencing factors of the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (P<0.05). Conclusion RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI are the influencing factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in patients with prehypertension. These four indicators have certain predictive value on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

Objective:To apply the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)to investigate the correlation between motor function, emotional state, cognitive function, and sleep quality among elderly individuals in the Chinese community.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 739 subjects aged 60 to 90 years, who were randomly recruited from December 2021 to August 2023 across Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces in China.Basic demographic information was collected, and the TUGT was utilized to assess motor function.Based on the TUGT time(t), the subjects were divided into three groups: normal motor function group, mild motor abnormality group, and significant motor abnormality group.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Revised Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), while the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)was employed to measure the degree of depression.Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)was used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness.The correlation between subjects' motor function and their cognitive abilities, mood, and sleep was subsequently analyzed.Results:Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, PHQ-9, MMSE, and ESS scores were identified as significant factors influencing TUGT time.Specifically, TUGT time was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and ESS scores, while exhibiting negative correlations with systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and MMSE scores.Additionally, TUGT time was negatively correlated with the MMSE subcomponents of orientation, immediate memory, and verbal ability.All observed differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increase in the PHQ-9 score was associated with an odds ratio( OR)of 1.099(95% CI: 1.045-1.155, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.150(95% CI: 1.066-1.242, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Additionally, a reduction in the MMSE score was observed, with an OR of 0.939(95% CI: 0.886-0.995, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 0.793(95% CI: 0.729-0.862, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Furthermore, an increase in the ESS score was noted, with ORs of 1.139(95% CI: 1.094-1.186, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.203(95% CI: 1.132-1.279, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).These findings suggest that these variables are independently related to decreased motor function. Conclusions:Depression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness are independent risk factors for motor dysfunction among elderly individuals in community settings.The Timed Up and Go Test TUGT can be utilized for the early screening of motor function decline in this population.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value and imaging features of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HR-MRI)in patients with lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery.Methods:Sixty-nine patients with suspected lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery who admitted to Handan Central Hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were selected,and they underwent routine MRI and HR-MRI examinations.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)examination was used as the"gold standard"to analyze the detection rates of different MRI examinations for lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery.The diagnostic efficacy of them was calculated,and the HR-MRI imaging features of positive cases and negative patients were compared under the"gold standard".Results:For 69 patients with suspected lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery,41 cases(59.42%)were confirmed by"gold standard"examination,and 31 positive cases were confirmed by routine MRI examination,and 35 positive cases were confirmed by HR-MRI examination,and 39 positive cases were confirmed by combined examination of routine MRI and HR-MRI.The results indicated that the accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of the combined examination of routine MRI and HR-MRI were respectively 88.41%,87.80%,89.29%,92.31%and 83.33%,all of which were higher than those of single image examination,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=5.459,7.329,6.216,6.395,6.141,P<0.05).The irregular shape,blurred boundary,high signal,plaque formation,intra-plaque bleeding,displacement of common carotid artery or vein,and calcification of lesion in HR-MRI imaging features of positive patients were significantly higher than those of negative patients,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=8.918,4.418,7.001,4.746,8.743,5.951,4.947,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The detection rates both of routine MRI and HR-MRI are higher in patients with lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery.However,the combined examination of them can improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity,and the morphology,boundary,signal and calcification foci of confirmed patients are more obvious in HR-MRI examination,which can provide reference for subsequent diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:To explore the differences in bacterial communities within tissues during the process of oral mucosal carcinogenesis, and analyze the relationship between the high-abundance species Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and the occurrence and development of oral mucosal carcinogenesis. Methods:Fresh tissue samples were collected from patients diagnosed with oral leukoplakia (OLK), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and healthy controls (HC) at Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from January 2022 to November 2024, following strict inclusion criteria. Bacterial DNA was extracted from these specimens, and the 2bRAD sequencing for microbiome (2bRAD-M) was employed to analyze and compare the α and β diversity, as well as the community composition of bacteria within tissues, aiming to identify specifically expressed bacteria. Subsequently, paraffin-embedded clinical specimens were collected: 15 cases in the OLK group (including 4 cases of simple hyperplasia, 6 cases of mild dysplasia, and 5 cases of moderate to severe dysplasia), 12 cases in the OSCC group, and 5 cases in the HC group. A 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO)-induced OLK progression mouse model was also constructed. Mice were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table, with six in each group. The negative control group was given distilled water to drink; Group 1 was given distilled water containing 4NQO to drink until week 12, while Group 2 was given distilled water containing 4NQO to drink until week 22. After the mice were sacrificed, their tongue tissue were collected and fixed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with specific probes was used to validate the presence of Pi in human and mouse tissue sections, analyzing the correlation between histopathological grading and the invasion depth of Pi.Results:The 2bRAD-M microbial analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Pi in OSCC tissues (10.80%) was significantly higher than in the HC group (0.50%) ( P=0.001) and OLK group (0.70%) ( P=0.002). FISH probe detection showed that the fluorescence intensity of Pi in human OSCC tissues [123.50 (101.00, 142.30)] was higher than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 28.50)], simple hyperplasia OLK [0.00 (0.00, 35.25)], and mild dysplasia OLK [24.50 (0.00, 55.50)] groups, with statistically significant differences respectively ( P=0.002, P=0.003, P=0.005). However, there was no significant difference compared to moderate to severe dysplasia OLK [56.00 (28.00, 62.50)] ( P=0.210). The fluorescence area of Pi in human OSCC tissues [8 615.00 (7 439.00, 11 084.00)] was significantly larger than in the HC group [0.00 (0. 00, 45.00)], simple hyperplasia OLK group [0.00 (0.00, 81.00)], mild dysplasia [49.00 (0.00, 151.00)], and moderate to severe dysplasia groups [1 450.00 (454.00, 2 892.00)], with highly significant differences ( P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the invasive depth of Pi and the degree of histopathological grading ( P<0.001). In mice, the fluorescence intensity of Pi in OSCC tissues [120.00 (110.00, 127.00)] was significantly higher than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 12.25)] ( P<0.01), but showed no significant difference compared with the OLK group [50.00 (0.00, 58.00)] ( P>0.05). The fluorescence area of Pi in mice OSCC tissues [11 020.00 (6 790.00, 12 102.00)] was significantly larger than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 56.75)] and the OLK group [0.00 (0.00, 751.50)] ( P=0.006, P=0.043). There is a significant correlation between the depth of invasion of Pi and the degree of histopathological grading ( P<0.01). Conclusions:This study suggests that Pi in oral mucosal tissue may be a potential biomarker for early detection of OSCC and play an important role in the carcinogenesis process of oral mucosa.

Objective:To explore the application value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) in the evaluation of atherosclerotic ischemic stroke (IS).Methods:A total of 131 patients with atherosclerotic IS (study group) and 62 patients with non-atherosclerotic IS (control group) diagnosed and treated in Handan Central Hospital from May 2022 to May 2024 were retrospectively selected as the study objects. MSCT perfusion imaging and HR-VWI were completed before treatment. MSCT perfusion imaging indexes and HR-VWI indexes were compared between the two groups, and HR-VWI indexes and MSCT perfusion imaging indexes were compared among the study groups with different disease degrees. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of HR-VWI indexes and MSCT perfusion imaging indexes in atherosclerotic IS.Results:The stenosis degree, out wall area at maximal lumen narrowing (OWA MLN), plaque loading rate and remodeling index in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (69.22 ± 12.57)% vs. (60.81 ± 10.38)%, (7.62 ± 1.03) mm 2 vs. (6.53 ± 1.18) mm 2, (42.51 ± 8.22)% vs. (36.53 ± 7.29)%, 1.32 ± 0.41 vs. 1.01 ± 0.29; while the lumen area at maximal lumen narrowing (LA MLN) in the study group was lower than that in the control group: (0.84 ± 0.28) mm 2 vs.(1.17 ± 0.41) mm 2, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) in the study group were lower than those in the control group: 20.25 ± 2.83) ml/100 min vs. (23.66 ± 2.52) ml/100 min, (1.82 ± 0.53) ml/100g vs. (2.31 ± 0.63) ml/100 g; and the peak time (TTP) and mean transit time (MTT) in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (23.55 ± 4.86) s vs.(19.73 ± 3.73) s, (7.13 ± 1.22) s vs. (6.17 ± 1.06) s, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). In the study group, with the aggravation of disease severity, the stenosis degree, OWA MLN, plaque load rate and remodeling index were gradually increased, while LA MLN was gradually decreased, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve value of HR-VWI index combined evaluation and MSCT perfusion imaging index combined evaluation in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic IS was 0.921 and 0.828, respectively. Conclusions:HR-VWI and MSCT perfusion imaging can be used in the assessment of patient's condition of atherosclerotic IS. HR-VWI may be better in evaluating the condition of atherosclerotic IS.

Objective:To analyze the incidence, mortality, survival patterns, and distribution characteristics of modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer in selected global regions.Methods:Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the GLOBOCAN database and previous literature. We described the number of cases and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence and mortality for colorectal cancer in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and globally in 2022 and 2020, with gender-stratified analysis. ASRs were calculated using Segi's world standard population. Temporal trends in 5-year net survival rates were compared across three periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014) among countries. Regional distribution differences in colorectal cancer deaths attributable to modifiable risk factors by gender were assessed in China.Results:In 2022, global colorectal cancer incidence and mortality were estimated at 1.926 million new cases and 904 000 deaths. China accounted for 27% of both global incidence (517 000 cases) and mortality (240 000 deaths). China's age-standardized incidence rate (20.1 per 100 000) was lower than those of the United States (27.0 per 100 000) and the UK (30.9 per 100 000). However, China's mortality rate (8.6 per 100 000) exceeded that of the US (7.9 per 100 000) but was lower than the UK (11.8 per 100 000). Compared to 2020, China demonstrated significant mortality reductions in 2022: males declined from 14.8 to 10.9 per 100 000, females from 9.4 to 6.5 per 100 000. Five-year net survival rates in China improved across periods for colon cancer (51.4%, 55.6%, 57.6%) and rectal cancer (49.5%, 52.5%, 56.9%), yet remained consistently lower than US and UK rates. Modifiable risk factors contributed to 45.1% of male and 41.4% of female colorectal cancer deaths in China, with marked regional disparities.Conclusions:China exhibits higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality than global averages, with survival gaps persisting compared to developed nations. Regionally tailored comprehensive prevention strategies are essential to reduce disease burden through risk factor modification and optimized clinical management.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) on human sperm cryopreservation and explore its underlying protective mechanisms.Methods:A total of 165 normal fresh semen samples were collected from the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Human Sperm Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between December 2022 and December 2024. Among them, 65 samples were used to obtain semen parameters before and after conventional freezing. Each sample of the other 104 samples was mixed at a 2∶1 volume ratio with cryoprotectant containing 0, 10 -?, 10 -?, or 10 -? mol/L RSV, followed by cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Post-thaw assessments included routine sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured via flow cytometry, RSV and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) interactions examined by molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), NRF2 protein contents analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, mRNA levels of NRF2 and downstream antioxidant proteins Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) quantified by qRT-PCR and effects of NRF2 inhibitor ML385 on sperm parameters. Results:Compared with fresh samples, conventional cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility (all P<0.001). The addition of 10 -? mol/L RSV significantly improved the percentage of forward motile sperm after freezing (26.98%±8.98% vs. 19.61%±8.03%, P<0.001) while reducing DFI (9.84%±3.81% vs. 15.06%±4.22%, P<0.001) and ROS levels ( P<0.001) compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV. Both molecular docking analysis and CETSA confirmed that RSV interacted with NRF2. Notably, sperm cryopreserved with 10 -? mol/L RSV exhibited significantly higher contents of NRF2 and its downstream effectors HO-1 and NQO1 compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV (all P<0.001). This protective effect was markedly attenuated by co-treatment with the NRF2 inhibitor ML385, as evidenced by a significant decline in sperm motility ( P<0.001). Conclusion:RSV exerts cryoprotective effects likely through NRF2-mediated antioxidant pathways, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality.

Objective:To investigate the relationship of serum interleukin(IL)-17, IL-21 and IL-22 levels with the severity and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods:One hundred patients with AIS and treated in Handan Central Hospital from April 2021 to April 2023 (case group) and 60 patients with high-risk stroke who participated in physical examination during the same period (control group) were retrospectively selected as the study objects. The severity of AIS patients was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and 18-month follow-up was completed. They were divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group according to recurrence or death. The levels of serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in all groups were compared, and the correlation between serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 levels and the severity and prognosis of AIS was analyzed by Spearman test. The risk factors of poor prognosis in AIS patients were screened by Logistic regression.Results:The levels of serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in the case group were higher than those in the control group: (28.77 ± 4.20) ng/L vs. (22.39 ± 3.34) ng/L, (26.53 ± 4.19) ng/L vs. (21.07 ± 3.26) ng/L, (7.21 ± 1.12) ng/L vs. (6.18 ± 0.84) ng/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). There were statistical differences in levels of serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in AIS patients with different severity ( P<0.05). The levels of serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in the good prognosis group were lower than those in the poor prognosis group: (27.76 ± 4.06) ng/L vs. (31.37 ± 3.39) ng/L, (25.36 ± 3.34) ng/L vs. (29.52 ± 4.71) ng/L, (6.78 ± 0.77) ng/L vs.(8.35 ± 1.12) ng/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Spearman test results showed that the levels serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in AIS patients had positively correlated with the severity of the disease ( r = 0.453, 0.526, 0.470, P<0.05), and had positively correlated with poor prognosis ( r = 0.408, 0.397, 0.574). P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of IL-17 ( OR = 1.562), IL-21 ( OR = 1.434) and IL-2 ( OR = 15.192) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in AIS patients ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The levels of serum IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 are closely related to the severity and prognosis of AIS, and are independent risk factors for poor prognosis of patients, which can be used to evaluate the prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) on human sperm cryopreservation and explore its underlying protective mechanisms.Methods:A total of 165 normal fresh semen samples were collected from the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Human Sperm Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between December 2022 and December 2024. Among them, 65 samples were used to obtain semen parameters before and after conventional freezing. Each sample of the other 104 samples was mixed at a 2∶1 volume ratio with cryoprotectant containing 0, 10 -?, 10 -?, or 10 -? mol/L RSV, followed by cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Post-thaw assessments included routine sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured via flow cytometry, RSV and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) interactions examined by molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), NRF2 protein contents analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, mRNA levels of NRF2 and downstream antioxidant proteins Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) quantified by qRT-PCR and effects of NRF2 inhibitor ML385 on sperm parameters. Results:Compared with fresh samples, conventional cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility (all P<0.001). The addition of 10 -? mol/L RSV significantly improved the percentage of forward motile sperm after freezing (26.98%±8.98% vs. 19.61%±8.03%, P<0.001) while reducing DFI (9.84%±3.81% vs. 15.06%±4.22%, P<0.001) and ROS levels ( P<0.001) compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV. Both molecular docking analysis and CETSA confirmed that RSV interacted with NRF2. Notably, sperm cryopreserved with 10 -? mol/L RSV exhibited significantly higher contents of NRF2 and its downstream effectors HO-1 and NQO1 compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV (all P<0.001). This protective effect was markedly attenuated by co-treatment with the NRF2 inhibitor ML385, as evidenced by a significant decline in sperm motility ( P<0.001). Conclusion:RSV exerts cryoprotective effects likely through NRF2-mediated antioxidant pathways, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality.

Objective:To establish a chain management model for blood glucose in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery and analyze its clinical effectiveness, and to provide a reference for related clinical nursing practices.Methods:A quasi-experimental study design was adopted. Using convenience sampling, 120 critically ill patients after cardiac surgery admitted to Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were selected as study subjects. They were divided into groups based on the time of admission to the intensive care unit after surgery. Sixty patients admitted from March to May 2024 were assigned to the control group and received conventional blood glucose management. Another 60 patients admitted from June to August 2024 were assigned to the observation group and received the chain management model for blood glucose control in addition to the conventional approach. Blood glucose levels and quality indicators of blood glucose management (including maximum blood glucose fluctuation, time in target glucose range, duration of insulin use, incidence of hypoglycemia, etc.) were compared between the two groups.Results:The control group included 27 males and 33 females, with an age of 63.00(59.00, 69.25) years; the observation group included 28 males and 32 females, with an age of 66.00(60.00, 70.00) years. The blood glucose levels of the observation group on postoperative days 2, 3, 4 were 9.10(8.68, 9.90), 8.90(8.40, 10.00), 8.75(7.38, 9.03) mmol/L, respectively, which were lower than those of the control group [10.30(9.80, 11.00), 9.95(9.40, 11.05), 9.30(8.10, 10.02) mmol/L], with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-5.85, -4.95, -3.50, all P<0.05). The maximum blood glucose fluctuation in the observation group was (4.09 ± 2.45) mmol/L, lower than that of the control group [(5.19 ± 2.47) mmol/L], with a statistically significant difference ( t=2.46, P<0.05). The time in the target glucose range was 67.00(60.00, 75.00)% in the observation group, higher than that of the control group 52.00(45.00, 60.00)%, with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-6.57, P<0.05). The duration of insulin use was 6.00(5.00, 7.00) h in the observation group, shorter than that of the control group [13.00(9.75, 15.32) h], with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-8.68, P<0.05). The incidence of hypoglycemia was 3.33%(2/60) in the observation group and 15.00%(9/60) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=4.90, P<0.05). The mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, and total hospital stay in the observation group were 42.00(37.00, 89.25) h, 6.00(5.00, 7.00) d, and 12.00(11.75, 13.00) d, respectively, which were shorter than those of the control group [96.00(86.25, 98.00) h, 7.00(7.00, 10.00) d, and 13.00(11.75, 15.00) d], with a statistically significant difference ( Z=8.67, 17.57, 4.73, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The implemented chain management model for blood glucose control meets the comprehensive requirements of blood glucose management. It not only reduces blood glucose fluctuations and decreases the incidence of hypoglycemia but also effectively improves the quality of blood glucose management in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery, enhances the safety of blood glucose control, and promotes patient recovery.