Objective: To evaluate the performance of 5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in visualizing dental pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues in vivo in the young adult population, thereby providing a basis for the application of high-field MRI technology in clinical oral examinations. Methods: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the hospital. A total of 15 healthy volunteers (413 permanent teeth altogether) were recruited and underwent full-mouth 5T MRI scans. Among them, six volunteers (168 permanent teeth) also received both 3T MRI and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Two dental specialists independently evaluated the imaging quality of the dental pulp and PDL on the images using a 5-point Likert scale and recorded the number of detectable root canals for each tooth. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using weighted kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Non-parametric tests were employed to compare differences in imaging performance among different tissue structures, tooth positions, and imaging modalities. Results: 5T MRI can achieve in vivo imaging for most dental pulp tissues and partial periodontal membrane structures. There was a high level of agreement between the two raters in their imaging scores for the dental pulp and PDL (dental pulp κ = 0.934, PDL κ = 0.737). The imaging scores for dental pulp were significantly higher than those for PDL (P < 0.001), and the scores for molar dental pulp were lower than those for premolars and anterior teeth. In the multimodal comparison involving six volunteers, the raters showed good consistency in scoring dental pulp and PDL imaging across 5T MRI, 3T MRI, and CBCT, as well as in root canal counts (5T MRI for dental pulp κ = 0.971, 3T MRI for dental pulp κ = 0.933, CBCT for dental pulp κ = 0.964; 5T MRI for PDL κ = 0.625, 3T MRI for PDL κ = 0.667, CBCT for PDL κ = 0.571; ICC for root canal counts all ≥ 0.990). The imaging scores for dental pulp and PDL using 5T MRI were significantly higher than those using 3T MRI (dental pulp: P < 0.001; PDL: P = 0.022), but there was no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of the number of root canals between the two (P > 0.05). Although the imaging scores for dental pulp and PDL as well as the detection rate of the number of root canals with 5T MRI were inferior to those with CBCT (dental pulp: P < 0.001; PDL: P = 0.02; number of root canals: P < 0.05), 5T MRI can truly achieve "direct imaging" of these two soft tissues. Conclusion 5T MRI enables effective in vivo direct imaging of dental pulp and PDL tissues in the young adult population, indicating its potential clinical application value in the diagnosis and treatment of pulp and periodontal diseases.

The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other potential future coronavirus has challenged the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, there remains a need for alternative antivirals that target processes less susceptible to mutations, such as the formation of six-helix bundle (6-HB) during the viral fusion step of host cell entry. In this study, a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay employing a yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) system was established to identify inhibitors of HR1/HR2 interaction. The compound IMB-9C, which achieved single-digit micromolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and its Omicron variants with low cytotoxicity, was selected. IMB-9C effectively blocks the HR1/HR2 interaction in vitro and inhibits SARS-CoV-2-S-mediated cell-cell fusion. It binds to both HR1 and HR2 through non-covalent interaction and influences the secondary structure of HR1/HR2 complex. In addition, virtual docking and site-mutagenesis results suggest that amino acid residues A930, I931, K933, T941, and L945 are critical for IMB-9C binding to HR1. Collectively, in this study, we have developed a novel screening method for HR1/HR2 interaction inhibitors and identified IMB-9C as a potential antiviral small molecule against COVID-19 and its variants.

Objective:To understand the changes in the prevelance smoking in people aged ≥15 years in Baoji, and provide evidence for the improvement of tobacco control strategies.Methods:Data were from the sampling survey of chronic diseases and their risk factors conducted in Baoji at an interval of five years from 2013 to 2023. The survey used multi-stage cluster random sampling method to select local people aged ≥15 years, and the information about their tobacco use were collected by face-to-face interview. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the prevalence of smoking, and χ2 test was used to analyze the change trend. Results:The smoking rate in people aged ≥15 years in Baoji decreased from 2013 to 2023, and the standardized smoking rate decreased by 13.6% in 2023 compared with 2013. The standardized smoking cessation rate increased by 13.4% in 2018 compared with 2013, and the standardized smoking cessation rate decreased by 7.3% in 2023 compared with 2018. The standardized passive smoking rate decreased by 15.1% in 2018 compared with 2013, and the standardized passive smoking rate increased by 8.8% in 2023 compared with 2018. The average daily smoking amount increased by 3.7 cigarettes in 2018 compared with 2013, and the average daily smoking amount decreased by 3.9 cigarettes in 2023 compared with 2018.Conclusion:Progress has been made in tobacco control in Baoji, but problems still exist in tobacco control, to which close attention needs to be paid.

Objective To explore the effects of eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine Wuxing music(EUG+MUSIC)on skin inflammation,behavioral characteristics,hormone and neurotransmitter levels,and the intestinal microbiota in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene(DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis(AD).Methods A mouse model of AD was established by induction with DNFB for 21 consecutive days;throughout the study,changes in dorsal skin lesions and scratching behavior were recorded in mice and changes in dorsal skin lesions and pruritus were recorded.Mice underwent open-field,elevated 0 maze,tail-suspension,and forced-swimming tests on days 19 and 20.The mice were then sacrificed on day 21 and the organ index was calculated.Serum levels of immunoglobulin E,interleukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Pathological changes in back-skin sections were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and toluidine blue staining,and brain levels of corticosterone,dopamine,and serotonin were measured.The composition of the intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results The skin lesion score and skin inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in the EUG+MUSIC group.Regarding the behavioral tests,mice in the EUG+MUSIC group showed more active locomotion,an increased desire to explore unfamiliar environments,and increased struggling time in stressful situations.Brain levels of serotonin,dopamine,and corticosterone were also increased in the EUG+MUSIC group.16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that DNFB affected the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in AD mice,while EUG+MUSIC treatment remodeled the gut microbial composition,including increasing the relative abundance of gut microbes such as Ligilactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae and decreasing Parabacteroides and Bacteroides spp.Spearman's analysis showed significant correlations among altered gut microbiota,AD-associated skin manifestations,and anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors arising from comorbidities.Conclusions Eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-elements music therapy may have a positive effect on comorbid anxiety-and depression-like behaviors by regulating the intestinal microbiota and improving the behavioral performance in mice with AD,thus providing new ideas and method for improving AD and its associated anxiety-and depressive behaviors.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity among adolescents. Spinal correction surgery is a complex procedure with a long operative duration and extensive tissue damage, frequently resulting in chronic postoperative pain. This type of pain imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on patients, as well as considerable economic strain on families and society. This paper provides an overview of the concept, prevalence, assessment tools, influencing factors, and preventive and therapeutic strategies for chronic postoperative pain in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The aim is to offer a reference for managing postoperative chronic pain in these patients and to inform further research in this area.

Objective:To understand the changes in the prevelance smoking in people aged ≥15 years in Baoji, and provide evidence for the improvement of tobacco control strategies.Methods:Data were from the sampling survey of chronic diseases and their risk factors conducted in Baoji at an interval of five years from 2013 to 2023. The survey used multi-stage cluster random sampling method to select local people aged ≥15 years, and the information about their tobacco use were collected by face-to-face interview. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the prevalence of smoking, and χ2 test was used to analyze the change trend. Results:The smoking rate in people aged ≥15 years in Baoji decreased from 2013 to 2023, and the standardized smoking rate decreased by 13.6% in 2023 compared with 2013. The standardized smoking cessation rate increased by 13.4% in 2018 compared with 2013, and the standardized smoking cessation rate decreased by 7.3% in 2023 compared with 2018. The standardized passive smoking rate decreased by 15.1% in 2018 compared with 2013, and the standardized passive smoking rate increased by 8.8% in 2023 compared with 2018. The average daily smoking amount increased by 3.7 cigarettes in 2018 compared with 2013, and the average daily smoking amount decreased by 3.9 cigarettes in 2023 compared with 2018.Conclusion:Progress has been made in tobacco control in Baoji, but problems still exist in tobacco control, to which close attention needs to be paid.

Objective To explore the effects of eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine Wuxing music(EUG+MUSIC)on skin inflammation,behavioral characteristics,hormone and neurotransmitter levels,and the intestinal microbiota in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene(DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis(AD).Methods A mouse model of AD was established by induction with DNFB for 21 consecutive days;throughout the study,changes in dorsal skin lesions and scratching behavior were recorded in mice and changes in dorsal skin lesions and pruritus were recorded.Mice underwent open-field,elevated 0 maze,tail-suspension,and forced-swimming tests on days 19 and 20.The mice were then sacrificed on day 21 and the organ index was calculated.Serum levels of immunoglobulin E,interleukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Pathological changes in back-skin sections were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and toluidine blue staining,and brain levels of corticosterone,dopamine,and serotonin were measured.The composition of the intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results The skin lesion score and skin inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in the EUG+MUSIC group.Regarding the behavioral tests,mice in the EUG+MUSIC group showed more active locomotion,an increased desire to explore unfamiliar environments,and increased struggling time in stressful situations.Brain levels of serotonin,dopamine,and corticosterone were also increased in the EUG+MUSIC group.16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that DNFB affected the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in AD mice,while EUG+MUSIC treatment remodeled the gut microbial composition,including increasing the relative abundance of gut microbes such as Ligilactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae and decreasing Parabacteroides and Bacteroides spp.Spearman's analysis showed significant correlations among altered gut microbiota,AD-associated skin manifestations,and anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors arising from comorbidities.Conclusions Eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-elements music therapy may have a positive effect on comorbid anxiety-and depression-like behaviors by regulating the intestinal microbiota and improving the behavioral performance in mice with AD,thus providing new ideas and method for improving AD and its associated anxiety-and depressive behaviors.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity among adolescents. Spinal correction surgery is a complex procedure with a long operative duration and extensive tissue damage, frequently resulting in chronic postoperative pain. This type of pain imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on patients, as well as considerable economic strain on families and society. This paper provides an overview of the concept, prevalence, assessment tools, influencing factors, and preventive and therapeutic strategies for chronic postoperative pain in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The aim is to offer a reference for managing postoperative chronic pain in these patients and to inform further research in this area.

Objective:To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups.Results:Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion:Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction （CMD） is one of the important causes of myocardial ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery ischemic symptoms. However， effective diagnostic methods and targeted treatment strategies for CMD are currently lacking. According to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the comorbidity theory of "blood-vessel-cardiac collaterals" plays a central role throughout the entire development process of CMD. It suggests that in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CMD， the treatment of blood， vessels， and cardiac collaterals should not be neglected. In light of this， insect medicines， known for their efficacy in promoting blood circulation， resolving stasis， and alleviating spasms， hold promise as a potential treatment for CMD. However， there is currently no research or summary on the use of insect medicines for the treatment of CMD. Therefore， this article took the comorbidity theory of "blood-vessel-cardiac collaterals" as the starting point and divided the pathogenesis of CMD into five evolution stages： Beginning in the blood （changes in blood components and hemorheology）， progressing in the vessels （atheromatous plaque formation and unstable plaques）， occurring in the cardiac collaterals （microvascular endothelial damage and microvascular constriction and spasms）， ending in the cardiac collaterals （microvascular remodeling）， and resulting in energy metabolism disorders throughout the process， so as to explore the pathogenesis and evolution of CMD. In addition， based on the modern pharmacological research on insect medicines， this article discussed the clinical application of insect medicines in the treatment of CMD from four aspects： Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis to relieve vessels' obstruction， relieving spasms to alleviate pain， combating poison with poison to disperse stagnation， and tonifying cardiac collaterals to nourish the heart， which aims to provide a theoretical basis for the use of TCM in treating CMD， broaden the scope of medication， and improve clinical efficacy.