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.

A major obstacle in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is sleep fragmentation (SF), which negatively affects testicular function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that SF induces testicular damage through a mechanism involving lipid metabolism, specifically mediated by melatonin (MEL) receptor 1a (MT1). T2DM mice with SF intervention displayed several deleterious phenotypes such as apoptosis, deregulated lipid metabolism, and impaired testicular function. Unexpectedly, sleep recovery (SR) for 2 consecutive weeks could not completely abrogate SF's detrimental effects on lipid deposition and testicular function. Interestingly, MEL and MT1 agonist 2-iodomelatonin (2IM) effectively improved lipid homeostasis, highlighting MEL/2IM as a promising therapeutic drug for SF-trigged testicular damage. Mechanistically, MEL and 2IM activated FGFR1 and sequentially restrained the crosstalk and physical interaction between TAB1 and TAK1, which ultimately suppressed the phosphorylation of TAK1 to block lipid deposition and cell apoptosis caused by SF. The ameliorating effect of MEL/2IM was overtly nullified in Fgfr1 knockout (Fgfr1-KO ^+/- ) diabetic mice. Meanwhile, testicular-specific overexpression of Tak1 abolished the protective effect of FGF1^mut on diabetic mouse testis. Our findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the testicular pathogenesis associated with SF and propose a novel therapeutic approach for addressing male infertility in T2DM.

Objective To explore the influence of function-oriented training combined with proprio-ceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF)technique on stroke patients during convalescence.Methods A total of 106 patients with cerebral infarction during convalescence admitted to the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University and Hebei provincial of Tradifional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were recruited and then randomly divided into combined group(53 cases)and control group(53 cases).The control group only received function-oriented training,while the combined group received function-oriented training combined with PNF technique.The neurological function,balance function,walking ability and motor function were compared before and after intervention and between groups.Results After intervention,the NIHSS score and central nervous system specific protein(S100β)and neuron specific enolase(NSE)levels were significantly lower in the two groups than those before intervention(P＜0.05),and the score and levels after intervention were significantly lower in combined group than the control group(13.28±0.86 vs 15.76±0.94,P＜0.01;1.56±0.24 μg/L vs 1.79±0.23 μg/L,P＜0.0 1;20.46±3.12 μg/L vs 24.75±3.69 μg/L,P＜0.01).The Berg balance scale(BBS)score,step speed and step length in 10-meter walking test(10 MWT)and Fugl-Meyer assessment score were significantly higher in both groups after intervention than those before intervention(P＜0.05),and the above indicators in the combined group were obviously higher than those in refer-ence group after intervention(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion For the patients during cerebral infarction convalescence,function-oriented training combined with PNF technique can not only promote the recovery of neurological function,but also enhance the balance ability and walking a-bility,and improve the limb motor function.

Objective:To design a set of simulation system for surgical operation based on virtual reality(VR)technique and intelligent scoring functions,so as to assess its clinical application effect.Methods:The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine(DICOM)images of typical patients were collected.Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System(MIMICS)software was adopted to reconstruct the three-dimensional(3D)model of diseased organs.Surgical instrument models were constructed by using 3D Max software.Unity 3D software was adopted to construct simulation system for surgical operation with VR+intelligent scoring.A total of 40 surgical resident physicians,who were employed with 3 years since 2019 in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University,were selected.They were divided into observation group and control group,with 20 cases in each group.The observation group used simulation system for surgical operation to conduct intelligent scoring for cholecystectomy under laparoscope,and the control group used conventional scoring for surgical operation.The scores of surgical operation and test between the two groups were compared.Results:The mean value of surgical operation time of the observation group was(1.72±0.41)h,and the average incidence of complication was(0.03±0.02)%,both of them of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group[(2.25±0.42)h and(0.05±0.03)%].The differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=9.00,4.08,P<0.05).The test scores of surgical operation of the observation group was also significantly higher than that of the control group(t=5.26,P<0.001).Conclusion:The developed simulation system for surgical operation with VR+intelligent scoring can significantly enhance users'surgical operation skills and improve learning outcomes,which has favorable prospects in future applications.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO 2), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2), and Oxygen Consumption/lactate (VO 2/Lac) with risk of death in patients with severe ARDS. Methods:A retrospective cohort study method was used, and the study subjects were hospitalized for >5 days adult patients with severe ARDS in the central intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023. The following patients were excluded: IC test was not completed on the 4th day of ICU admission, IC test results were unreliable, mechanical ventilation duration had exceeded 48 h at the time of ICU transfer or admission, palliative care patients and pregnant and parturient women. Using indirect calorimetry to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 values on the 4th day of admission, reviewing medical records to obtain general condition, disease information, blood gas analysis (including lactate value), diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and following up deaths by telephone and time of death. The primary outcome measure was death at 90 days, and the secondary outcome measure was death at 28 days, length of stay in ICU, total length of stay, and total hospitalization cost. Cox regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between VO 2, VCO 2, VO 2/Lac and primary and secondary outcome indexes. Results:A total of 216 patients were enrolled, 78 patients (36.1%) died and 138 patients (63.9%) survived at 90 days. After correction for confounders, the results of multifactorial Cox regression analysis suggested that compared with the Q4 group, HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2 Q1 and Q2 groups was 3.21 (1.38, 7.49) and 3.24 (1.42, 7.38), and HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VCO 2 Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups was 5.88 (2.33, 14.84), 4.26 (1. 60, 11.34) and 3.54 (1.34, 9.35), respectively, and the HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2/Lac Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups were 8.72 (3.01, 25.25), 8.43 (2.91, 24.47) and 4.04 (1.34, 12.17) respectively. P-trends were all <0.05, indicating that VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were linearly and negatively associated with the risk of 90-day mortality. In addition, VO 2, VCO 2, and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 28-day risk of death and higher VO 2/Lac was negatively associated with length of ICU stay. Conclusions:VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 90-day mortality risk and 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe ARDS and may be independent risk factors predicting mortality risk of such patients.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of emodin(EMO)on dextran sulfate(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice.Methods DSS induced UC mouse model,detection of body weight,colon length and histopathological changes.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-10(IL-10),and myeloperoxidase(MPO)levels.Western blot analysis examined the expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway-related proteins.Flow cytometry assessed the ratio of helper T cells 17(Th17)to regulatory T cells(Treg).Additionally,16S rDNA sequencing was employed to evaluate gut microbiota composition.Results Compared with the normal group,DSS-treated mice exhibited significant weight loss,shortened colon length,and marked histological damage(P<0.001).EMO intervention,particularly at high doses,demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in body weight and colon injury(P<0.05).ELISA analysis showed EMO reduced TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels while increasing IL-10(P<0.05).Western blot results indicated EMO inhibited abnormal activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and restored IκB.Conclusion EMO effectively mitigates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)inflammation and intestinal damage by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway,restoring Th17/Treg balance,and maintaining microbial homeostasis,providing theoretical support for its potential as a UC therapeutic agent.

Renal interstitial fibrosis （RIF） is a common pathological change process from the development of various chronic nephropathies to the end stage， and it is an important histological manifestation of renal function decline. At present， no effective anti-fibrosis drugs have been found in clinical practice. In recent years， with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pharmacology， molecular biology， system biology， and network pharmacology， the research on regulating RIF with TCM monomer， single TCM， TCM compound， Chinese patent medicine， and TCM injection is deepening. Among them， Jianpi Yishen recipe， Shendi Bushen capsules， Jianzhong Bushen Xiaozheng decoction， Liuwei Dihuangtang， and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can regulate transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic （TGF-β₁/Smads）， Wnt/β-catenin， and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein （Notch） signaling pathways. Wulingsan， Zhenwutang， pachymic acid ZA， pachymic acid ZC， and pachymic acid ZD， which mainly induce diuresis， can regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hirudin， curcumin， and Fuzheng Huayu recipe， which mainly promote blood circulation， can inhibit inflammation-related pathways such as p-nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB）， Toll-like receptor 4/p-nuclear transcription factor-κB （TLR4/NF-κB）， and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （JAK/STAT）， so as to achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects and alleviate the progression of RIF. Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction， Shenkang injection， and Shenshuai recipe， which are mainly used for invigorating Qi， removing blood stasis， and removing turbidity， can inhibit transdifferentiation of pericytes-myofibroblasts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor （VEGFR） signaling pathway. At present， there are many studies on the regulation of the RIF signaling pathway by TCM， but there is a lack of a systematic summary. In this study， by combing the signaling pathway of TCM in the treatment of RIF， the effective target of TCM treatment is screened， and its possible mechanism is found， which provides new ideas for clinical treatment and new drug research and development.

Objective To investigate the learning curve of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.Methods Using cumulative sum(CUSUM)analysis method,the clinical data from 110 patients,who underwent CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy performed by the same physician at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University of China between May 2024 and October 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.The CUSUM learning curve was fitted,and R2 was used to assess the goodness of fit.The baseline and perioperative data were compared between different stages of the learning curve so as to determine the number of accomplished surgical cases that was required for a physician to reach the proficiency stage from the learning stage in performing CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.Results Successful CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was accomplished in all patients,with a mean operation time of(20.2+3.4)minutes(range of 15-29 minutes).With the accumulation of surgical cases,the operation time showed a gradual downward trend.The learning curve was best fitted with a cubic equation,the equation was as follows:CUSUM(110)=0.000 3x3-0.081 3x2+5.597 9x+0.774 3(where x representing the number of cases),with a goodness-of-fit coefficient R2=0.991.The fitted curve reached its peak at the performance of the 46th case,which was used as the cutoff point to divide the learning curve into two phases.Compared with the learning phase,in the proficiency phase the incidence of complications was significantly lower(pneumothorax:18.8％vs 37.0％,P=0.033)and the mean operation time was obviously shorter[(18.33+2.31)min vs(22.80±3.02)min,P＜0.001].Conclusion Through precise CUSUM analysis of the learning curves obtained from 110 patients receiving CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy,the results of this study indicates that it requires to accomplish 46 operations before a physician can skillfully master the technique of CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.

Objective:To investigate the gender differences in the causal relationship between testosterone-related hormones and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and to analyze the mediating role of blood lipids in this relationship.Methods:Using two-sample Mendelian randomization(TSMR) and two-step Mendelian randomization(MR) methods, we explored the causal associations between testosterone-related hormones, T2DM, and blood lipids in different genders. The potential mediating role of blood lipids between testosterone-related hormones and T2DM was quantitatively assessed using multivariate Mendelian Randomization(MVMR).Results:In males, each standard deviation( SD) increase in genetically predicted total testosterone(TT) was associated with lower odds of T2DM( OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.97, P=0.009) and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C) level( β=0.08 SD, 95% CI 0.03-0.13, P=0.002). In women, each SD rise in genetically predicted bioavailable testosterone(Bio-T) was associated with higher odds of T2DM( OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.40, P<0.001), lower HDL-C level( β=-0.13 SD, 95% CI -0.21--0.05, P<0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that HDL-C played a mediating role(7.83%) between Bio-T and T2DM in women. However, HDL-C showed no mediating effect between SHBG and TT levels on T2DM, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) showed no mediating effect between TT levels on T2DM in men. Conclusions:Lower levels of TT and SHBG in men, and high levels of Bio-T in women may increase the risk of T2DM. In women, regulating HDL-C levels may offer a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of T2DM related to Bio-T disorders.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.