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.

Objective To systematically evaluate the risk prediction models for anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery. Methods A computer-based search of PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and CNKI was conducted to collect studies on postoperative AL risk prediction model for esophageal cancer from their inception to October 1st, 2023. PROBAST tool was employed to evaluate the bias risk and applicability of the model, and Stata 15 software was utilized for meta-analysis. Results A total of 19 literatures were included covering 25 AL risk prediction models and 7373 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.670-0.960. Among them, 23 prediction models had a good prediction performance (AUC>0.7); 13 models were tested for calibration of the model; 1 model was externally validated, and 10 models were internally validated. Meta-analysis showed that hypoproteinemia (OR=9.362), postoperative pulmonary complications (OR=7.427), poor incision healing (OR=5.330), anastomosis type (OR=2.965), preoperative history of thoracoabdominal surgery (OR=3.181), preoperative diabetes mellitus (OR=2.445), preoperative cardiovascular disease (OR=3.260), preoperative neoadjuvant therapy (OR=2.977), preoperative respiratory disease (OR=4.744), surgery method (OR=4.312), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR=2.424) were predictors for AL after esophageal cancer surgery. Conclusion At present, the prediction model of AL risk in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery is in the development stage, and the overall research quality needs to be improved.

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of plague epidemics, host and vector community structure, and abundance in plague focus of wild rodents in Yunnan Province, 2017-2023, providing a scientific basis for formulating plague prevention strategies and forecasting warning for this epidemic foci. Methods　Following the requirements of the "National Plague Surveillance Plan" and the "Yunnan Provincial Plague Surveillance Plan", host-vector surveillance, etiology, and serological testing were carried out, and plague epidemic data and host-vector surveillance data in plague focus of wild rodents in Yunnan Province, 2017-2023 were collected and sorted using Excel 2019 software to create a database for descriptive analysis. Results From 2017 to 2023, 11 animal plague epidemics were discovered in the wild plague foci of Yunnan Province, with 18 epidemic spots. From the altitude distribution point of view, 7 epidemic spots were distributed at an altitude of 2 800-3 000 meters, another seven at 3 000 and 3 200 meters, and four spots were located in areas with an altitude of ≥3 200 meters; a total of 36 samples of host and vector animals were detected positive, including 28 positive samples of host animals and 8 positive samples of vector animals, and 29 strains of Yersinia pestis were isolated; in terms of species composition, Eothenomys miletus accounted for the largest proportion of 41.67%, followed by Apodemus chevrieri at 22.22%; Ctenophthalmus quadratus at 11.11%; Rattus tanezumi and Neopsylla specialis each at 8.33%, and Dremomys pernyi, rat carcass, and Frontopsyllas padix each accounted for 2.78%; the epidemic peaked in April, and no human cases were found. A total of 453 220 rat cages (traps) were placed, capturing 27 677 rodents, with an average capture rate of 6.11%. A total of 25 075 main hosts, Apodemus chevrieri and Eothenomys miletus, were captured, accounting for 90.60% of the total capture rate. A total of 14 700 fleas were seized on the surface of small animals, with a total flea infection rate of 23.13% and a flea index of 0.59. The main vectors were Ctenophthalmus quadratus and Neopsylla specialis, with constituting ratios of 45.71% and 22.69%, respectively. Conclusions From 2017 to 2023, the population density of main host animals in Yunnan's wild rodent plague foci was relatively high and showed an upward trend, possibly related to the local planting structures. Plague plays a regulatory role in host population structures. Epidemics among animals showed obvious seasonality, with a trend of expanding epidemic areas. No human cases were found, but Yersinia pestis was detected in Rattus tanezumi in human settlements, raising the possibility that animal plague could spread to humans. It suggests strengthening the monitoring of areas adjacent to the epidemic source, eradicating rats and fleas in spring, improving the accuracy of plague prediction and early warning, providing strong technical support for the early detection of plague among animals, and preventing the spread of the epidemic to humans.

Objective To observe the effects of wheat grain moxibustion on the hippocampal ERK/CREB-BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and neurotransmitters in rats with perimenopausal depressive disorder(PDD);To explore its mechanism in treating PDD.Methods Totally 24 female SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,Western medicine group and wheat grain moxibustion group,with 6 rats in each group.The PDD rat model was established by bilateral ovariectomy and chronic unpredictable mild stress.The wheat grain moxibustion group received moxibustion at the"Zhongwan","Xiawan","Qihai","Guanyuan"acupoints,with a conical moxa cone for intervention,6 cones per acupoint;the Western medicine group was given fluoxetine hydrochloride solution 1.8 mg/kg by gavage,once a day,for consecutive 21 d.Before and after modeling and after intervention,the body mass,sucrose water preference rate and immobility time in the forced swimming test of the rats were recorded;Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the synaptic structure in hippocampal tissue;ELISA was used to detect the expressions of 5-HT,GABA and Glu in hippocampal tissue;Western blot was used to detect the expressions of ERK,p-ERK,CREB,p-CREB,BDNF and TrkB proteins in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the body mass and sucrose water preference rate of the model group decreased,and the immobility time in the forced swimming test was prolonged(P<0.01);the number of synaptic vesicles in hippocampus decreased,the thickness of the postsynaptic density decreased,the aggregation of transduction-related proteins decreased,the synaptic cleft increased;the contents of 5-HT and GABA in hippocampal tissue decreased,the content of Glu increased,and the expressions of p-ERK,p-CREB,BDNF and TrkB proteins decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass and sucrose water preference rate of the rats in Western medicine group and wheat grain moxibustion group increased,and the immobility time in the forced swimming test was shortened(P<0.01);the area of the postsynaptic density in the hippocampus increased,the synaptic cleft reduced,the contents of 5-HT and GABA in hippocampal tissue increased,the content of Glu decreased,and the expressions of p-ERK,p-CREB,BDNF and TrkB proteins increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Wheat grain moxibustion can effectively alleviate depressive-like behavior in PDD rats,and its mechanism may be related to regulating neurotransmitter expressions and mediating the ERK/CREB-BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway,thereby regulating hippocampal neuroplasticity.

AIM To investigate the effects of Wuzi Yanzong Pills on subacute aging-induced testicular trauma and AMPK/mTOR pathway in rats.METHODS Rat models of subacute aging were induced by 8-week subcutaneous injection of D-gal(200 mg/kg)into the rat neck,followed by their random assignment into the model group,the metformin group(0.3 g/kg)and the low-dose and high-dose Wuzi Yanzong Pills groups(0.54,2.16 g/kg),with 9 rats in each group,in contrast to the 8 intact rats of the normal group.And the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 4 weeks after modeling,after which the rats had their levels of serum T,FSH,SOD,LH,8-OHdG and MDA detected by ELISA;their pathological changes of testes observed by HE and β-galactosidase staining;and their expressions of aging-related proteins(p16,p21,p53),testicle secretory function-related proteins(CYP11A1,HSD17B3,STAR),autophagy-related proteins(p62,ATG5,Beclin-1,LC3B)and AMPK/mTOR pathway-related protein detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group displayed morphologically smaller testes and body surface;dry hair;overall atrophic testicular tissue structure;increased testicular protein expressions of γ-H2AX,p16,p21 andβ-galactosidase(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased p53 protein expression(P＜0.05);suggesting the modeling success.Compared with the model group,the high-dose Wuzi Yanzong Pills group shared decreased levels of serum 8-OHdG,MDA,FSH and LH(P＜0.01);increased levels of SOD and T(P＜0.01);improved sperm damage and almost morphologically normal testicular tissue;decreased testicular protein expressions of p16,p21,p53,p62 and p-mTOR(P＜0.01);and increased protein expressions of CYP11A1,HSD17B3,STAR,ATG5,Beclin-1,LC3B and p-AMPK(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Wuzi Yanzong Pills can improve the subacute aging-induced testicular injury and testicular function in rats by reducing their oxidative stress through improving their autophagy level and testicle antioxidant capacity.

Objective To investigate the roles of glucose-regulated protein 75(GRP75)and voltage-dependent anion channel 1(VDAC1)in heroin-induced arrhythmia.Methods Based on transcriptomic data from primary myocardial cells treated with heroin and the GSE31821 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO),differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified using R software.Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed using STRING database,and key genes were selected using Cytoscape.Molecular docking of key genes was performed using HDOCK,followed by in vivo valida-tion.A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into control,model,model+7 d,model+14 d,and model+21 d groups.A rat model of heroin addiction was established,and the expression levels of DEGs in myocardial tissue were assessed using immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time PCR.Results A total of 51 DEGs primarily enriched in muscle cell development,myofibrils,actin binding,arrhythmic right ventricular cardiomyopathy,calcium signaling,and apoptosis pathways were identified.Based on the PPI and Cytoscape analyses,GRP75 and VDAC1 were identified as key genes.Molecular docking indicated a strong interaction between GRP75 and VDAC1,which form a stable complex.The results of immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of GRP75 and VDAC1 were significantly increased in the model group compared to those in the control group(P＜0.05),and their expres-sion increased(P＜0.05)with the intervention period of heroin in a time-dependent manner.Conclusion GRP75 and VDAC1 may con-tribute to heroin-induced arrhythmogenesis.

Objective To explore the efficacy differences between 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging with zero echo time(3T MRI ZTE)and high resolution computed tomography(HRCT)in the detection of pulmonary nodules and the classification diagnosis of the lung imaging reporting and data system(Lung-RADS)in sub-health populations.Methods Clinical and imaging data of 93 patients with pulmonary nodules(126 nodules in total)admitted to some hospital from July to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The 126 nodules were categorized into a benign nodule group(n=51)and a malignant nodule group(n=75)using pathological findings as the gold standard.All the patients underwent examinations by 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT to compare the detection rates of the two measures for pulmonary nodules;the missed and misdiagnosis rates of 3T MRI ZTE,HRCT and Lung-RADS grading were contrasted with the postoperative pathological diagnosis results as the gold standard;comparison analyses of 3T MRI ZTE signs and HRCT signs were performed between the two groups and the patients with different Lung-RADS grades;3T MRI ZTE,HRCT and Lung-RADS grading were compared with the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve in terms of diagnosis efficacy for pulmonary nodules,and the consistency analysis was carried out.Results No discernible statistical variation was observed in the detection rates of pulmonary nodules between 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT(P>0.05).Lung-RADS grading had the highest rates of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis,and 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT had similar detection rates.The malignant nodule group was different from the benign nodule group in the 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT signs in terms of lesion size,spiculation sign,lobulation sign,calcifica-tion,pleural indentation sign,cavity sign,boundary and bronchial cut-off sign,with the differences being statistically signi-ficant(all P<0.05).For the patients of Lung-RADS grade 3,the 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT signs had significant differences in terms of lesion size,spiculation sign,lobulation sign,calcification,pleural indentation sign,cavity sign and bronchial cut-off sign(all P<0.05).For the patients of Lung-RADS grade 4A,the 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT signs had significant differen-ces in terms of lesion size,calcification,boundary and bronchial cut-off sign(all P<0.05).For the patients of Lung-RADS grade 4B,the 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT signs had significant differences in terms of lesion size and calcification(all P<0.05).For the patients of Lung-RADS grade 4X,there were no significant differences found between the 3T MRI ZTE and HRCT signs(all P>0.05).HRCT had the highest sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,AUC value,predictive values and Kappa value for benign and malignant nodules,3T MRI ZTE had the values slightly lower than those of HRCT,and Lung-RADS grading had the lowest values when compared with HRCT and 3T MRI ZTE.Conclusion HRCT and 3T MRI ZTE are complementary for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules,and the differences in imaging signs between them show graded dependence.3T MRI ZTE and HRCT have no significant differences in the detection rate of pulmonary nodules,while HRCT gains advanta-ges in differentiating benign and malignant pulmonary nodules,and references are provided for the screening and clinical early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):52-59]

Objective To investigate the dosimetric differences in preoperative short-course volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)for rectal cancer using different fluence smoothing(FS)levels in the Monaco Treatment Planning System(Monaco TPS).Methods Twenty rectal cancer patients who received preoperative neoadjuvant short-course VMAT at some hospital from September 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected.Four groups of radiotherapy plans were formulated using the Monaco TPS for each case,which were classified into an off group,a low group,a medium group and a high group based on the FS levels.Then the four groups were compared in terms of the dosimetric parameters,monitor unit and number of the segments in the planning target volume(PTV)and organ at risk(OAR).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software.Results All the four groups had the doses to the target volume meeting clinical requirements,which had no significant differences in the doses to 5％(D5％)and 95％(D95％)to the target volume and the maximum dose(Dmax),minimum dose(Dmin),mean dose(Dmean)and conformity index(all P＞0.05).Statistical differences were found between the homogeneity indexes of the four groups(P＜0.05),with the medium group behaving the best.The number of the segments rose while the mornitor units decreased siginificantly with the increase of FS levels,with the differences being statistically significant(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences between the V25,V20,V15 and V10 of the small intestine,the V25 and V20 of the bladder and the V15 and V10 of the left and right femur(all P＞0.05).Conclusion In preoperative short-course VMAT for rectal cancer,clinical requirements can be met with different FS levels in the Monaco TPS,and medium-level FS results in optimal overall dose distribution in terms of treatment planning.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):48-53]

Aim To examine the pathogenesis of disul-fide death gene in vascular dementia(VD)by bioin-formatics analysis of disulfide death differentially ex-pressed genes(DEGs)combined with experimental verification.Methods The death DEGs of disulfide were screened and their correlation was analyzed.The VD patients data in the data set were analyzed by clus-tering and typing and gene set variation.The clustering risk of DEGs was tested with a nomogram model,and the optimal learning model was predicted.After the es-tablishment of VD rat model,water maze test,HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR detection were performed to verify the results of health information.Results Four DEGs including SLC7A11 were obtained,which had antago-nistic or synergistic interaction with each other.The genetic data could be divided into two subtypes with significant differences.After typing,VD disulfide DEGs were mainly concentrated in GnRH signaling pathways.The accuracy of the nomogram prediction model was high.Generalized linear was the best ma-chine learning model.Compared with the sham opera-tion group,the escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged,the number of crossing platforms decreased,the relative mRNA expression levels of Slc3a2 and Slc7a11 decreased,and LRPPRC in-creased.Conclusions SLC7A11 and other disulfide death DEGs and its related GnRH signaling pathway may be an important part of the pathogenesis of VD di-sulfide death.SLC3A2,LRPPRC and SLC7A11 can be used as characteristic genes in the regulation of VD by disulfide death,which may affect VD progression through the regulation of disulfide death.