OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD), a herbal medicine formula, on inflammation and the imbalance of the gut microbiota in a rat model of colorectal cancer (CRC) induced by azoxymethane (AOM) /dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). METHODS: A total of 75 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (NC), model group (MODEL), low-dose BXD treatment group (L-BXD), high-dose BXD treatment (H-BXD) group and MS treatment group (MS). BXD and MS were used in CRC mice at the doses of 3.915 g/kg, 15.66 g/kg, 0.6 g/kg for 3 weeks consecutively. Histopathological changes in the colon were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The content of inflammatory factors in serum was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of mRNA and protein of genes related to immunity, apoptosis, inflammation, and inflammatory factors was evaluated. Changes in the intestinal flora of mouse fecal were determined based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA microbial gene. RESULTS: Compared to the model group, the low-dose BXD and high-dose BXD groups decreased the number of colon tumors, reversed weight loss, and shortened colon length of mice. The pathological examination showed that BXD alleviated the malignancy of intestinal tumors. It also suppressed signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression, while increasing the expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 in colon tissues. Additionally, the levels of key pathway proteins involved in inflammation (phosphorylated-STAT3, Bcl-2, COX-2) and cell cycle regulatory molecules (c-Myc and PCNA) were reduced. According to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, BXD enhanced the relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, while that of cancer-related bacteria decreased. CONCLUSION BXD plays a preventive role in developing colorectal cancer; its mechanisms are related to the inhibition of inflammation and tumor proliferation, as well as maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.

Objective:To explore the histopathological factors affecting the stiffness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods:Ninety-six patients with PTC confirmed by surgery and pathology in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected, including 101 nodules. Two-dimensional ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) were performed before surgery and the average Young's modulus (Emean) of PTC nodules were measured. Histopathological examinations on the nodules were conducted after surgery to decide the lesion size, number of lesions, calcification type, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells. The correlations between the lesion size, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells and the Emean were analyzed. The Emeans of nodules with different numbers of lesions, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, and different pathological calcification types were compared. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the histopathological factors influencing the Emean.Results:The ranges of the lesion sizes, degrees of fibrosis, microvascular density, numbers of tumor cells, and the Emeans of the 101 investigated PTC nodules were (1.29±0.95) cm, (30.64±18.37)%, (101.64±30.7) vessels per high power field, (373.52±149.87) cells per high power field, and (36.47±19.62) kPa, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the lesion size of PTC and the degree of fibrosis were positively correlated with the Emean ( r=0.660, P＜0.001; r=0.789, P＜0.001), while the microvessel density was negatively correlated with the Emean ( r=-0.198, P=0.047). The Emean of the group with capsular and extracapsular invasion was higher than that of the group without ( P=0.014). There were statistical differences in the Emeans among different types of pathological calcification ( P＜0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the lesion size ( β=0.325, P＜0.001), degree of fibrosis ( β=0.563, P＜0.001), psammoma bodies ( β=0.177, P=0.001), stromal calcification ( β=0.164, P=0.003), and mixed calcification of both psammoma bodies and stroma ( β=0.163, P=0.003) were independent influencing factors for the Emean. The degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact on the Emean. Conclusions:The Emean of PTC lesions was correlated with the histopathological characteristics of PTC. The lesion size, degree of fibrosis, and calcification had significant impact on the Emean, among which the degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact.

Objective:To explore the histopathological factors affecting the stiffness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods:Ninety-six patients with PTC confirmed by surgery and pathology in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected, including 101 nodules. Two-dimensional ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) were performed before surgery and the average Young's modulus (Emean) of PTC nodules were measured. Histopathological examinations on the nodules were conducted after surgery to decide the lesion size, number of lesions, calcification type, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells. The correlations between the lesion size, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells and the Emean were analyzed. The Emeans of nodules with different numbers of lesions, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, and different pathological calcification types were compared. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the histopathological factors influencing the Emean.Results:The ranges of the lesion sizes, degrees of fibrosis, microvascular density, numbers of tumor cells, and the Emeans of the 101 investigated PTC nodules were (1.29±0.95) cm, (30.64±18.37)%, (101.64±30.7) vessels per high power field, (373.52±149.87) cells per high power field, and (36.47±19.62) kPa, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the lesion size of PTC and the degree of fibrosis were positively correlated with the Emean ( r=0.660, P＜0.001; r=0.789, P＜0.001), while the microvessel density was negatively correlated with the Emean ( r=-0.198, P=0.047). The Emean of the group with capsular and extracapsular invasion was higher than that of the group without ( P=0.014). There were statistical differences in the Emeans among different types of pathological calcification ( P＜0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the lesion size ( β=0.325, P＜0.001), degree of fibrosis ( β=0.563, P＜0.001), psammoma bodies ( β=0.177, P=0.001), stromal calcification ( β=0.164, P=0.003), and mixed calcification of both psammoma bodies and stroma ( β=0.163, P=0.003) were independent influencing factors for the Emean. The degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact on the Emean. Conclusions:The Emean of PTC lesions was correlated with the histopathological characteristics of PTC. The lesion size, degree of fibrosis, and calcification had significant impact on the Emean, among which the degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of nail fold microcirculation in hemodialysis patients and its correlation with cardiovascular events.Methods:The clinical data of 185 patients undergoing regular hemodialysis in Dongguan Donghua Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 76 cases of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular events group) and 109 cases of no cardiovascular events (non-cardiovascular events group). The nail fold microcirculation detector was used to detect the nail fold microcirculation of the first row of capillaries in the nail fold dermal papilla of the left ring finger. The nail fold microcirculation indexes and morphology integral, flow integral, loop integral, total integral were recorded. The general information and laboratory indexes (peripheral venous blood) were recorded. The value of total integral of nail fold microcirculation in predicting the cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.Results:The age, proportion of hypertension, proportion of diabetes, C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) in cardiovascular events group were significantly higher than those in non-cardiovascular events group: 58 (44, 69) years vs. 49 (40, 63) years, 97.4% (74/76) vs. 83.5% (91/109), 43.4% (33/76) vs. 24.8% (27/109), 9.02 (2.73, 11.70) mg/L vs. 3.76 (1.28, 11.70) mg/L, 82 (75, 97) U/L vs. 72 (59, 82) U/L and 2 652 (1 020, 5 359) ng/L vs. 1 894 (780, 4 601) ng/L, the creatinine and triglyceride (TG) were significantly lower than those in non-cardiovascular events group: (961.95 ± 277.11) μmol/L vs. (1 058.93 ± 284.66) μmol/L and (1.73 ± 1.02) mmol/L vs. (2.27 ± 2.02) mmol/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). There were no statistical differences in gender composition, dialysis age, dialysis time, dialysis pathway, blood routine, serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, serum potassium, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, urea nitrogen, albumin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between two groups ( P>0.05). There was statistical difference in erythrocyte aggregation between two groups ( P<0.05); there were no statistical differences in the number of vascular loops, diameter of input branch, diameter of output branch, length of loop, diameter of loop top, blood flow rate, clarity, condition of cross loop, condition of malformed loop, shape of nipple and subpapillary venous plexus between two groups ( P>0.05). The morphology integral and total integral in cardiovascular events group were significantly higher than those in non-cardiovascular events group: 1.8 (1.1, 3.1) scores vs. 1.4 (0.8, 2.5) scores and 4.2 (2.4, 6.1) scores vs. 3.1 (1.8, 5.2) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05); there were no statistical differences in flow integral and loop integral between two groups ( P>0.05). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve of the total integral of nail fold microcirculation for predicting cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients was 0.590 (95% CI 0.506 to 0.673), the best cut-off value was 2.85 scores, the sensitivity was 69.7% and the specificity was 45.9%. Conclusions:The nail fold microcirculation disorder is more serious in hemodialysis patients with cardiovascular events. The nail fold microcirculation detection may help to predict cardiovascular disease.

Endodontic diseases are a kind of chronic infectious oral disease.Common endodontic treatment concepts are based on the removal of inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue and the replacement by gutta-percha.However,it is very essential for endodontic treatment to debride the root canal system and prevent the root canal system from bacterial reinfection after root canal therapy(RCT).Recent research,encompassing bacterial etiology and advanced imaging techniques,contributes to our understanding of the root canal system's anatomy intricacies and the technique sensitivity of RCT.Success in RCT hinges on factors like patients,infection severity,root canal anatomy,and treatment techniques.Therefore,improving disease management is a key issue to combat endodontic diseases and cure periapical lesions.The clinical difficulty assessment system of RCT is established based on patient conditions,tooth conditions,root canal configuration,and root canal needing retreatment,and emphasizes pre-treatment risk assessment for optimal outcomes.The findings suggest that the presence of risk factors may correlate with the challenge of achieving the high standard required for RCT.These insights contribute not only to improve education but also aid practitioners in treatment planning and referral decision-making within the field of endodontics.

Objective To investigate the correlation between neuropeptide S receptor(NPSR)single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)(rs323917,rs323920,rs323922,rs2530547,rs324957)and primary insomnia(PI).Methods A total of 157 patients diagnosed with PI in the outpatient department of Center of Sleep Medicine,Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from December 2016 to May 2019 were selected as PI group,and 133 healthy physical examination subjects during the same period were selected as control group.Venous blood samples were collected and DNA,polymerase chain reaction(PCR)amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis were extracted.rs323917,rs323920,rs323922,rs2530547,rs324957 single nucleotide loci were genotypized by target site sequencing.Meanwhile,standard polysomnosis monitoring was performed to analyze the correlation between gene polymorphism and PI.Results There were no significant differences in the genotype distribution of NPSR SNP sites(rs323917,rs323920,rs323922,rs2530547)and allele frequency and rs324957 allele frequency between two groups(P＞0.05).There was significant difference in genotype distribution of rs324957(P=0.034).There was no significant difference in the frequency of different haplotypes between two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The expression of rs324957 SNP genotypes in NPSR may be related to PI,and AG genotype is dominant.

Objective:To study the correlation between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and echocardiographic parameters in patients with chronic Keshan disease, providing reference for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of chronic Keshan disease.Methods:Ninety-nine patients with chronic Keshan disease who received standardized treatment at Jingchuan County People's Hospital in Pingliang City, Gansu Province from January to December 2020 were selected. Among them, 16 patients were classified as cardiac function grade Ⅱ according to New York Heart Association (NYHA), 69 as grade Ⅲ and 14 as grade Ⅳ. The patients underwent echocardiography and their serum NT-proBNP level was measured using fluorescence immunochromatography. The differences in serum NT-proBNP levels among patients with different cardiac function grades were compared, and the correlation between cardiac function grades, serum NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters was analyzed.Results:The serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with cardiac function grades Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were (1 107.26 ± 268.03), (2 125.98 ± 293.02), and (8 268.59 ± 2 659.50) pg/ml, respectively. The differences among the three groups were statistically significant ( F = 13.94, P < 0.001). The serum NT-proBNP level was positively correlated with cardiac function grades ( r = 0.44, P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left atrial diameter ( r = 0.45, 0.52, 0.38, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction ( r = - 0.39, - 0.46, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The serum NT-proBNP level in patients with chronic Keshan disease with different cardiac function grades is different, and is positively correlated with echocardiographic parameters reflecting the degree of cardiac structural and functional impairment. The NT-proBNP level may become an early diagnostic, grading, and prognostic indicator for chronic Keshan disease.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province from 2013 to 2022, so as to provide a basis for HFMD prevention, control, and evaluation of intervention effectiveness. MethodsHFMD data of Zhangjiakou City from 2013 to 2022 were collected. Descriptive statistics and the Joinpoint regression model were used to analyze the trend of the epidemic. ResultsThe incidence of HFMD in Zhangjiakou was predicted to decrease with APC=-14.86% in 2013‒2022. The top five regions with the highest incidence showed varying trends: Qiaodong District (APC=-26.21%), Qiaoxi District (APC=-18.29%), Xuanhua District (APC=-14.28%), Chicheng District (APC=-18.68%), and Zhuolu County (APC=51.43% in 2013‒2016, APC=-14.27% in 2016‒2022), indicating a downward trend. Three age groups showed an upward trend in incidence: the 0-year-old group (APC=-42.82% in 2013‒2016, APC=16.54% in 2016‒2022), the 7-year-old group (AAPC=9.60%), and the 9-year-old group (AAPC=12.76%). HFMD cases occurred throughout the year, peaking from June to August, with July being the most significant month. The male-to-female ratio was1.40∶1, with no statistical difference (χ²=5.932, P>0.05). A high incidence was in children under 5 years old, with those aged 1‒4 years being the main affected group. In terms of occupation, scattered children (6 245 cases, 57.65%) and preschool children (3 653 cases, 33.72%) were the most affected. A total of 504 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported, with a detection rate of 4.65% (504/10 832). The composition of confirmed cases included CoxA 16 (193 cases, 38.29%), EV71 (75 cases, 14.88%), and other enteroviruses (236 cases, 46.83%). ConclusionFrom 2013 to 2022, HFMD in Zhangjiakou City showed a downward trend with clear seasonal, regional, and occupational distributions. It is suggested that epidemic monitoring should be strengthened, etiological detection should be enhanced, and education efforts in key areas should be improved. High-incidence counties should analyze data and conduct risk assessments effectively.

Objective To review the application of artificial intelligence in anxiety and depression among children and adolescents. Methods PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI and Wanfang data were searched for literature related to artificial intelligence applied in of anxiety and depression among children and adolescents from January,2014 to January,2024,and a scoping review was conducted. Results A total of ten papers were included,originating from the United States,China,Australia and France.These re-searches were primarily published in journals related to psychology,public health,clinical medicine,neurosci-ence and rehabilitation,involving six cross-sectional researches,three longitudinal researches and one interview,including 10 880 participants aged from three to 18 years.The types of data mainly included questionnaires/scales,interview data and brain imaging data.Features related to anxiety and depression were extracted from the data,and artificial intelligence were employed to develop models for the identification or prediction of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Conclusion Artificial intelligence is potential for identifying or predicting anxiety and depression in children and adoles-cents.

【Objective】 To analyze the associations between different types of video screen time and psychological behaviors of preschool children, in order to provide evidence for promoting the development of children′s mental health. 【Methods】 From February to March 2023, a total of 1 361 parents of children aged 3 - 6 years from 6 kindergartens of Lanzhou were surveyed by cluster sampling method.Parents were surveyed to obtain information about the video use, and the children′s Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (parent version) was used to assess children′s psychological and behavioral problems. 【Results】 The rate of daily screen time exceeding standard was 36.96% (503/1 361).The screen time was mainly spent in watching TV cartoons, followed by educational APP.The detection rate of abnormal total difficulty score was 11.61% (158/1 361), and the abnormalities of peer communication (32.26%) and prosocial behavior (12.34%) were the most prominent.After adjusting for related factors by multiple Logistic regression analysis, total screen time≥2h/d (OR=1.802) was found to be a risk factor for abnormal total difficulty score; watching TV cartoons≥2h/d was a risk factor for abnormal total difficulty score (OR=2.409) and peer communication (OR=2.222); playing games≥1h/d was a risk factor for abnormal total difficulty score, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactive behavior, and abnormalities of peer communication, the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05).However, educational APP screen time<1h/d was a protective factor for abnormal total difficulty score(OR=0.615) and prosocial behavior (OR=0.549), but educational APP screen time≥2h/d was a risk factor for conduct problems (OR=2.302), the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 The screen time of preschool children in Lanzhou cannot be ignored, and there is a significant correlation between overuse and children′s psychological and behavioral problems.Parents and schools should attach importance to the parent-child and peer interaction of preschool children and strengthen the intervention of preschool children′s video behavior.