ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of different doses of Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injected under ultrasound guidance combined with modified catheter-balloon localization for post-stroke cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD), and to explore a relatively appropriate dose. MethodsA total of 136 patients with post-stroke CPD admitted to Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from December, 2023 to February, 2026 were randomly assigned into control group, 50 U group, 70 U group and 100 U group, with 34 patients in each group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation, whereas the three BTX-A groups received conventional rehabilitation plus the corresponding dose of BTX-A injected under ultrasound guidance combined with modified catheter-balloon localization. Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) scores, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPR-SRS) grades, Murray Secretion Severity Scale (MSS) grades and ultrasonographic parameters were compared before and two weeks after intervention. ResultsAfter intervention, FOIS scores improved significantly in all groups (|Z| > 2.843, P < 0.01), and YPR-SRS and MSS grades also showed significant improvements in all BTX-A groups (|Z| > 4.147, P < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed that the order of improvement from best to worst for FOIS, YPR-SRS and MSS grades was the 100 U group, followed by 70 U group, and then 50 U group (P < 0.05). For VFSS scores, the effect of time, group and interaction were all significant (F > 9.68, P < 0.001); pairwise comparisons showed that 100 U group achieved the best outcomes (P < 0.001). Regarding the activity and velocity of the geniohyoid muscle, the effects of time, group and interaction were also significant (F > 7.34, P < 0.001); pairwise comparisons indicated that 100 U group outperformed the other groups in both activity and velocity (P < 0.001). For hyoid bone displacement distance and shortening rate, the effects of time and interaction were significant (F > 3.07, P < 0.05), and the main effects of time on duration and velocity were significant (P < 0.01); pairwise comparisons showed that the 100 U group had superior displacement distance and shortening rate compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). During the treatment and follow-up periods, no serious adverse event occurred in any group. ConclusionUltrasound-guided BTX-A injection assisted by modified catheter-balloon localization may further improve short-term swallowing function in patients with post-stroke CPD， with a dosage of 100 U.

Background: Visual impairment is increasingly prevalent, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies. This study investigated the association between cardiovascular health and visual impairment using three progressively developed metrics: Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), a cardiovascular health score developed by the American Heart Association based on 7 components, including physical activity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), diet, blood glucose, blood pressure, and total cholesterol; Life’s Essential 8(LE8), which adds sleep health as an additional component; and Life’s Crucial 9 (LC9), which further incorporates mental health. We aimed to evaluate whether these expanded metrics provide additional explanatory value and to inform future public health strategies. Objective: To investigate the associations among LS7, LE8, and LC9 cardiovascular health scores and visual impairment in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2018, assess the added value of sleep and mental health components, and identify key contributing subcomponents using regression and machine learning methods. Methods: We analyzed data from 9891 participants in the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline modeling, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between cardiovascular health and visual impairment. Machine learning methods, including Random Forest and SHapley Additive exPlanations, a model interpretation approach used to assess feature importance, were applied. The Boruta algorithm, a feature selection method, was used to identify key subcomponents of cardiovascular health. Results: Participants with visual impairment were older, had lower poverty-to-income ratios, and exhibited lower cardiovascular health scores (LS7, LE8, and LC9). Higher cardiovascular health scores were negatively associated with visual impairment. Each one standard deviation increase in LS7, LE8, and LC9 was associated with approximately 8%, 2%, and 3% lower odds of visual impairment, respectively. LS7 showed the strongest negative association, whereas LE8 and LC9 emerged as the most important predictors in the machine learning models. Key subcomponents such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI, as well as mental health status, were strongly associated with visual impairment. Conclusion: Higher cardiovascular health scores were negatively associated with visual impairment. LS7 demonstrated the strongest statistical association, whereas LE8 and LC9 were the most influential features in the machine learning models. Blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI, and mental health status were important correlates of visual impairment. From the perspective of the “prevention and treatment of diseases” in traditional Chinese medicine and the holistic concept, the aforementioned research findings confirm that severe visual impairment is indeed an external manifestation of overall health imbalance (such as organ dysfunction and Qi deficiency and blood stasis). The prevention strategy lies in comprehensively adjusting lifestyle, emotional factors, and metabolic indicators (corresponding to the key factors in the study) to restore the body’s internal balance and achieve prevention before disease arises.

Cholesterol is an essential molecule for the biosynthesis of cell membranes and cell proliferation and differentiation， and the liver plays a central role in cholesterol metabolism and is responsible for the synthesis， uptake， secretion， and transport of cholesterol. The initial stages of cholesterol synthesis in the liver are particularly important， and abnormalities in such stages are closely associated with the progression of various liver diseases. Studies have shown that as a key rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis， 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase （HMGCR） has well-defined regulatory properties and has been confirmed as an important target for the regulation of various liver diseases. This article reviews the process of cholesterol metabolism， the degradation and regulatory mechanisms of HMGCR， and the application of inhibitors， as well as the role of HMGCR in liver diseases， in order to provide new insights for scientific research and the clinical prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

This study examined the effect of islet macrophages on β-cell function changes during type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory that " moderate fire generating qi, hyperactive fire consuming qi" . T2DM is closely associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, with islet macrophages playing a central role in this process. Under physiological conditions, islet macrophages secrete anti-inflammatory and growth factors to regulate the immune response, promote cell proliferation, and support islet β-cell survival and function, reflecting the concept of " moderate fire generating qi" . However, during the pathological process of T2DM, islet macrophages become over-activated and dysfunctional, secreting large amounts of pro-inflammatory factors that trigger severe inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This process damages islet β-cells, disrupts the islet microenvironment and blood supply, exacerbates local inflammation and structural damage, and worsens the survival environment of β-cells. Ultimately, this leads to fewer β-cells and function loss, aligning with the " hyperactive fire consuming qi" theory, where excessive fire depletes qi and blood. This study enhances the understanding and application of traditional Chinese medicine theories in modern medicine, offering a new perspective on T2DM prevention and treatment. Regulating islet macrophage function and reducing their pro-inflammatory responses may become key strategies for preserving β-cell function and slowing T2DM progression.

Background Precise prevention and control refers to the means of dividing a large area into several small areas, clarifying the disease information in each small area, and carrying out prevention and control program in the small areas accordingly. It is an important starting point for a comprehensive prevention and control program targeting liver cancer, which can make the prevention and control of liver cancer more accurate and efficient. At present, most of the mainstream research on liver cancer prevention and control at home and abroad is only on the provincial and municipal level, which is difficult to meet the requirements of precise prevention and control. Objective Taking S County, a typical county in Central China as an example, to explore the temporal and spatial distribution of liver cancer and environmental health risks at the township scale, so as to provide scientific reference for developing precise prevention and control program. Methods Based on the liver cancer data in the tumor registry data and related environmental variables of S County from 2009 to 2018, a spatiotemporal analysis was carried out by using geographic information system mapping, global Moran index analysis, and cold and hot spot detection. The correlations between liver cancer and various environmental factors [fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), aerosol optical depth (AOD), temperature, precipitation, proportion of cultivated land, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), population density, and per capita gross domestic product (GDP)] in S County were preliminarily evaluated by using geodetectors. The environmental factors and their cumulative exposure years that were closely related to the liver cancer in S County were investigated by random forest model. On this basis, the towns were categorized based on total, age-specified, and gender-specified incidences of liver cancer through quartile ranking, and precise prevention and control suggestions were proposed. Results ZD, HD and BYJ had the highest incidence rates of liver cancer, and the average annual incidence rate was 628/10⁵, 58.28/10⁵, and 40.21/ 10⁵, respectively. In addition to the above three townships, LW was a high incidence area of liver cancer in male population and people under the age of 60 years, whose average annual incidence rate was 50.47/10⁵ and 10.59/10⁵, respectively, while LianC was a high incidence area of liver cancer in female population and people aged 60 years and above, whose average annual incidence was 23.39/10⁵ and 131.10/10⁵ respectively. The incidence of liver cancer was closely related to population density, GDP per capita, NDVI, and AOD, and their importance indicators were 0.92, 0.50, 0.43, and 0.36, respectively. The average time interval between continuous exposure to dangerous environmental factors and the diagnosis of liver cancer was 10 years. Conclusion HD, ZD, and BYJ of S County should vigorously carry out liver cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in the follow-up prevention and control, while HD and LW should continue to implement environmental protection. LW needs to strengthen the prevention and treatment of liver cancer in male population and population under 60 years old. LianC needs to strengthen the prevention and control of liver cancer in female population and people of and over 60 years of age. The towns around HD need to prevent the sudden outbreak of liver cancer. In addition, it is also necessary to strengthen the willingness of people in the county, especially those of and over 60 years old, to participate in liver cancer screening. This study provides important reference for the analysis of environmental health effects at a fine scale and for the prevention and control of liver cancer and environmental protection in different populations.

Objective To explore the clinical effect of applying an improved"outside-in"technique in hip arthroscopic surgery.Methods Totally 136 patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery between June 2021 and July 2023 were selected and studied retrospectively.According to their different surgi-cal approach,they were divided into a modified approach group(n=75,including 30 males and 45 fe-males,with an average age of 36±14)and a classic approach group(n=61,including 33 males and 28 females,with an average age of 31±11).Before as well as 4 weeks,3 months and 6 months after the surgery,both groups were evaluated using the visual analog scale(VAS)and Harris hip score,and observed their surgical complications.Moreover,the surgical outcomes and time of sur-gical approach establishment were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in general information,preoperative VAS and Harris scores.More-over,no significant difference was found between the two groups in the Harris score after surgery.Compared with the classic approach group,the improved group had significantly less surgical time(49.0±16.9 min vs.66.0±13.3 min,P<0.05),without using the C-arm fluoroscopy during surgery.Moreover,in the modified approach group,the time for establishing the mid-anteriorapproach was sig-nificantly shortened(10.4±5.9 min vs.25.9±15.1 min,P<0.05),along with the traction time during surgery(66.0±13.3 min vs.49.0±16.9 min,P<0.05).Conclusion The modified"outside-in"hip ar-throscopy technique is a safe and effective surgical method,easier to operate,with shorter surgical time.

Objective To investigate the effect of Yiqi Fumai Injection combined with atorvastatin on cardiac function in elderly coronary heart disease patients with angina of Qi-Yin deficiency pat-tern.Methods A total of 122 elderly coronary heart disease patients with angina pectoris of Qi-Yin deficiency pattern admitted to our department from September 2022 to September 2023 were recruited and randomly divided into control group and observation group,with 61 cases in each group.The control group was treated with atorvastatin,and the observation group was treated with Yiqi Fumai Injection on the basis of atorvastatin.Clinical efficacy,blood lipids,B-type natri-uretic peptide level,myocardial enzymes,cardiac function,and inflammatory factors were com-pared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than the control group(95.08％vs 80.33％,x2=6.157,P＜0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the observation group had obviously lower levels of total cholesterol,triglyc-erides,low-density cholesterol,B-type natriuretic peptide,lactate dehydrogenase,creatine kinase,creatine kinase isoenzyme,C-reactive protein,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α,left ven-tricular end systolic diameter,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end sys-tolic volume(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and notably higher high-density cholesterol level and left ven-tricular ejection fraction when compared with the control group(1.44±0.39 mmol/L vs 1.23±0.30 mmol/L,P=0.001;55.36±13.37％vs 50.29±10.44％,P=0.021).Conclusion Yiqi Fumai Injection combined with atorvastatin shows significantly effective in the treatment of elderly coro-nary heart disease patients with angina pectoris of Qi-Yin deficiency pattern,and can improve lipid metabolism,B-type natriuretic peptide,myocardial enzymes and cardiac function,and reduce in-flammatory factors.

Objective:To analyzed the chemical components of Black Tartary Buckwheat using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS); To further compared the compositional differences under various drying conditions.Methods:UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was employed to scan 14 samples of Black Tartary Buckwheat in 4 batches, aiming to identify the major chemical components. ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C18 column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) was adopted; mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile solution; flow rate was 0.3 ml/min for gradient elution; HESI-Ⅱ ion source was used to detect negative ions. According to general mass spectroscopy rules and literature, at the same time, Compound Discoverer 3.2 and MSConvert software were used to analyze the data, upload to GNPS network, and finally generate network diagram using Cytocape 3.6.1 software.Results:A total of 134 components were identified in Black Tartary Buckwheat, of which 76 compounds were identified in the negative ion mode, 79 compounds were identified in the positive ion mode, and 21 chemicals were simultaneously identified as positive and negative ions. Based on the similarity cluster analysis of UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS secondary mass spectrometry fragment patterns, a molecular network was established, and the main compounds in Black Tartary Buckwheat were flavonoids, phenolic acids and amino acids, and the results showed that the positive and negative ion modes had similar clustering results. There were certain differences in the content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids in Black Tartary Buckwheat under two different drying conditions.Conclusion:The established UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS method enables rapid identification of the main chemical components in Black Tartary Buckwheat, while the constructed molecular network provides a reference framework for further research on its chemical composition. Additionally, the drying conditions are found to exert certain effects on the content of these chemical components.

Objective To compare the recovery rate of frozen platelets prepared by pooled buffy coats(PBCs)under different standing time points,so as to improve the preparation method of platelets.Methods The whole blood(400 ml)were collected from 50 blood donators,and was equally divided into 1-hour group(standing time of buffy coat pooled platelet for 1 h,n=50)and 24-hour group(standing time of buffy coat pooled platelet for 24 h,n=50).The concentrated platelets were stored at-80℃.The recovery rate and morphology of the platelet were compared between the two groups one month later.Results The platelet count and recovery rate of the frozen platelet in the 24-hour group were higher than those in the 1-hour group([2.45±0.13]×109 vs.[2.32±0.10]×109,83.55%±5.42%vs.79.32%±5.75%,both P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the average platelet volume,platelet distribution width,pH,P-selectin,or residual red blood cells between the two groups.Conclusion Residual red blood cells and platelet count from PBCs under different standing time points meet the national quality standards.The buffy coat pooled platelet count and recovery rate of 24-hour standing are higher than those of 1-hour standing.

Objective To investigate the association between the variability of remnant cholesterol inflammatory index(RCII),a novel composite biomarker,and the risk of stroke,in order to provide a theoretical basis for stroke prevention.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 38 659 Kailuan individuals who took annual physical examinations in 2006,2008,and 2010.These subjects were grouped based on the quartiles of RCII variability,which was represented by standard deviation(SD)and average real variability(ARV),and were followed up every 2 years,with the occurrence of stroke(including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes),death,or the end of follow-up on December 31,2022 as the endpoints.Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of endpoint events across different groups,and log-rank test was used to compare the difference of cumulative incidence of endpoint events in each group.Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was adopted to analyze the association between RCII variability and risk of stroke.Results Among the 38 659 participants,a total of 2 539 strokes occurred during a mean follow-up period of 11.22±2.26 years.After adjusting confounding factors,when the participants were grouped by the quartiles of RCII-SD,the hazard ratio(HR)for stroke was 1.034(95%CI:0.917～1.167,P=0.584),1.146(95%CI:1.018～1.290,P=0.025),and 1.209(95%CI:1.066～1.370,P=0.003),respectively in the Q2,Q3,and Q4 groups,when compared with the Q1 group(Ptrend<0.05).When they were grouped by the quartiles of RCII-ARV,the HR for stroke was 1.008(95%CI:0.894～1.136,P=0.901),1.109(95%CI:0.986～1.248,P=0.085),and 1.152(95%CI:1.018～1.303,P=0.025),respectively,in the Q2,Q3,and Q4 groups,when compared with the Q1 group.Furthermore,both sensitivity and stratified analyses yielded similar results.Conclusion RCII variability is significantly associated with stroke,and the risk of stroke is gradually increasing with increment of the variability.Countermeasures Relevant authorities can focus on reducing RCII variability as a central objective by establishing regular monitoring mechanism,strengthening lifestyle interventions,and standardizing dietary,exercise,and weight management in order to suppress the index fluctuations.The principle of stable lipid-lowering in medication and optimization of therapeutic regimens with stable efficacy should be emphasized to prevent the risk of additional vascular damage.