Objective To explore the relationship between levels of retinol binding protein (RBP) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and obesity and the occurrence risk of cardiovascular disease in population with prehypertension (PH). Methods A total of 301 patients with PH who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology for physical examination from July 2021 to July 2024 were selected as the study subjects. The levels of serum RBP and Lp(a) were determined, and the waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were measured to evaluate the obesity of patients. All patients were followed up. According to whether cardiovascular disease occurred during the follow-up period, they were classified into a study group (with cardiovascular disease) and a control group (without cardiovascular disease). The effects of serum RBP and Lp(a) levels, WC and BMI on the risk of cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Results The follow-up results showed that 53 out of 301 cases developed cardiovascular disease. The levels of RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the areas under the curves of RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI for predicting the cardiovascular disease were 0.823, 0.741, 0.768, and 0.841, respectively. Serum RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI were influencing factors of the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (P<0.05). Conclusion RBP, Lp(a), WC, and BMI are the influencing factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in patients with prehypertension. These four indicators have certain predictive value on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tianmeng Lingjiao Formula（天礞羚角方， TLF） as an adjunctive therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation （PAF） with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome. MethodsNinety patients with PAF and phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 2∶1 ratio to test group （60 cases） and control group （30 cases）. The control group received conventional western medicine， while the test group received TLF in addition to the conventional treatment， with one dose administered daily. The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome and the rate of atrial fibrillation （AF） conversion were compared between groups. Assessments included AF burden， frequency and duration of AF episodes， TCM syndrome scores， and European Heart Rhythm Association （EHRA） AF symptom classification before and after treatment. Safety indicators such as blood routine， urine routine， stool routine， liver function， kidney function， and electrolytes were also monitored. Adverse events were recorded. ResultsA total of 82 patients completed the study （54 in the test group and 28 in the control group）. After treatment， AF burden， the frequency and duration of AF episodes， and TCM syndrome scores were significantly reduced in both groups， and the test group showed lower indicators than the control group （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. The AF conversion rate was 25.93% （14/54） in the test group， significantly higher than 3.57% （1/28） in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy was 83.33% （45/54） in the test group， which was significantly higher than 67.86% （19/28） in the control group （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the EHRA atrial fibrillation symptom severity in the test group showed significant improvement， and the improvement in atrial fibrillation symptoms was superior to that in the control group （P＜0.01or P＜0.05）. No significant abnormalities were observed in safety indicators， and no adverse events occurred during the trial. ConclusionTLF as an adjunctive therapy can reduce AF burden， enhance the conversion rate of AF， decrease the frequency and duration of episodes， and improve clinical symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presenting with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome， with a favorable safety profile.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value and imaging features of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HR-MRI)in patients with lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery.Methods:Sixty-nine patients with suspected lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery who admitted to Handan Central Hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were selected,and they underwent routine MRI and HR-MRI examinations.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)examination was used as the"gold standard"to analyze the detection rates of different MRI examinations for lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery.The diagnostic efficacy of them was calculated,and the HR-MRI imaging features of positive cases and negative patients were compared under the"gold standard".Results:For 69 patients with suspected lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery,41 cases(59.42%)were confirmed by"gold standard"examination,and 31 positive cases were confirmed by routine MRI examination,and 35 positive cases were confirmed by HR-MRI examination,and 39 positive cases were confirmed by combined examination of routine MRI and HR-MRI.The results indicated that the accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of the combined examination of routine MRI and HR-MRI were respectively 88.41%,87.80%,89.29%,92.31%and 83.33%,all of which were higher than those of single image examination,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=5.459,7.329,6.216,6.395,6.141,P<0.05).The irregular shape,blurred boundary,high signal,plaque formation,intra-plaque bleeding,displacement of common carotid artery or vein,and calcification of lesion in HR-MRI imaging features of positive patients were significantly higher than those of negative patients,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=8.918,4.418,7.001,4.746,8.743,5.951,4.947,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The detection rates both of routine MRI and HR-MRI are higher in patients with lesions in carotid artery and intracranial artery.However,the combined examination of them can improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity,and the morphology,boundary,signal and calcification foci of confirmed patients are more obvious in HR-MRI examination,which can provide reference for subsequent diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:To apply the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)to investigate the correlation between motor function, emotional state, cognitive function, and sleep quality among elderly individuals in the Chinese community.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 739 subjects aged 60 to 90 years, who were randomly recruited from December 2021 to August 2023 across Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces in China.Basic demographic information was collected, and the TUGT was utilized to assess motor function.Based on the TUGT time(t), the subjects were divided into three groups: normal motor function group, mild motor abnormality group, and significant motor abnormality group.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Revised Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), while the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)was employed to measure the degree of depression.Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)was used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness.The correlation between subjects' motor function and their cognitive abilities, mood, and sleep was subsequently analyzed.Results:Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, PHQ-9, MMSE, and ESS scores were identified as significant factors influencing TUGT time.Specifically, TUGT time was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and ESS scores, while exhibiting negative correlations with systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and MMSE scores.Additionally, TUGT time was negatively correlated with the MMSE subcomponents of orientation, immediate memory, and verbal ability.All observed differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increase in the PHQ-9 score was associated with an odds ratio( OR)of 1.099(95% CI: 1.045-1.155, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.150(95% CI: 1.066-1.242, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Additionally, a reduction in the MMSE score was observed, with an OR of 0.939(95% CI: 0.886-0.995, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 0.793(95% CI: 0.729-0.862, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Furthermore, an increase in the ESS score was noted, with ORs of 1.139(95% CI: 1.094-1.186, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.203(95% CI: 1.132-1.279, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).These findings suggest that these variables are independently related to decreased motor function. Conclusions:Depression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness are independent risk factors for motor dysfunction among elderly individuals in community settings.The Timed Up and Go Test TUGT can be utilized for the early screening of motor function decline in this population.

Objective:To apply the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)to investigate the correlation between motor function, emotional state, cognitive function, and sleep quality among elderly individuals in the Chinese community.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 739 subjects aged 60 to 90 years, who were randomly recruited from December 2021 to August 2023 across Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces in China.Basic demographic information was collected, and the TUGT was utilized to assess motor function.Based on the TUGT time(t), the subjects were divided into three groups: normal motor function group, mild motor abnormality group, and significant motor abnormality group.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Revised Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), while the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)was employed to measure the degree of depression.Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)was used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness.The correlation between subjects' motor function and their cognitive abilities, mood, and sleep was subsequently analyzed.Results:Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, PHQ-9, MMSE, and ESS scores were identified as significant factors influencing TUGT time.Specifically, TUGT time was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and ESS scores, while exhibiting negative correlations with systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and MMSE scores.Additionally, TUGT time was negatively correlated with the MMSE subcomponents of orientation, immediate memory, and verbal ability.All observed differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increase in the PHQ-9 score was associated with an odds ratio( OR)of 1.099(95% CI: 1.045-1.155, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.150(95% CI: 1.066-1.242, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Additionally, a reduction in the MMSE score was observed, with an OR of 0.939(95% CI: 0.886-0.995, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 0.793(95% CI: 0.729-0.862, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Furthermore, an increase in the ESS score was noted, with ORs of 1.139(95% CI: 1.094-1.186, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.203(95% CI: 1.132-1.279, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).These findings suggest that these variables are independently related to decreased motor function. Conclusions:Depression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness are independent risk factors for motor dysfunction among elderly individuals in community settings.The Timed Up and Go Test TUGT can be utilized for the early screening of motor function decline in this population.

Objective:To explore the differences in bacterial communities within tissues during the process of oral mucosal carcinogenesis, and analyze the relationship between the high-abundance species Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and the occurrence and development of oral mucosal carcinogenesis. Methods:Fresh tissue samples were collected from patients diagnosed with oral leukoplakia (OLK), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and healthy controls (HC) at Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from January 2022 to November 2024, following strict inclusion criteria. Bacterial DNA was extracted from these specimens, and the 2bRAD sequencing for microbiome (2bRAD-M) was employed to analyze and compare the α and β diversity, as well as the community composition of bacteria within tissues, aiming to identify specifically expressed bacteria. Subsequently, paraffin-embedded clinical specimens were collected: 15 cases in the OLK group (including 4 cases of simple hyperplasia, 6 cases of mild dysplasia, and 5 cases of moderate to severe dysplasia), 12 cases in the OSCC group, and 5 cases in the HC group. A 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO)-induced OLK progression mouse model was also constructed. Mice were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table, with six in each group. The negative control group was given distilled water to drink; Group 1 was given distilled water containing 4NQO to drink until week 12, while Group 2 was given distilled water containing 4NQO to drink until week 22. After the mice were sacrificed, their tongue tissue were collected and fixed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with specific probes was used to validate the presence of Pi in human and mouse tissue sections, analyzing the correlation between histopathological grading and the invasion depth of Pi.Results:The 2bRAD-M microbial analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Pi in OSCC tissues (10.80%) was significantly higher than in the HC group (0.50%) ( P=0.001) and OLK group (0.70%) ( P=0.002). FISH probe detection showed that the fluorescence intensity of Pi in human OSCC tissues [123.50 (101.00, 142.30)] was higher than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 28.50)], simple hyperplasia OLK [0.00 (0.00, 35.25)], and mild dysplasia OLK [24.50 (0.00, 55.50)] groups, with statistically significant differences respectively ( P=0.002, P=0.003, P=0.005). However, there was no significant difference compared to moderate to severe dysplasia OLK [56.00 (28.00, 62.50)] ( P=0.210). The fluorescence area of Pi in human OSCC tissues [8 615.00 (7 439.00, 11 084.00)] was significantly larger than in the HC group [0.00 (0. 00, 45.00)], simple hyperplasia OLK group [0.00 (0.00, 81.00)], mild dysplasia [49.00 (0.00, 151.00)], and moderate to severe dysplasia groups [1 450.00 (454.00, 2 892.00)], with highly significant differences ( P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the invasive depth of Pi and the degree of histopathological grading ( P<0.001). In mice, the fluorescence intensity of Pi in OSCC tissues [120.00 (110.00, 127.00)] was significantly higher than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 12.25)] ( P<0.01), but showed no significant difference compared with the OLK group [50.00 (0.00, 58.00)] ( P>0.05). The fluorescence area of Pi in mice OSCC tissues [11 020.00 (6 790.00, 12 102.00)] was significantly larger than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 56.75)] and the OLK group [0.00 (0.00, 751.50)] ( P=0.006, P=0.043). There is a significant correlation between the depth of invasion of Pi and the degree of histopathological grading ( P<0.01). Conclusions:This study suggests that Pi in oral mucosal tissue may be a potential biomarker for early detection of OSCC and play an important role in the carcinogenesis process of oral mucosa.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) on human sperm cryopreservation and explore its underlying protective mechanisms.Methods:A total of 165 normal fresh semen samples were collected from the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Human Sperm Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between December 2022 and December 2024. Among them, 65 samples were used to obtain semen parameters before and after conventional freezing. Each sample of the other 104 samples was mixed at a 2∶1 volume ratio with cryoprotectant containing 0, 10 -?, 10 -?, or 10 -? mol/L RSV, followed by cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Post-thaw assessments included routine sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measured via flow cytometry, RSV and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) interactions examined by molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), NRF2 protein contents analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, mRNA levels of NRF2 and downstream antioxidant proteins Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) quantified by qRT-PCR and effects of NRF2 inhibitor ML385 on sperm parameters. Results:Compared with fresh samples, conventional cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm motility (all P<0.001). The addition of 10 -? mol/L RSV significantly improved the percentage of forward motile sperm after freezing (26.98%±8.98% vs. 19.61%±8.03%, P<0.001) while reducing DFI (9.84%±3.81% vs. 15.06%±4.22%, P<0.001) and ROS levels ( P<0.001) compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV. Both molecular docking analysis and CETSA confirmed that RSV interacted with NRF2. Notably, sperm cryopreserved with 10 -? mol/L RSV exhibited significantly higher contents of NRF2 and its downstream effectors HO-1 and NQO1 compared with the post-freezing group without the addition of RSV (all P<0.001). This protective effect was markedly attenuated by co-treatment with the NRF2 inhibitor ML385, as evidenced by a significant decline in sperm motility ( P<0.001). Conclusion:RSV exerts cryoprotective effects likely through NRF2-mediated antioxidant pathways, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing post-thaw sperm quality.

Objective:To explore the differences in bacterial communities within tissues during the process of oral mucosal carcinogenesis, and analyze the relationship between the high-abundance species Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and the occurrence and development of oral mucosal carcinogenesis. Methods:Fresh tissue samples were collected from patients diagnosed with oral leukoplakia (OLK), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and healthy controls (HC) at Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from January 2022 to November 2024, following strict inclusion criteria. Bacterial DNA was extracted from these specimens, and the 2bRAD sequencing for microbiome (2bRAD-M) was employed to analyze and compare the α and β diversity, as well as the community composition of bacteria within tissues, aiming to identify specifically expressed bacteria. Subsequently, paraffin-embedded clinical specimens were collected: 15 cases in the OLK group (including 4 cases of simple hyperplasia, 6 cases of mild dysplasia, and 5 cases of moderate to severe dysplasia), 12 cases in the OSCC group, and 5 cases in the HC group. A 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO)-induced OLK progression mouse model was also constructed. Mice were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table, with six in each group. The negative control group was given distilled water to drink; Group 1 was given distilled water containing 4NQO to drink until week 12, while Group 2 was given distilled water containing 4NQO to drink until week 22. After the mice were sacrificed, their tongue tissue were collected and fixed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with specific probes was used to validate the presence of Pi in human and mouse tissue sections, analyzing the correlation between histopathological grading and the invasion depth of Pi.Results:The 2bRAD-M microbial analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Pi in OSCC tissues (10.80%) was significantly higher than in the HC group (0.50%) ( P=0.001) and OLK group (0.70%) ( P=0.002). FISH probe detection showed that the fluorescence intensity of Pi in human OSCC tissues [123.50 (101.00, 142.30)] was higher than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 28.50)], simple hyperplasia OLK [0.00 (0.00, 35.25)], and mild dysplasia OLK [24.50 (0.00, 55.50)] groups, with statistically significant differences respectively ( P=0.002, P=0.003, P=0.005). However, there was no significant difference compared to moderate to severe dysplasia OLK [56.00 (28.00, 62.50)] ( P=0.210). The fluorescence area of Pi in human OSCC tissues [8 615.00 (7 439.00, 11 084.00)] was significantly larger than in the HC group [0.00 (0. 00, 45.00)], simple hyperplasia OLK group [0.00 (0.00, 81.00)], mild dysplasia [49.00 (0.00, 151.00)], and moderate to severe dysplasia groups [1 450.00 (454.00, 2 892.00)], with highly significant differences ( P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between the invasive depth of Pi and the degree of histopathological grading ( P<0.001). In mice, the fluorescence intensity of Pi in OSCC tissues [120.00 (110.00, 127.00)] was significantly higher than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 12.25)] ( P<0.01), but showed no significant difference compared with the OLK group [50.00 (0.00, 58.00)] ( P>0.05). The fluorescence area of Pi in mice OSCC tissues [11 020.00 (6 790.00, 12 102.00)] was significantly larger than in the HC group [0.00 (0.00, 56.75)] and the OLK group [0.00 (0.00, 751.50)] ( P=0.006, P=0.043). There is a significant correlation between the depth of invasion of Pi and the degree of histopathological grading ( P<0.01). Conclusions:This study suggests that Pi in oral mucosal tissue may be a potential biomarker for early detection of OSCC and play an important role in the carcinogenesis process of oral mucosa.

Objective:To explore the application value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) in the evaluation of atherosclerotic ischemic stroke (IS).Methods:A total of 131 patients with atherosclerotic IS (study group) and 62 patients with non-atherosclerotic IS (control group) diagnosed and treated in Handan Central Hospital from May 2022 to May 2024 were retrospectively selected as the study objects. MSCT perfusion imaging and HR-VWI were completed before treatment. MSCT perfusion imaging indexes and HR-VWI indexes were compared between the two groups, and HR-VWI indexes and MSCT perfusion imaging indexes were compared among the study groups with different disease degrees. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of HR-VWI indexes and MSCT perfusion imaging indexes in atherosclerotic IS.Results:The stenosis degree, out wall area at maximal lumen narrowing (OWA MLN), plaque loading rate and remodeling index in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (69.22 ± 12.57)% vs. (60.81 ± 10.38)%, (7.62 ± 1.03) mm 2 vs. (6.53 ± 1.18) mm 2, (42.51 ± 8.22)% vs. (36.53 ± 7.29)%, 1.32 ± 0.41 vs. 1.01 ± 0.29; while the lumen area at maximal lumen narrowing (LA MLN) in the study group was lower than that in the control group: (0.84 ± 0.28) mm 2 vs.(1.17 ± 0.41) mm 2, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) in the study group were lower than those in the control group: 20.25 ± 2.83) ml/100 min vs. (23.66 ± 2.52) ml/100 min, (1.82 ± 0.53) ml/100g vs. (2.31 ± 0.63) ml/100 g; and the peak time (TTP) and mean transit time (MTT) in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (23.55 ± 4.86) s vs.(19.73 ± 3.73) s, (7.13 ± 1.22) s vs. (6.17 ± 1.06) s, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). In the study group, with the aggravation of disease severity, the stenosis degree, OWA MLN, plaque load rate and remodeling index were gradually increased, while LA MLN was gradually decreased, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve value of HR-VWI index combined evaluation and MSCT perfusion imaging index combined evaluation in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic IS was 0.921 and 0.828, respectively. Conclusions:HR-VWI and MSCT perfusion imaging can be used in the assessment of patient's condition of atherosclerotic IS. HR-VWI may be better in evaluating the condition of atherosclerotic IS.

Objective:To analyze the incidence, mortality, survival patterns, and distribution characteristics of modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer in selected global regions.Methods:Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the GLOBOCAN database and previous literature. We described the number of cases and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence and mortality for colorectal cancer in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and globally in 2022 and 2020, with gender-stratified analysis. ASRs were calculated using Segi's world standard population. Temporal trends in 5-year net survival rates were compared across three periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014) among countries. Regional distribution differences in colorectal cancer deaths attributable to modifiable risk factors by gender were assessed in China.Results:In 2022, global colorectal cancer incidence and mortality were estimated at 1.926 million new cases and 904 000 deaths. China accounted for 27% of both global incidence (517 000 cases) and mortality (240 000 deaths). China's age-standardized incidence rate (20.1 per 100 000) was lower than those of the United States (27.0 per 100 000) and the UK (30.9 per 100 000). However, China's mortality rate (8.6 per 100 000) exceeded that of the US (7.9 per 100 000) but was lower than the UK (11.8 per 100 000). Compared to 2020, China demonstrated significant mortality reductions in 2022: males declined from 14.8 to 10.9 per 100 000, females from 9.4 to 6.5 per 100 000. Five-year net survival rates in China improved across periods for colon cancer (51.4%, 55.6%, 57.6%) and rectal cancer (49.5%, 52.5%, 56.9%), yet remained consistently lower than US and UK rates. Modifiable risk factors contributed to 45.1% of male and 41.4% of female colorectal cancer deaths in China, with marked regional disparities.Conclusions:China exhibits higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality than global averages, with survival gaps persisting compared to developed nations. Regionally tailored comprehensive prevention strategies are essential to reduce disease burden through risk factor modification and optimized clinical management.