Objective: This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for assessing disease activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Materials and Methods: A total of 88 patients with active TAO, 76 with inactive TAO, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. CEST MRI-derived magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MTR asymmetry (MTRasym) at 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3.5 ppm were calculated. Clinical data, MTR, and MTRasym values for the extraocular muscles (one representative muscle per eye, yielding two measurements per participant) were compared among the groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine associations between imaging parameters and the clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent associations between imaging parameters and disease activity in patients with TAO (active vs. inactive). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for discriminating active from inactive TAO. Results: Patients with active TAO showed lower MTR values (P < 0.001) and higher MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (all P < 0.001) compared with those with inactive TAO. MTR was negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.402; P < 0.001), while MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.369, 0.350, and 0.349, respectively;all P < 0.001). MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) in discriminating active from inactive TAO were 0.772 and 0.730, respectively. Combining MTR with MTRasym (1 ppm) significantly improved diagnostic performance compared with either parameter alone, achieving an AUC of 0.805 (P = 0.029 and 0.001). Conclusion MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. Their combination further enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing active from inactive TAO, suggesting their potential as quantitative imaging biomarkers to guide treatment in patients with TAO.

Background: While observational studies have suggested a potential link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an increased risk of colon polyps, the causal nature of this association remains uncertain. This study used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the relationship between MetS and colon polyps. Methods: A two-sample MR analysis was performed using data on MetS, its indicators, and colon polyps obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies in the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) and MAGIC databases. Outliers were removed using Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), followed by MR calculations and false discovery rate (FDR) correction. The primary analysis was conducted with the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method. Results: The IVW results indicated no association between hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes and the risk of colon polyps. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P=0.005), 2-hour glucose (P=0.004), glycated hemoglobin A1c (P=0.004), and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (P<0.001) were negatively associated with colon polyps. Conversely, body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001), body fat percentage (P=0.002), waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (P=0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P=0.002), triglycerides (TG) (P<0.001), and both omega-3 (P<0.001) and omega-6 fatty acid levels (P=0.02) were positively associated with colon polyps. The relationships between these metabolic indicators and colon polyps remained significant after FDR correction. Conclusion Obesity-related traits, TC, and TG may increase the risk of colon polyps, while HDL-C may have a protective effect.

This study investigates the feasibility of the VP8*protein as a subunit vaccine target for porcine rotavirus A(PoRVA),a major causative agent of diarrhea in piglets.The VP8* genes of PoRVA P[13]and P[23]genotype strains were amplified by RT-PCR.These genes were then liga-ted into the pET-28a(+)vector,yielding recombinant plasmids pET-28a-XJWF1-VP8*-P[23]and pET-28a-ShXYW13-VP8*-P[13].These plasmids were subsequently transformed into BL21(DE3)competent cells.The VP8*protein,induced by IPTG,was purified using affinity chroma-tography,and its expression and purification were verified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.The purified VP8* protein was used to immunize mice,and serum samples were collected after three immunizations.Cross-neutralization assays were conducted to evaluate the ability of the VP8*protein immune serum to neutralize different genotype strains.The results demonstrated the ex-pression of soluble VP8*protein,with SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses showing that the purified VP8*protein existed in both monomeric(27 kDa)and homodimeric(54 kDa)forms.ELISA results indicated that high levels of antibodies were produced in mice immunized with VP 8*-P[13]and VP8*-P[23]after three immunizations.Serum cross-neutralization assays revealed that the neutralizing titers of PoRVA VP8*-P[13]and VP8*-P[23]immune sera against homol-ogous genotype strains ranged from 1∶4 800 to 1∶19 200,significantly higher than those against heterologous genotype strains(1∶1 200).This suggests that the VP8*protein of different geno-type strains exhibits both antigenic conservation and distinct variability.The data obtained in this study provide a solid foundation for further exploration of the antigenic structure of the PoRVA VP8* protein and the development of novel subunit vaccines.

Objective:To examine the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of first-time callers with suicidal ideation and risk factors related to suicidal ideation in a psychological assistance hotline in Henan Province.Methods:The computerised counselling operating system of the Henan Provincial Psychological Assis-tance Hotline was used to extract data from 31 401 callers who called the hotline between January 2020 and October 2023.A circular distribution and kernel density analysis were employed to investigate the spatial and temporal distri-bution of first-time callers with suicidal ideation.Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the risk factors for suicidal ideation.Results:A total of 5 494 first-time callers were included in the study,of whom 1 697(30.9％)reported suicidal ideation in the previous two weeks.The temporal distribution of suicidal ideation calls indicated a peak between 12:36 and 01:08.The weekly distribution further revealed that the majority of calls occurred on Fridays.In terms of spatial distribution,the primary hotspots for callers with suicidal ideation were clus-tered around Zhengzhou and Xinxiang.Meanwhile,the secondary hotspots exhibited a dispersed distribution across multiple centers within the province.Logistic regression analysis revealed that being under 20 years old(OR=11.85),being unemployed(OR=1.78),having psychological issues(OR=5.03),experiencing family relation-ship problems(OR=3.67),and facing economic hardships(OR=7.08)were risk factors for suicidal ideation.Conclusion:The time distribution of calls from individuals with suicidal ideation to the psychological as-sistance hotline in Henan Province exhibits a centralized trend,while the spatial distribution of calls demonstrates an imbalance.When receiving initial calls from individuals with suicidal ideation,particular attention should be paid to those aged 20 years old or younger,those who are unemployed,and those experiencing psychiatric,psychological,familial,and economic difficulties.

Dyslipidemia refers to the increased level of TG and total cholesterol in plasma, and also generally refers to other forms of dyslipidemia, which is characterized by non-obvious symptoms in the early stage of the disease, and the first episode is cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of dyslipidemia varies with country, region and population, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in China is in increase, which is influenced by various risk factors. This paper summarizes the prevalence and risk factors of dyslipidemia and introduces the emerging risk factors of dyslipidemia, such as HIV infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcopenia and environmental problem.

This article comprehensively discusses the concept of workplace ostracism, measurement tools, theoretical basis, the current situation of workplace ostracism among nurses, and research on related variables. It proposes targeted strategies to address workplace ostracism among nurses, aiming to reduce the occurrence of workplace ostracism incidents among nurses. This is of great significance for constructing a harmonious work environment and promoting individual mental health.

This study was aimed at comparing the effects of storage conditions on the Brucella survival number in brain heart infu-sion medium,to provide experimental data support for the selection of storage conditions for Brucella strains.We created bacterial sus-pensions of seven strains of Brucella melitensis,Brucella abortus,and Brucella suis(denoted A,B,C,D,E,F,G)by using 30%glycerol brain heart infusion medium,then conducted stability testing.For accelerated stability tests,the bacterial solution was placed in a 37℃chamber for 1,2,3,or 4 weeks continuously,and the Brucella survival number at each time point was measured.For freeze-thaw stability testing,the bacterial solutions were frozen at-80℃,transferred to room temperature for 4 hours,and melted in one freeze-thaw cycle,and the Brucella survival number was measured for 2,4,6,and 8 freeze-thaw times.For long-term stability testing,the bacterial solutions were stored at-80℃,and the Brucella survival number was measured at various time points during the first,third,sixth,and twelfth months of storage.A line graph was plotted to demonstrate the changes in Brucella survival number at each time point in the three stability tests.IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software was used to assess statistically significant differences in Brucella survival number at each time point and the initial Brucella survival number.Accelerated stability tests showed that the Bru-cella survival number of the seven strains significantly decreased,and a statistically significant difference in Brucella survival number was observed after 1 week.In freeze-thaw stability tests,with increasing freeze-thaw times,the Brucella survival number of the seven strains showed a decreasing trend.Strains C and F showed statistically significant differences with respect to the initial Brucella sur-vival number after two times of freeze-thaw;strains A and D showed statistically significant differences with respect to the initial Bru-cella survival number after four times of freeze-thaw;strain G showed statistically significant differences with respect to the initial Bru-cella survival number after six times of freeze-thaw;and strain E showed statistically significant differences with respect to the initial Brucella survival number after eight times of freeze-thaw.The data for strain B showed abnormalities.In long-term stability testing,the Brucella survival number for strains C and F after storage for 1 month showed a statistically significant difference with respect to the initial bacterial solution.No statistically significant difference in Brucella survival number was observed for strains B and E after stor-age for 1,3,6,or 12 months.The data for strains A,D,and G showed abnormalities.The sterile 30%glycerol brain heart infusion medium maintained the Brucella survival number in an-80℃environment,and freezing and thawing multiple times should be avoided.Compared with the traditional freeze-drying method,this method is not only easy to perform but also avoids potential bio-safety hazards,and provides a reliable Brucella culture preservation scheme for researchers in related fields.

Objective To explore the potential central mechanisms of functional electrical stimulation(FES)hand cycling in promot-ing upper limb motor recovery after stroke.Methods A total of 35 stroke patients hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Center of Changzhou De'an Hospital from May,2023 to December,2024 were enrolled.They sequentially completed 10-minute FES hand cycling and 10-minute sham stimulation(simple hand cycling)tasks.The task order was randomized via dice rolling.Functional near-in-frared spectroscopy(fNIRS)was used to monitor real-time cerebral hemodynamic changes during both tasks to calculate the overall functional connectivity(FC)strength and the FC strength within regions of interest.Results The overall FC strength was higher during the FES hand cycling task than during the sham task(t=2.591,P<0.05),as well as FC between the ipsilateral primary motor cortex(iM1)and ipsilateral somatosensory association cortex(iSAC),iM1 and contralateral somatosensory association cortex(cSAC),ipsilateral pre-motor and supple-mentary motor cortex(iPMC)and iSAC,iPMC and cSAC,iPMC and ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex(iS1),iPMC and iM1,and contralateral pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex(cPMC)and iSAC(PFDR<0.05).Conclusion FES hand cycling can promote the cortical function remodeling between cerebral hemispheres and the af-fected hemisphere,to integrate sensory-motor function.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of intraoperative intravenous infusion of lidocaine on the occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with enterogenic sepsis.Methods:In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 80 patients of either sex with enterogenic sepsis, aged ≥18 yr, with a body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, who underwent emergency laparotomy under general anesthesia at the People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between January and December 2024, were assigned to 2 groups ( n=40 each) using a table of random numbers: control group (group C) and lidocaine group (group L). Immediately after anesthetic induction, lidocaine was intravenously injected as a loading dose of 1 mg/kg, followed by a continuous infusion at 1.5 mg·kg -1·h -1 until the end of surgery in group L, while group C received the equal volume of normal saline infused at the same rate instead. The occurrence of AKI was recorded within 7 days after operation. The in-hospital death, length of intensive care unit stay, and duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation were recorded. Peripheral blood samples were collected on the day of surgery (T 0) and on postoperative days 1, 2 and 7 (T 1-3) to measure the concentrations of serum creatinine, urea, lactate, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein and the difference at each time point after operation relative to the baseline value at T 0 was calculated. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence of postoperative AKI was significantly reduced, serum creatinine concentrations and the difference were decreased at T 2 and T 3, serum urea concentrations and the difference were decreased at T 2, the serum C-reactive protein concentration and the difference were decreased at T 1 and T 3, and the procalcitonin concentration and the difference were decreased at T 3 ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant differences were found in the serum lactate and interleukin-6 concentrations and the difference at each time point, in-hospital case fatality rate, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, or length of intensive care unit stay in group L ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion can reduce the occurrence of postoperative AKI and improve renal function in patients with enterogenic sepsis.

As one of the core theories of spleen governing transportation and transformation in the traditional Chinese medicine visceral manifestation theory,the modern biological basis of"spleen qi disperses essence"has not been fully elucidated.Lipids are one of the three major nutrients in the body,which are derived from exogenous absorption or endogenous transformation,and belong to the category of"grease"and"essence"substances in traditional Chinese medicine.Because of their hydrophobic nature,lipids require apolipoproteins to be transported in the bloodstream and used by the body;similarly,essence also needs spleen qi transformation to be distributed throughout the body and exert their nourishing effects,revealing a certain degree of inherent unity between the two.When the spleen qi functions properly,essence dispersal is orderly and lipid metabolism remains in homeostatic balance;if spleen deficient leads to impaired transportation,the essence will not be distributed,and the lipid turbidity will accumulate,causing disease.Classic strengthening spleen prescriptions such as Zexie Decoction,can reshape lipid homeostasis by regulating apolipoproteins.Based on apolipoprotein-mediated lipid metabolism,this paper explores the modern molecular biology basis of the theory of"spleen qi disperses essence,"which provides novel insights for enriching the modern research of traditional Chinese medicine visceral manifestation theory,and lays the foundation for clinical practice and theoretical innovation in the treatment of metabolic diseases from the spleen.