Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss remained significantly associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.038, 95%CI: 1.035-8.914). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between the number of teeth lost and the incidence of esophageal cancer. When the number of teeth lost was less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increased with the number of teeth lost. When more than 12 teeth were lost, the risk of esophageal cancer decreased as the number of teeth lost increased. Conclusion Tooth loss is a risk factor for the occurrence of esophageal cancer in this natural village. When the number of teeth lost is less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increases with the number of teeth lost.

Objective To establish a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method for the determination of ginsenoside Rh2(GRh2)in plasma of mice,so as to provide preclinical data support for the pharmacokinetic study and application of GRh2.Methods C57BL16 mice were given 7.5 mg/kg GRh2 by gavage.After administration,0.03 mL of whole blood was collected at 5 min,10 min,15 min,30 min,1 h,2 h,4 h,and 8 h.Then,the whole blood was centrifuged and the serum was treated with 0.1％formic acid acetonitrile,dried by nitrogen(40℃),and redissolved with 50.0 pL 50％methanol solution containing 100 ng/mL diclofenac sodium.After vortex mixing for 5 min at room temperature,it was put into the automatic sampler for sampling analysis.The chromatographic column was Waters BEHC18(2.1 mm × 50.0 mm,1.7 pm),the mobile phase was aqueous solution containing 0.1％formic acid and acetonitrile solution containing 0.1％formic acid at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min,the column temperature was 40℃,and the injection volume was 1.00 pL.The electric spray ion source,positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring mode were performed.A standard curve was established to calculate blood drug concentration.The blood drug concentration-time curve was established according to the blood drug concentration,and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.Results The linear range of the standard curve of drug containing plasma was 100-40 000 ng/mL,and the correlation coefficient(r)was 0.996 0.After internal standard normalization,the matrix effect factors of GRh2 were 1.09,1.06,and 1.00(between 0.8 and 1.2),indicating no significant matrix effect.The precision and accuracy results showed that the average measured concentration of GRh2 samples at each concentration level was 103,333,23 800 and 35 000 ng/mL,the inter batch standard deviation was 6.47-1 120 ng/mL,the inter batch relative standard deviation was 1.5％-8.3％,and the inter batch accuracy deviation was 93.3％-111.1％.The long-term stability,short-term stability,repeated freeze-thaw property,and extraction recovery rate of GRh2 were all good.The pharmacokinetic parameters Tmax and Cmax of GRh2 in mice were(1.42±1.01)h and(1 251±495)ng/mL,respectively,indicating that the absorption and utilization rate of GRh2 in vivo was high and GRh2 had good drug performance.Conclusion The established LC-MS/MS method is accurate and reliable,and can be used to determine the concentration of GRh2 in mouse plasma and study its pharmacokinetic.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and structural airway obstruction that is not fully reversible, leading to shortness of breath caused by air trapping and increased physical exertion. Over the past few decades, the incidence of COPD has continued to rise. Although commonly used therapeutic agents, such as glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, have demonstrated significant symptomatic relief, they primarily target symptoms rather than halting disease progression. Therefore, further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of COPD and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for its prevention and management. Early studies on the pathogenesis of COPD primarily focused on airway epithelial cell injury, while relatively less attention was given to pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs). However, recent evidence indicates that COPD is not only an airway and systemic inflammatory disorder but also a vascular disease, with PVECs playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. PVECs are among the main cellular targets damaged in COPD and are involved in mediating its initiation and progression. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence that highlights the close association between PVEC injury and COPD pathogenesis. We also explore the roles and mechanisms of various therapeutic interventions targeting PVECs, including chemical agents and traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a common disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate.It is charac-terized by chronic inflammation and structural airway obstruction that is not fully reversible,leading to shortness of breath caused by air trapping and increased physical exertion.Over the past few decades,the incidence of COPD has continued to rise.Although commonly used therapeutic agents,such as glucocorticoids and bronchodilators,have demonstrated significant symptomatic relief,they primarily target symptoms rather than halting disease progression.Therefore,further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of COPD and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for its prevention and management.Early studies on the pathogenesis of COPD primarily focused on airway epithelial cell injury,while relatively less attention was given to pulmonary vascular endothelial cells(PVECs).However,recent evidence indicates that COPD is not only an airway and systemic inflammatory disorder but also a vascular disease,with PVECs playing a critical role in its pathogenesis.PVECs are among the main cellular targets damaged in COPD and are involved in mediating its initiation and progression.In this review,we summarize emerging evidence that highlights the close association between PVEC injury and COPD pathogenesis.We also explore the roles and mechanisms of various therapeutic interventions targeting PVECs,including chemical agents and traditional Chinese medicine,in the treatment of COPD.

Objective To observe changes of white matter function in adolescent smoker(AS)with resting-state functional MRI(rs-fMRI)fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(fALFF)technique.Methods Forty-five adolescents(AS group)and 45 control subjects(control group)were prospectively enrolled,and brain rs-fMRI were acquired.Brain regions with fALFF being different between groups were observed,and the correlations with clinical indicators were analyzed.Results Compared with that in control group,fALFF of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus significantly elevated in AS group(FDR correct Q＜0.05),in which the peak of the cluster was positively correlated with score of Fagerstr?m test for nicotine dependence(FTND)(r=0.294,P=0.049).Conclusion White matter function changed in AS,presenting as significantly increased fALFF in right superior longitudinal fasciculus,which was positively correlated with nicotine dependence.

Objective:To explore the expression and mechanism of lncRNA MALAT1 in negative sputum for tuberculous bac-terium.Methods:Expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)of patients with positive sputum bacteria(Positive group)and negative sputum bacteria(Negative group)and healthy volunteers(HC group)was detected by RT-PCR.ELISA was used to detect expression levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in plasma.Expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in mice macro-phages RAW264.7 was silenced by siRNA interference,and RAW264.7 cells were infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)H37Rv.Cells were divided into four groups:Control group,Control+MTB group,MTB+si-NC group and MTB+si-MALAT1 group.Proliferation activity of RAW264.7 cells in each group was detected by CCK-8 method.The number of MTB in each group was detected by CFU.Expressions of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in supernatant of RAW264.7 cells were detected by ELISA.Results:Compared with HC group,expressions of lncRNA MALAT1 in PBMC,and TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in plasma were significantly increased in Positive group and Negative group(P<0.01).Compared with Control group,expression level of lncRNA MALAT1,proliferation activity,CFU value,and concentrations of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in supernatant of Control+MTB group,MTB+si-NC group and MTB+si-MALAT1 group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with MTB+si-NC group,the above detection indexes in MTB+si-MALAT1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in Control+MTB group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The significantly increased expression of MALAT1 in patients with negative sputum for tuberculous bacterium is positively correlated with expression of plasma inflammatory factors,while the silence of MALAT1 expression can reduce MTB induced inflammatory response by inhibiting the proliferation and phagocytosis of MTB infected macrophages.

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.