Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

OBJECTIVE: Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear. METHODS: Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences. RESULTS: Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals ; Poxviridae/physiology* ; Ticks/virology* ; Phylogeny ; Transcriptome ; Evolution, Molecular ; Poxviridae Infections/virology* ; Genome, Viral

Objective:To investigate the protocol and clinical efficacy of hair follicle-bearing microskin (HF-MS) transplantation in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.Methods:Prospective randomized controlled trial. From January to November 2024, patients with hypertrophic scars were recruited from the Medical Cosmetic Center of Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital with Westlake University School of Medicine and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Ningbo Sixth Hospital. Patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group using a random number table. In the observation group, 1.0 mm punch decompression was performed on the hypertrophic scar area, followed by implantation of HF-MS extracted from the scalp donor site using follicular unit excision (FUE) into the decompression pores. The control group underwent only 1.0 mm punch decompression. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) scores (total score 0-15, higher scores indicating more severe scarring) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Efficacy at 6 months, improvement in hypertrophic scar area, hair survival rate (observation group), adverse reactions, and patients’ satisfaction rates were evaluated. Categorical data were expressed as frequency (%) and analyzed using chi-square tests; normally distributed measurement data were expressed as Mean ± SD and analyzed using independent samples t-tests. Results:A total of 50 patients were included (25 per group), with 22 males and 28 females, aged 18-60 years (mean age: 33 years). The effective rate was 92% (23/25) in the observation group and 68% (17/25) in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Preoperative VSS scores did not differ significantly between the observation and control groups [(6.67±3.19) vs. (7.12±2.89), P>0.05]. At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the observation group had VSS scores of (5.48±2.60), (4.64±2.39), and (3.80±2.10), respectively, compared to (6.36±2.53), (5.84±2.28), and (5.32±2.09) in the control group. The 6-month postoperative VSS scores differed significantly between groups ( P<0.05). Preoperative hypertrophic scar areas showed no significant difference [(5.75±2.83) cm 2 vs. (6.91±3.31) cm 2,P>0.05]. At 6 months postoperatively, the observation group had significantly smaller scar areas than the control group [(3.15±1.55) cm 2 vs. (5.37±2.93) cm 2,P<0.01]. The average hair survival rate in the observation group was 41% at 6 months. Adverse reactions occurred in 3 cases in the observation group (2 skin indurations, 1 hyperpigmentation) and 7 cases in the control group (4 hyperpigmentation, 2 skin atrophy, 1 skin induration). The observation group had a significantly lower adverse reaction rate [12% (3/25) vs. 28% (7/25), P<0.05]. Patient satisfaction rates were 88% (22/25) in the observation group and 64% (16/25) in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:HF-MS transplantation demonstrates definitive clinical efficacy in treating hypertrophic scars, effectively improving scar morphology, clinical symptoms, and patient quality of life.

Objective To investigate the effect of different decompression methods on the efficacy of the unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS).Methods A total of 203 elderly patients with LSS who underwent UBE treatment in our hospital from September 2021 to June 2024 were selected and divided into the unilateral group(102 cases)and the bilateral group(101 cases)according to different decompression methods.The unilateral group underwent unilateral decompression during operation,while the bilateral group underwent bilateral decompression(with bilateral decompression through the same incision and unilateral approach)during operation.The perioperative conditions,anatomical image parameters,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,Oswestry disability index(ODI),and complications were compared between the two groups.The rehabilitation progress and complications of patients with different Charlson comorbidity index(CCI)values were compared.Results The operation time of patients in the bilateral group was longer than that in the unilateral group(P<0.05).The dural sac area and lumbar spinal canal area of patients in the bilateral group were larger than those in the unilateral group immediately after operation and 3 months after operation(P<0.05).The VAS scores and ODI 7 days and 3 months after operation of patients in the bilateral group were lower than those in the unilateral group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of complications between the two groups of patients(P>0.05).The first time of getting out of bed after operation and hospital stay in patients with CCI value>2 scores were longer than those in patients with CCI value≤2 scores(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with unilateral decompression,bilateral decompression for elderly patients with severe LSS takes a longer surgical time,but it can better restore lumbar shape,alleviate pain,improve lumbar function,and has higher safety,and the milder the patient's condition,the faster the postoperative recovery.

Objective:To present the epidemiological characteristics of ≤28 days case fatality in both hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and ischemic stroke (IS) patients in national cardiovascular disease surveillance areas from 2015 to 2019.Methods:Data on all new patients with stroke and ≤28 days outcomes from 2015 to 2019 were from the China Registry of Cardiovascular Events, which was established in 2014, covering 100 counties (cities, districts) in 31 provinces in China. Poisson regression was used to analyze the annual trend of ≤28 days case fatality. The age-standardized case fatality was directly calculated based on all new stroke onset.Results:In total, 112 069 deaths in HS patients ≤28 days after the onset, as well as 94 373 in IS patients, were identified during the study period. In 2019, the ≤28 days case fatality rate in HS patients was 4.75 times that of IS patients (37.08% vs. 7.80%), as well as that 4.06 times in urban areas (30.13% vs. 7.43%) and 5.30 times in rural areas (42.63% vs. 8.05%), respectively. Thus, in rural areas, HS patients showed 41.49% higher ≤28 days case fatality rate than that in urban areas, as well as 8.34% higher in IS patients. Those ≤28 days case fatality in both stroke subtypes onset increased with age and reached the highest level in those aged 85 years and over. During the study period, HS and IS patients in each age group displayed significant decrease trend in ≤28 days case fatality rate (trend P<0.001). Compared with that in 2015, the age-standardized ≤28 days case-fatality in HS patients in 2019 decreased by 28.52%, which was more in urban areas (-34.27%) than that in rural areas (-23.19%). Meanwhile, IS patients experienced a 39.90% reduction in ≤28 days case fatality, which was much lower in urban areas (-31.62%) than in rural areas (-45.10%, all trend P<0.001). Conclusions:From 2015 to 2019, ≤28 days case fatality in both HS and IS patients decreased in China. Wide variations of ≤28 days case-fatality were evident in the level and trend in stroke subtype, age of patients, as well as urban and rural areas. More precise and comprehensive strategies for stroke prevention, treatment, and post-stroke management are urgently required in China.

Objective:To analyze the characteristics and changes in incidence and mortality of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents from 2015 to 2019.Methods:The incidence and mortality data of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke from 2015 to 2019 were collected from the China Registry of Cardiovascular Events (China RACE), which was established in 2014 and covered 100 counties (cities and districts) in 31 provinces in China. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was calculated using the Seventh National Census data as the standard population. The ratio of the incidence rate of ischemic stroke to hemorrhagic stroke was calculated. The subtype-specific mortality-to-incidence ratio (M/I) was calculated by the ratio of the number of deaths to the reported incidence cases. The relative ratio (RR) of M/I for ischemic to hemorrhagic stroke was calculated. The Joinpoint model was used to analyze the annual percentage change (APC) and trend of the incidence rate of stroke.Results:From 2015 to 2019, a total of 1 354 614 new stroke cases were reported, including 1 077 244 (79.52%) ischemic stroke and 277 370 (20.48%) hemorrhagic stroke cases, respectively. A total of 248 620 stroke deaths were reported, including 119 819 (48.19%) ischemic stroke deaths and 128 801 (51.81%) hemorrhagic stroke deaths. The incidence ratio of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke from 2015 to 2019 was 3.50∶1, 3.76∶1, 3.63∶1, 4.23∶1, and 4.35∶1, respectively. From 2015 to 2019, there was no statistically significant annual trend of ASIR of ischemic stroke in overall, urban and rural areas and males ( Ptrend>0.05), while there was a downward trend in females (APC=-1.02%, Ptrend=0.042). The incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in the whole population, rural areas, males and females showed a downward trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Patients aged 45-49 years had an upward trend in the incidence rate of ischemic stroke (APC=3.82%, Ptrend=0.011), while those aged 70-74 years (APC=-7.37%, Ptrend=0.034), 80-84 years (APC=-9.75%, Ptrend=0.001) and 85 years and over (APC=-11.22%, Ptrend=0.017) presented a downward trend in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke. During the period, the overall relative ratio of M/I (RR) for ischemic to hemorrhagic stroke was 4.2∶1, which was lower in urban than in rural areas (3.8 vs. 4.3). The largest gap between urban and rural areas was in the 55-59 age group (6.8 vs. 9.3). Conclusion:The incidence and mortality of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents are severe from 2015 to 2019, and there are regional and population differences.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.