AIM: To investigate the value of maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax), extraocular muscle(EOM)diameter, and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody(TRAb)in evaluating inflammatory activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS: TAO patients underwent orbital 99mTc-DTPA SPECT/CT imaging at the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University between January 2023 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the clinical activity score(CAS), patients were classified into an active group and an inactive group. SUVmax and EOM were independently measured by three nuclear medicine physicians, and the mean values were used for analysis. Serum TRAb levels from TAO patients were measured using a fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Nonparametric tests were used to compare differences between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlations of CAS with SUVmax, EOM, and TRAb. Using CAS as the reference standard, receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SUVmax, EOM, and TRAb, as well as their combination. Intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was used for reliability analysis to evaluate the consistency of SUVmax and EOM among the 3 measurers.RESULTS: A total of 99 patients(198 eyes)with TAO were enrolled in this study, including 38 males and 61 females, aged 16-74(46.92±11.84)y. The active group comprised 46 patients(92 eyes), aged 16-71(48.40±12.02)y, with 25 males and 21 females. The inactive group included 53 patients(106 eyes), aged 17-74(45.46±11.59)y, consisting of 13 males and 40 females. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender and age(P>0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in SUVmax, EOM, and TRAb. Compared with the inactive group, the active group showed higher SUVmax, EOM, and TRAb levels(all P<0.01). Correlation analysis showed that CAS was positively correlated with SUVmax, EOM, and TRAb(r=0.734, 0.622, and 0.404, respectively, all P<0.01). ROC curves were plotted using CAS as the reference standard, and the AUCs for SUVmax, EOM, TRAb, and their combined diagnosis were 0.874, 0.797, 0.715, and 0.892, respectively. The ICC of SUVmax and EOM were 0.925(95%CI: 0.901-0.948, P<0.001)and 0.943(95%CI: 0.907-0.964, P<0.001)respectively.CONCLUSION: Beyond CAS, there is a need to identify objective imaging and serological biomarkers. Measurements of SUVmax and EOM provide visualized and quantifiable tools for assessing TAO activity, and their combination with TRAb can further improve the accuracy of activity assessment.

Background Ambient air pollution is a major environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, epidemiological evidence regarding the modifying effect of a healthy lifestyle on the association between air pollution and CVD remains inconsistent. Objective To investigate the modifying effect of a healthy lifestyle on the association between exposure to air pollutants and CVD risk, to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies. Methods Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang were systematically searched for epidemiological studies published from January 2011 to August 2025. The quality of included studies was assessed, and relevant data were extracted. A meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between air pollutant exposure and CVD outcomes, as well as the modifying effect of a healthy lifestyle. Results A total of 24 studies were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that each 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in the concentration of ultrafine particulate matter (PM₁), fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃) was associated with pooled relative risks (RRs) for CVD morbidity of 1.176 (95%CI: 1.007, 1.373), 1.167 (95%CI: 1.035, 1.315), 1.030 (95%CI: 1.012, 1.048), 1.093 (95%CI: 1.039, 1.150), 1.014 (95%CI: 0.996, 1.032), and 1.216 (95%CI: 0.901, 1.641), respectively; each 10 mg·m⁻³ increase in the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) was associated with a pooled RR for CVD morbidity of 1.005 (95%CI: 1.005, 1.006). For CVD mortality, each 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ yielded pooled RRs of 1.188 (95%CI: 1.032, 1.367), 1.137 (95%CI: 0.953, 1.357), and 1.038 (95%CI: 1.011, 1.066), respectively; for SO₂ and O₃, where only a single study was available, RRs were 1.068 (95%CI: 1.030, 1.108) and 1.010 (95%CI: 0.996, 1.024) per 10 μg·m⁻³ increase, respectively; for CO, where also only a single study was available, the RR was 1.002 (95%CI: 1.001, 1.003) per 10 mg·m⁻³ increase. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle significantly modified the PM_2.5-associated CVD risk. Specifically, compared to healthy behaviors, unhealthy factors including smoking, low-quality diet, and physical inactivity exacerbated this risk, with relative effect sizes (RES; ratio of hazard ratios of the unhealthy group to the healthy group) of 1.016 (95%CI: 1.013, 1.020), 1.008 (95%CI: 1.003, 1.013), and 1.058 (95%CI: 1.055, 1.062), respectively. Furthermore, a combined healthy lifestyle demonstrated a superior modifying effect compared to any single lifestyle factor, which significantly attenuated the PM_2.5-associated CVD risk (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusion Long-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5 significantly increases CVD risk. However, adherence to a combined healthy lifestyle can effectively mitigate these adverse effects, offering substantially greater cardiovascular protection than maintaining any single healthy habit.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between white matter injury (WMI) and cerebral perfusion in preterm infants using arterial spin labeling (ASL). METHODS: A total of 293 preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) hospitalized at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2022 and June 2024 were included. After achieving clinical stability, the infants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ASL. Based on MRI findings, infants were classified into WMI (n=66) and non-WMI (n=227) groups. Cerebral perfusion parameters were compared between groups, and the association between WMI and perfusion alterations was evaluated. RESULTS: The WMI group showed a higher incidence of mild intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the non-WMI group (P<0.05). Significantly lower cerebral perfusion was observed in the WMI group across bilateral frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus (P<0.05). After adjusting for gestational age, corrected gestational age at ASL scan, and mild IVH, WMI remained significantly associated with reduced regional perfusion (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS WMI in preterm infants correlates with localized cerebral hypoperfusion. ASL-detected perfusion abnormalities may provide novel insights into WMI pathogenesis.
Humans ; White Matter/blood supply* ; Infant, Newborn ; Spin Labels ; Infant, Premature ; Female ; Male ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other potential future coronavirus has challenged the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, there remains a need for alternative antivirals that target processes less susceptible to mutations, such as the formation of six-helix bundle (6-HB) during the viral fusion step of host cell entry. In this study, a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay employing a yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) system was established to identify inhibitors of HR1/HR2 interaction. The compound IMB-9C, which achieved single-digit micromolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and its Omicron variants with low cytotoxicity, was selected. IMB-9C effectively blocks the HR1/HR2 interaction in vitro and inhibits SARS-CoV-2-S-mediated cell-cell fusion. It binds to both HR1 and HR2 through non-covalent interaction and influences the secondary structure of HR1/HR2 complex. In addition, virtual docking and site-mutagenesis results suggest that amino acid residues A930, I931, K933, T941, and L945 are critical for IMB-9C binding to HR1. Collectively, in this study, we have developed a novel screening method for HR1/HR2 interaction inhibitors and identified IMB-9C as a potential antiviral small molecule against COVID-19 and its variants.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)is a malignant tumor originating from the squamous epithelium of the oro-pharyngeal mucosa,accounting for more than 90％of oropharyngeal malignancies.In recent years,human papillomavirus(HPV)infec-tion has become one of the primary etiological factors of oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma.The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyn-geal squamous carcinoma has been rising annually,with a noticeable trend toward younger populations,posing a significant threat to hu-man health.Due to the distinct biological behavior and clinical characteristics of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma com-pared to its non-HPV-related counterpart,the diagnostic and treatment strategies for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma have undergone substantial changes.Prevention and screening for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma are of critical importance.The diagnostic and treat-ment process involves multi-disciplinary collaboration,including oral and maxillofacial surgery,otolaryngology,head and neck surgery,oncology,radiology and pathology.Based on evidence from clinical practice,a comprehensive,integrated diagnostic and therapeutic ap-proach has been established,centered around the concept of"prevention,screening,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation",covering the entire patient lifecycle and providing a valuable reference for clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of Qihuakeli,a Hani formula,on glycolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Rat liver mesenchymal stromal cells(BRL-3A)were inoculated in six-well plates and divided into blank,palmitic acid,fenofibrate,and Qihuakeli serum-containing 5.4,10.8,and 21.6 g/kg groups.Except for the blank group,the remaining groups were intervened with 0.2 mmol/L palmitic acid(PA)for 24 hour,and then added with drug-containing serum,and then continued to incubate for 24 hour.The proliferation rate of BRL-3A cells in each group was determined.Total cholesterol(T-CHO),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)concentrations in the supernatant of each cell group were measured,cell culture medium was aspirated and discarded,triglyceride(TG)concentration in the cell lysate.The lipid content of the cells was determined by measuring and staining with red oil.Meanwhile,45 rats were taken and divided into blank group,model group,fenofibrate group(0.225 g/kg),Qihuakeli compound 5.4 g/kg group,and Qihuakeli compound 10.8 g/kg group,the blank group was given normal feed and the rest of the groups were given high-fat feed for 42 day.Beginning on the 43rd day,each group,except the blank group,was injected with a single intraperitoneal injection of Starting from the 43rd day,except the blank group,each group was given a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 0.25%streptozotocin(STZ)solution,and at the same time,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage for 14 day.The rats'weight gain and liver index were measured.Serum fasting blood glucose(FBG)and fasting insulin(FINS)were detected,and the insulin resistance index(ISI)was calculated.Serum free fatty acid(FFA)levels and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in liver tissue were also detected.HE staining was used to detect pathological changes in the pancreas.Pathological changes were observed in the tissues,and islet α and β cell expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared to the PA group,the accumulation rate of BRL-3A cells was significantly higher(P<0.01)in the 10.8 and 21.6 g/kg Qihuakeli-containing serum groups.The levels of T-CHO,LDL-C and TG in the 5.4 and 21.6 g/kg serum groups were significantly lower(P<0.05),and HDL-C levels significantly increased(P<0.05).Oil red staining results showed that lipids in the cytoplasm of the 5.4,10.8 and 21.6 g/kg.Qihuacel-containing groups significantly reduced.Compared to the model group,the body weight of the 10.8 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli granules increased significantly(P<0.05).The liver index of the 5.4 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).The serum indices of FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance of the 5 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).In the 5.4,10.8 g/kg groups,all serum FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance indices significantly reduced in the 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg Qihuakeli groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TNF-α levels were significantly reduced(P<0.01).HE staining showed that a small number of lymphocytes were scattered in the pancreatic ducts and perivascular area of the rats in the Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups,the local vasodilatation was observed,the number of pancreatic islet cells and the area of islet cells significantly increased.Immunohistochemical study was further used.The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the area of pancreatic islet α-cells significantly reduced and the area of pancreatic islet β-cells significantly increased in Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups.Conclusion Qihuakeli compound improved glucose-lipid metabolism in T2DM,probably by improving the function of pancreatic islet cells,increasing the sensitivity of insulin to blood glucose,improving insulin resistance,decreasing the secretion of insulin and glucagon,and thus lowering the level of fasting blood glucose.Meanwhile,by decreasing the content of TNF-α,inhibiting lipolysis in the body,and promoting the uptake of FFA by adipocytes,and further lowering the FFA.Thus,it regulates the levels of TG,T-CHO,HDL-C and LDL-C,improves the abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism,and alleviates T2DM.

AIM To investigate effects of petroleum ether fraction from Derris eriocarpa How on glucose and lipid metabolism in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome(MS).METHODS KM mice were fed a high-fat diet and administered streptozotocin intraperitoneally to establish MS models.The MS mice were then randomly assigned to the model group,the metformin hydrochloride group,the lovastatin group,the ursolic acid group,and the high-,medium-and low-dose D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction groups,with 10 mice in each group.Ten additional mice maitained on a normal diet served as the normal control group.After 4 weeks of intragastric administration,glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were measured.Hepatic pathological changes were assessed using HE staining and oil red O staining.Liver tissue mRNA expressions of ATF3,PEPCK,FXR,CYP7A1,HNF4ɑ,CYP8B1 and SRB1 were quantified by RT-qPCR.Hepatic protein expressions of ATF3,HNF4ɑ,PEPCK,FXR and CYP7A1 was analyzed by Western blot in MS mice.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the high-dose D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction group exhibited significant glucose tolerance improvement(reduced OGTT-AUC,P＜0.01);favorable serum lipid modulation in terms of increased HDL-C levels(P＜0.01)and decreased TG,TC,LDL-C(P＜0.01);reduced renal biomarkers(BUN,SCR)and hepatotoxic indicators of TBA,AST and ALT activities(P＜0.01);alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation and histopathological damage;downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of ATF3,HNF4ɑ and PEPCK,as well as CYP8B1 mRNA expression(P＜0.01);and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of FXR and CYP7A1,along with SRB1 mRNA expression(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism dysregulation in MS mice by modulating the ATF3/HNF4ɑ/CYP7A1 signaling pathway,consequently eliciting hypoglycemic,hypolipidemic,hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects.