AIM: To investigate the influence of relevant inflammatory markers in peripheral blood on the progression of neovascular glaucoma(NVG)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DR)patients.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of NVG: those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)alone(PDR group, n=148)and those with NVG secondary to PDR(NVG secondary to PDR group, n=142). Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were evaluated, including white blood cell-related indices, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII). The distinctions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers between the two groups of patients and their relationships with NVG secondary to PDR were analyzed.RESULTS:No statistically significant differences were observed in basic characteristics between the two groups, confirming their comparability. However, significant differences were found in eosinophil percentage and MLR between the PDR group and the NVG secondary to PDR group(all P<0.05), with both values being significantly higher in the NVG secondary to PDR group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the eosinophil percentage and the MLR were factors influencing the development of patients with NVG secondary to PDR.CONCLUSION: Eosinophil percentage and MLR may be associated with the progression of PDR to NVG, and could serve as potential predictive markers for NVG development in PDR patients.

Objective: To investigate the association between screen time (ST) during leisure time and anxiety-depression symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for formulating relevant intervention measures. Methods: From November to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 542 students from junior and senior high school in Taiyuan City. A self designed questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate ST and anxiety/depression symptoms among middle school students. The Logistic regression model was used to explore the association of ST with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as with anxiety and depression comorbiditles (CAD). Results: The detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD were 13.69%, 15.77%, and 10.11%, respectively. The median ST was 2.00 h/d [interquartile range ( IQR =2.38) for weekly averages], with 0.33 h/d ( IQR =1.67) on work days and 5.00 h/d ( IQR=5.50) on rest days. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the total ST of mobile phones during rest days ( OR =1.07, 1.10, 1.11) and the averages ST of mobile phones over a week ( OR = 1.20 , 1.22, 1.29), as well as the total ST of all screen types during rest days ( OR =1.04, 1.04, 1.05) and the averages ST of all screen types over a week ( OR =1.08, 1.09, 1.21) were positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD (all P <0.01). Conclusions Among middle school students in Taiyuan City, screen time is positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, especially smartphone screen time and weekend screen use. Therefore, measures should be implemented to reduce unnecessary screen time among middle school students, especially the use of mobile phones, in order to mitigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke disability diminishes the physical activity (PA) level of survivors, potentially affecting their long-term prognosis. This study endeavors to explore the correlation between daily PA level and the all-cause mortality in patients with a history of stoke in the United States. METHODS: Data of stroke survivors were sourced from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. The population was stratified into three groups based on their PA level. Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests for significance was used for survival analysis. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality. Subgroup analysis was conducted to strengthen the results. RESULTS: A total of 1395 participants were recruited, comprising 679 males and 716 females, with a median age of 68 years. Based on their PA levels, 779 individuals were classified as inactive, 156 as insufficiently active, and 460 as sufficiently active. Following a median observation period of 59 months, there were 476 recorded deaths, with 349, 47, and 80 cases in the three respective groups. Compared to the inactive group, the HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality in participants who were insufficiently active and sufficiently active were 0.58 (0.40, 0.84) and 0.47 (0.33, 0.67), respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed a significant difference in overall survival between the three groups, as confirmed by the log-rank test (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis further validated our results and demonstrated that the protective impact of PA on stroke prognosis varies according to distinct characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that increased levels of PA are associated with a protective effect on long-term mortality among stroke survivors. Further prospective longitudinal studies are necessary to elucidate the optional PA level and special exercise guideline targeting this population.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Exercise ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Stroke/mortality* ; United States/epidemiology* ; Survivors/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Mortality

Adolescence is defined as a population ranging from ten to nineteen years old. Permanent teeth in adolescents are of critical significance as they are actively involved in mastication, contribute to aesthetic appearance, play a role in pronunciation, and are integral to the growth and development of the stomatognathic system. Specifically, permanent teeth in adolescents comprise those with incomplete root development and those with complete root development but unstable gingival margin positions. However, the prevalence of permanent tooth defects among adolescents remains high, primarily due to their insufficient awareness of oral health care and poor compliance with preventive measures. Therefore, it is very important to emphasize the necessity for timely and appropriate restoration of permanent tooth defects in adolescents. Given the distinct physiological characteristics of adolescent permanent teeth compared with mature permanent teeth, interim restoration approaches are required. The field of adolescent permanent tooth restoration is an interdisciplinary area, involving both prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Currently, a comprehensive and standardized principle for the selection of restoration indications is lacking, which poses challenges for clinicians in making optimal treatment decisions. Therefore, this article aims to comprehensively summarize the clinical dilemmas associated with the restoration of adolescent permanent teeth, and propose a set of principles for the selection of restoration methods and materials, aiming to offer practical clinical guidelines for dentists when dealing with permanent tooth defects in adolescent patients. In particular, because of the different restoration dilemmas of anterior and posterior permanent teeth, a variety of interim restoration methods, their applicable conditions, advantages, and disadvantages are introduced respectively. Additionally, it provides an in-depth discussion of different interim restoration materials, including direct restoration materials like light-cured composite resin and dual-cured temporary crown resin, as well as indirect restoration materials such as polymeric porcelain and CAD/CAM resin-matrix ceramics. The goal of this research is to provide a foundation for the development of evidence-based restoration plans in clinical practice and to contribute to the establishment of future standards in the field of adolescent permanent tooth restoration. This will enhance the quality of dental care for adolescents and promote better oral health outcomes in this population.
Humans ; Adolescent ; Dentition, Permanent ; Dental Restoration, Permanent/methods* ; Child

Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with ^99mTc, ⁶⁸Ga, and ¹⁸F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.

This research study focuses on addressing the limitations of current neuropathic pain (NP) treatments by developing a novel dual-target modulator, E0199, targeting both Na_V1.7, Na_V1.8, and Na_V1.9 and K_V7 channels, a crucial regulator in controlling NP symptoms. The objective of the study was to synthesize a compound capable of modulating these channels to alleviate NP. Through an experimental design involving both in vitro and in vivo methods, E0199 was tested for its efficacy on ion channels and its therapeutic potential in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. The results demonstrated that E0199 significantly inhibited Na_V1.7, Na_V1.8, and Na_V1.9 channels with a particularly low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for Na_V1.9 by promoting sodium channel inactivation, and also effectively increased K_V7.2/7.3, K_V7.2, and K_V7.5 channels, excluding K_V7.1 by promoting potassium channel activation. This dual action significantly reduced the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and alleviated pain hypersensitivity in mice at low doses, indicating a potent analgesic effect without affecting heart and skeletal muscle ion channels critically. The safety of E0199 was supported by neurobehavioral evaluations. Conclusively, E0199 represents a ground-breaking approach in NP treatment, showcasing the potential of dual-target small-molecule compounds in providing a more effective and safe therapeutic option for NP. This study introduces a promising direction for the future development of NP therapeutics.

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanisms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), to identify key cell subgroups and genes, to construct effective diagnostic models, and to screen for potential therapeutic drugs.Methods:Key cell subgroups in CRS were identified through single-cell transcriptomic sequencing data. Essential genes associated with CRS were selected and diagnostic models were constructed by hdWGCNA (high dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis) and various machine learning algorithms. Causal inference analysis was performed using Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis. Potential therapeutic drugs were identified using molecular docking technology, and the results of bioinformatics analysis were validated by immunofluorescence staining. Graphpad Prism, R, Python, and Adobe Illustrator software were used for data and image processing.Results:An increased proportion of basal and suprabasal cells was observed in CRS, especially in eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP), with P=0.001. hdWGCNA revealed that the "yellow module" was closely related to basal and suprabasal cells in CRS. Univariate logistic regression and LASSO algorithm selected 13 key genes ( CTSC, LAMB3, CYP2S1, TRPV4, ARHGAP21, PTHLH, CDH26, MRPS6, TENM4, FAM110C, NCKAP5, SAMD3, and PTCHD4). Based on these 13 genes, an effective CRS diagnostic model was developed using various machine learning algorithms (AUC=0.958). Mendelian randomization analysis indicated a causal relationship between CTSC and CRS (inverse variance weighted: OR=1.06, P=0.006), and colocalization analysis confirmed shared genetic variants between CTSC and CRS (PPH4/PPH3>2). Molecular docking results showed that acetaminophen binded well with CTSC (binding energy:-5.638 kcal/mol). Immunofluorescence staining experiments indicated an increase in CTSC +cells in CRS. Conclusion:This study integrates various bioinformatics methods to identify key cell types and genes in CRS, constructs an effective diagnostic model, underscores the critical role of the CTSC gene in CRS pathogenesis, and provides new targets for the treatment of CRS.

Aim To explore the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in patients with early morning hypertension,and to construct a line chart model to predict the risk of CAS in patients with hypertension in the morning.Methods 255 patients with early morning hypertension hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College from October 2019 to November 2022 were collected,and their basic data,blood routine and blood biochemical indexes were collected.All selected patients need to improve 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and carotid artery color ultrasound detection.According to the presence or absence of CAS,all selected patients were divided into morning hypertension with CAS group(n=197)and morning hypertension without CAS group(n=58).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors of early morning hypertension with CAS,and to construct and verify an individual line chart model to predict the risk of early morning hypertension pa-tients with CAS.Results The age,NLR,neutrophils(NE),monocytes(MO),white blood cell(WBC),total cho-lesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC)increased in the early morning hyperten-sion with CAS group compared with those in the morning hypertension group without CAS,while the HDLC decreased(P＜0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the age,NLR and TC were higher in the early morning hypertension with CAS group than those in the early morning hypertension without CAS group,while HDLC was lower;Age,NLR and TC were independent risk factors of early morning hypertension with CAS,while HDLC was inde-pendent protective factors of morning hypertension with CAS.Based on the results of multivariate Logistic regression anal-ysis,an individualized line chart model for predicting early morning hypertension with CAS was constructed.The area un-der the ROC curve of the line chart model was 0.853(95％CI:0.802-0.904,P＜0.01).The result of Hosmer Leme-show fit test was x2=1.665(P＞0.05).Conclusions There was a positive correlation between NLR and morning hy-pertension with CAS,and NLR was an independent risk factor for morning hypertension with CAS.The individualized line chart model based on age,NLR,TC and HDLC can effectively predict the risk of hypertension with CAS in the early morn-ing,which provides a theoretical basis for early detection and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Objectives:To explore the clinical value of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography(STE)on evaluating right ventricular function in patients with Fabry disease(FD). Methods:From August 2014 to June 2023,57 patients with FD and 57 age-(±2 year)and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study.Clinical characteristics,echocardiographic parameters and right ventricular strain parameters were compared between the two groups.According to the left ventricular mass index(LVMI),FD patients were further divided into the left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH)group(n=22,men:LVMI≥115 g/m2,women:LVMI≥95 g/m2)and the non-LVH(n=35,men:LVMI<115 g/m2,women:LVMI<95 g/m2)group,the association between right ventricular strain and LVH in FD patients was analyzed. Results:(1)The brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)level was higher,heart rate and estimate glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)were lower in the FD group than in healthy control group(all P<0.05).Interventricular septum(IVS)and left ventricular posterior wall(LVPW)thickness as well as left ventricular mass index(LVMI)and right ventricular free wall(RVFW)thickness were significantly higher in FD group than in healthy control group(all P<0.05).(2)Subgroup analysis showed that the age,systolic blood pressure,BNP,LVMI and RVFW thickness were significantly higher,while eGFR was lower in the LVH group than in the non-LVH group(all P<0.05).(3)The left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS),right ventricular global longitudinal strain(RVGLS),right ventricular free wall strain(RVFWS),RVFWS at basal,middle and apical segment were lower in FD patients than in healthy controls(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in right ventricular strain difference value(ΔRV)between the FD group and controls(P>0.05).(4)In the LVH group,LVGLS and RVGLS were significantly declined and ΔRV increased(all P<0.05),while RVFWS and all three segments preserved compared with the non-LVH group(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Myocardial strain analysis is valuable on the assessment of global and regional myocardial work in FD patients.RVGLS and RVFWS are reduced in FD patients.RVGLS is decreased in the LVH patients,while RVFWS is preserved in FD patients.