SMAR1 promotes immune escape of Tri-negative Breast Cancer through a mechanism involving T-bet/PD-1 Axis.

This study was aimed at investigating the specific molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of immune escape of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by SMRI, so as to provide a new clinical treatment target for the disease. Mouse original 4T1 breast cancer cells were inoculated subcutaneously in BALB/C to establish TNBC mouse model. CD8+T cells with immunological effects were selected from mouse thymus glands for primary culture. The CD8+positive T cells were infected with lentivirus interference vectors, and the proliferation of CD8+ T cells were determined by trypan blue staining and flow cytometry. CD8+T cells and 4T1 cells were cultured together so as to determine the cytotoxic effects of SMAR1-downregulated CD8+ T cells on tumor cells and the expression of cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6). The expressions of SMAR1, T-bet and PD-1 were assayed by Western blot. SMAR1-downregulated CD8+T cells were injected into 4T1 tumor-bearing mice through the caudal vein, and the growth of tumor in mice was monitored. Following the infection of CD8+T cells with SMAR1-downregulated lentiviral system, cell apoptosis level was decreased significantly (control vs. sh-SMAR1: 32.23 ± 12.4 % vs. 18.28 ± 8.93 %, p < 0.05). Results from trypan blue staining experiments showed that the proliferation of CD8+ T cells in the SMAR1-downregulated group was significantly increased; SMAR1-downregulated CD8+ T cells promoted the production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 in 4T1 breast cancer cells (p < 0.05). Western blot showed that SMAR1 down-regulation led to significant upregulation of T-bet, while PD-1 was downregulated, when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The downregulation of SMAR1 was associated with significant reduction in tumor size in mice (p < 0.05). SMAR1 downregulation enhances the tumor killing effect of CD8+T cells by activating T-bet and down-regulating PD-1.

MiR-122 exerts anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

To investigate the effects of microRNA-122 (miR-122) on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) HONE-1 cells, and its correlation with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Human NPC cell line (HONE-1) was transfected with miR-122 inhibitor (anti-miR-122 group), negative controls (vector control group) via lipofectamines, and HONE-1 cell lines undergoing no transfection were selected (non-transfection group). The expression of miR-122, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and expressions of PI3K/AKT pathway and downstream target proteins in the three groups were determined using fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting, respectively. The expression of miR-122 in the anti-miR-122 group was significantly lower than corresponding expressions in the non-transfection and vector control groups after 48h of transfection (p <0.05). The proliferation of cells in the anti-miR-122 group was significantly reduced with time after transfection (p <0.05). After 48h of transfection, the extent of apoptosis in the anti-miR-122 group (47.11 ± 1.95%) was significantly higher than that in normal control (7.37 ± 0.82%) and vector control group (8.54 ± 0.96%; p <0.05). There were no significant differences in the expressions of PI3K, AKT, mTOR protein, and the downstream signal proteins (p70S6K and 4E-BP1) in the three groups (p >0.05). However, the expressions of phosphorylated forms of these proteins were significantly lower in the anti-miR-122 group than in the non-transfection and vector control groups (p <0.05). IF results revealed that there were no significant differences in the fluorescence intensity value of PI3K and Akt among the three groups of patients (p>0.05). Inhibition of the expression of miR-122 in NPC suppresses the proliferation, and promotes their apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway.

Therapeutic outcomes of combining cryotherapy, chemotherapy and DC-CIK immunotherapy in the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Currently there are no effective therapies for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we conducted a retrospective study of 161 patients to evaluate the therapeutic effects of combining cryosurgery, chemotherapy and dendritic cell-activated cytokine-induced killer cells (DC-CIK) immunotherapy. The overall survival (OS) after diagnosis of metastatic NSCLC to patient death was assessed during a 5-years follow-up period. OS of patients who received comprehensive cryotherapy was (median OS, 20 months; n = 86) significantly longer than that of patients who did not received cryotherapy (median OS, 10 months; n = 75; P < 0.0001). Five treatment combinations were selected: chemotherapy (n = 44); chemo-immunotherapy (n = 31); cryo-chemotherapy (n = 32); cryo-immunotherapy (n = 21); and cryo-chemo-immunotherapy (n = 33). A combination of cryotherapy with either chemotherapy or immunotherapy lead to significantly longer OS (18 months and 17 months, respectively) compared to chemotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy (8.5 months and 12 months, respectively; P < 0.001); however, the median OS of patients who underwent cryo-chemo-immunotherapy was significantly longer (27 months) compared to the other treatment programs (P < 0.001). In conclusion, a combination of cryotherapy, chemotherapy and DC-CIK immunotherapy proved the best treatment option for metastatic NSCLC in this group of patients.

Alleviating the pain of unresectable hepatic tumors by percutaneous cryoablation: experience in 73 patients.

Pain caused by liver tumors can be alleviated by cryoablation, but little is known about the analgesic effects and duration of pain alleviation. We retrospectively reviewed the changes in the severity of pain before and after percutaneous cryoablation of hepatic tumors. Each patient enrolled in this study had a single hepatic tumor; patients with large tumors (major diameter, P5 cm) underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) first and then cryoablation. Severe abdominal pain that was not controlled with long-lasting oral analgesics was treated with opioid injections. In all 73 study patients, severe abdominal pain was gradually eased 5 days after cryosurgery, completely disappeared after 15 days and did not recur for more than 8 weeks. There were no differences in analgesic effects between patients with hepatocellular carcinomas and those with liver metastasis (P > 0.05). The patients were divided into four groups depending on their pain outcomes: (i) immediate relief (n = 6), severe abdominalgia was no longer present after cryosurgery; (ii) delayed relief (n = 11), severe abdominalgia disappeared gradually within 15 days after the cryosurgery; (iii) always pain-free (n = 39), severe abdominalgia was not present before or after treatment; and (iv) new pain (n = 17), abdominalgia developed after treatment and disappeared within 15 days. In summary, percutaneous cryoablation of hepatic tumors caused short-term pain in some patients, but this pain disappeared within 15 days. Moreover, the pain-relieving effect of this treatment was sustained for at least 8 weeks, without severe side effects.

Chinese Tuina remodels the synaptic structure in neuropathic pain rats by downregulating the expression of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B and postsynaptic density protein-95 in the spinal cord dorsal horn.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the Chinese massage system, Tuina, exerts analgesic effects in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) by remodeling the synaptic structure in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). METHODS: Sixty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into the normal group, sham group, CCI group, CCI + Tuina group, CCI + MK-801 [an -methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) antagonist] group, and CCI + MK-801 + Tuina group. The neuropathic pain model was established using CCI with right sciatic nerve ligation. Tuina was administered 4 d after CCI surgery, using pressing manipulation for 10 min, once daily. Motor function was observed with the inclined plate test, and pain behaviors were observed by the Von Frey test and acetone spray test. At 19 d after surgery, the L3-L5 spinal cord segments were removed. Glutamate, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression levels of NR2B and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) were detected by Western blot, and the synaptic structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: CCI reduced motor function and caused mechanical and cold allodynia in rats, increased glutamate concentration and TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, and increased expression of synapse-related proteins NR2B and PSD-95 in the SCDH. TEM revealed that the synaptic structure of SCDH neurons was altered. Most of these disease-induced changes were reversed by Tuina and intrathecal injection of MK-801 ( < 0.05 or < 0.01). For the majority of experiments, no significant differences were found between the CCI + MK-801 and CCI + MK-801 + Tuina groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese Tuina can alleviate pain by remodeling the synaptic structure, and NR2B and PSD-95 receptors in the SCDH may be among its targets.

Uric acid increases fibronectin synthesis through upregulation of lysyl oxidase expression in rat renal tubular epithelial cells.

Urate is produced as the major end product of purine metabolism. In the last decade, the incidence of hyperuricemia increased markedly, and similar trends in the epidemiology of metabolic syndrome have been observed. Hyperuricemia is associated with renal disease, and recent studies have reported that mild hyperuricemia results in hypertension, intrarenal vascular disease, and renal injury. This has led to the hypothesis that uric acid may contribute to renal fibrosis and progressive renal disease. Our purpose was to investigate the relationship between uric acid and renal tubular injury. We applied the method of intraperitoneal injection of uric acid to generate the hyperuricemic mouse model. Compared with the saline injection group, the expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and fibronectin in kidneys was increased significantly in hyperuricemic groups. In vitro, uric acid significantly induced NRK-52E cells to express the ECM marker fibronectin, as well as LOX, which plays a pivotal role in ECM maturation, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Upregulation of the urate transporter URAT1, which is located in the apical membrane of proximal tubules, sensitized the uric acid-induced fibronectin and LOX induction, while both knocking down URAT1 expression in tubular epithelial cells by RNA interference and inhibiting URAT1 function pharmacologically attenuated LOX and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, knockdown of LOX expression by a small interfering RNA strategy led to a decrease in fibronectin abundance induced by uric acid treatment. In addition, evidence of a uric acid-induced activation of the NF-kappaB signaling cascade was observed. Our findings highlight a need for carefully reevaluating our previous view on the pathological roles of hyperuricemia in the kidney and nephropathy induced by uric acid in clinical practice.

Advance of research on Hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

Spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) is the most common type of autosomally inherited spastic paraplegia. Its main clinical features include typical simple hereditary spastic paraplegia, with neurological impairments limited to lower limb spasticity, hypertonic bladder dysfunction, and mild weakening of lower limb vibration sensation, without accompanying features such as nerve atrophy, ataxia, cognitive impairment, seizures, and muscle tone disorders. SPAST is the main pathogenic gene underlying SPG4, and various pathogenic SPAST variants have been discovered. This disease has featured a high degree of clinical heterogeneity, and the same pathogenic variant can have different age of onset and severity among different patients and even within the same family. There is a lack of systematic research on the correlation between the genotype and phenotype of SPG4, and the pathogenic mechanism has remained controversial. This article has provided a review for the clinical characteristics, pathogenic gene characteristics, correlation between the genotype and phenotype, and pathogenic mechanism of this disease, with an aim to provide reference for its clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Research progress of vaccine hesitancy in China in recent years / 上海预防医学

The 2030 Immunization Agenda of the World Health Organization （WHO） states that everyone in the world should fully benefit from vaccines to achieve good health and well-being. With the ever-changing disease spectrum and the improvement of residents' health literacy， relying solely on vaccines included in the National Immunization Program （NIP） is insufficient to meet the current requirements for disease prevention and control. Non-NIP vaccines play an important role in meeting people's diverse needs. Vaccine hesitancy is a global issue and an important factor affecting vaccine uptake. By reviewing relevant studies on vaccine hesitancy in recent years， this paper summarized different vaccination situations， current situation of vaccine hesitancy， measuring tools of vaccine hesitancy， and major influencing factors. It aims to provide references for the development of scientific and effective vaccine education strategies， which can increase public knowledge and understanding of vaccines， enhance healthcare professional's willingness and behavior in recommending vaccines， improve public vaccine literacy， and reduce vaccine hesitancy. At the same time， the supervision and guidance of media discourse should be strengthened to enhance the protective role of non-NIP vaccines in immunization barriers.

Correlations between transepidermal water loss rates and stratum corneum hydration levels in healthy children / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To determine whether the transepidermal water loss rate (TEWL) is correlated with the stratum corneum (SC) hydration level.Methods:Healthy children aged ≤ 17 years were enrolled from Medical Center for Public Health of Puning, 2 kindergartens and 2 primary schools, from October 2021 to June 2022. TEWL and SC hydration levels were measured on the left forearm and right anterior shank using a device for measuring skin physiological funcitons. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations between TEWL and SC hydration levels in children of different ages and genders.Results:A total of 1 396 healthy children were enrolled, aged from 1 month to 17 years. Among them, 783 were male children and 613 were female children. In children aged 1 to < 12 months, no correlation was observed between TEWL and SC hydration levels on the forearms of male children, while TEWL was positively correlated with SC hydration levels on the anterior shanks of male children, as well as on the forearm and anterior shanks of female children ( r = 0.283, 0.404, 0.420, respectively, all P < 0.05) . In children aged 1 to 2 years, positive correlations were observed between the above two indicators on the anterior shanks of male children and forearms of female children ( r = 0.370, 0.419, respectively, both P < 0.01) , while there were no correlations between the two indicators on the anterior shanks of female children or forearms of male children. Positive correlations were observed between TEWL and SC hydration levels on both the forearms and anterior shanks of female children and the forearms of male children aged 3 to 5 years and 6 to 11 years ( r values ranging from 0.172 to 0.293, all P < 0.05) , but not on the anterior shanks of male children aged from 6 to 11 years. The group aged 12 to 17 years exhibited significantly positive correlations between TEWL and SC hydration levels on both the anterior shanks and forearms of male and female children ( r values ranging from 0.269 to 0.485, all P < 0.001) . Conclusion:SC hydration levels are positively correlated with TEWL on the anterior shanks and forearms of healthy children, and the degree of correlation tends to increase with age.

Changes of postoperative pulmonary function in lung transplant recipients / 器官移植

Objective To analyze the changes of postoperative pulmonary function in lung transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 81 recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation and combined heart-lung transplantation were collected, and postoperative status of the recipients was analyzed. Pulmonary ventilation and diffusion function indexes at 1 month, 3 months, every 3 months (3-18 months after lung transplantation) and every 6 months (18-36 months after lung transplantation) were analyzed in the recipients. The characteristics of the optimal pulmonary function in the recipients were assessed. Results Postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 4 (2, 9) d, and the length of postoperative ICU stay was 10 (7, 20) d. Among 81 recipients, 27 recipients developed primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation, with an incidence rate of 33%. Postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) to predicted value ratio (FVC%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to predicted value ratio (FEV1%pred), FEV1/FVC to predicted value ratio (FEV1/FVC%pred) and corrected diffusion lung capacity for CO to predicted value ratio (DLCOc%pred) were changed over time (all P<0.001). FVC%pred and FEV1%pred were gradually increased within postoperative 9 months, and DLCOc%pred was gradually elevated within postoperative 3 months (all P<0.05). Thirty-six recipients had FVC%pred≥80%, FEV1%pred≥80% in 41 cases, FEV1/FVC%pred≥92% in 76 cases, FVC%pred≤40% in 1 case and FEV1%pred≤40% in 1 case, respectively. Sixteen recipients had DLCOc%pred≥80%, corrected diffusion lung capacity for CO/alveolar volume to predicted value ratio (DLCOc/VA%pred) ≥80% in 63 cases, DLCOc%pred≤40% in 4 cases and DLCOc/VA%pred≤40% in 1 case, respectively. Postoperative FVC%pred, FEV1/FVC%pred and DLCOc%pred in recipients with a primary disease of obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly higher than those in their counterparts with restrictive pulmonary disease (all P<0.05). Postoperative DLCOc%pred in recipients with PGD was significantly lower than that in those without PGD (P<0.05). Conclusions Pulmonary ventilation function in lung transplant recipients reaches the optimal state and maintains a steady state at postoperative 9 months, and pulmonary diffusion function reaches a steady state at postoperative 3 months. Primary diseases and the incidence of PGD may affect postoperative pulmonary function.

The role and value of surgeon-engineer interaction during preoperative planning of patient-specific instrumentation assisted total knee arthroplasty / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the significance and importance of the interaction between surgeons and engineers during the preoperative planning phase of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when utilizing patient-specific instrumentation (PSI).Methods:A retrospective review was conducted on 202 knees of PSI-assisted TKA performed on 178 patients between June 2018 and August 2022. The patients' mean age was 68.4±6.2 years, ranging from 53 to 86 years. Among the participants, there were 149 females and 29 males, 93 left knees and 109 right knees. The study involved 171 patients of osteoarthritis (193 knees) and 7 patients of rheumatoid arthritis (9 knees), with 194 knees presenting varus knees and 8 knees with valgus knees. The preoperative plan documents, from the initial engineer-designed plan to the final plan approved by the surgeon, were analyzed to assess the frequency, parameters, and reasons for adjustments made during the planning process.Results:The planning of the 202 PSI-assisted TKA was subjected to at least one round of surgeon-engineer interaction. Among the 202 TKA planning, 117 knees (57.9%) underwent modifications after discussion, with most plans (100 knees, 49.5%) being confirmed after one round of modification. Two rounds of modifications were performed on 10 knees (5.0%), and three rounds on 5 knees (2.5%). A maximum of four rounds of modifications were made on two knees (0.9%). Furthermore, in the case of the remaining 85 knees (42.1%), the surgeons promptly consented to the engineers' initial planning following the discussions. Specific adjustments were made in 106 knees (52.5%) regarding femoral parameters, 57 knees (28.2%) concerning tibial parameters, and 46 knees (22.8%) requiring adjustments to both femoral and tibial parameters. Notably, the most frequently adjusted parameter was the osteotomy thickness of the posterior femoral condyles, which was modified in 94 knees (80.3%). The reasons for adjusting femoral or tibial parameters were summarized, revealing the main factors as follows: 1) Discrepancy between the mediolateral and anteroposterior diameters of the femoral condyle; 2) Twisted deformity of the proximal tibia; 3) Severe flexion contracture deformity of the knee; 4) Collapse of the medial or lateral tibial plateau; 5) Evident anterior arch deformity of the femur.Conclusion:The interaction between surgeons and engineers plays a pivotal role in the preoperative phase of PSI-assisted TKA. Effective collaboration allows surgeons to accurately analyze the unique anatomical characteristics and pathological changes of each patient in a three-dimensional perspective, facilitating the formulation of individualized surgical plans.

Quantitative susceptibility mapping of the substantia nigra subregions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution of iron deposition in the substantia nigral (SN) subregions on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and the change of swallow tail sign (STS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) of different disease stages.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 53 patients with RRMS (case group) diagnosed at the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The case group was divided into 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup, and >10 years subgroup according to the disease duration; another 37 age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group during the same period. All subjects underwent MRI and QSM reconstruction. First, the SN was divided into four subregions: rostral anterior-SN (aSNr), rostral posterior-SN (pSNr), caudal anterior-SN (aSNc), and caudal posterior-SN (pSNc) on the QSM, and the quantitative susceptibility value (QSV) of each subregion was measured, and then the STS of the SN was observed and scored on the susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) generated by post-processing. ANOVA was used to compare the differences in the QSV of each subregion of SN among the groups, and the probability of abnormal STS was compared using the χ 2 test. Spearman′s test was used to analyze the correlation between the QSV of each subregion of SN and the STS score. Results:The differences in QSV of aSNr, pSNr, aSNc, and pSNc were statistically significant among the 0-5 years subgroup, 6-10 years subgroup,>10 years subgroup of RRMS patients and the control group ( P<0.05). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in 0-5 years subgroup was higher than those in the control group ( P was 0.039, 0.008, 0.039, respectively). The QSV of aSNr, aSNc, and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup were higher than those in the 0-5 years subgroup ( P was <0.001, 0.020, 0.015, respectively). The QSV of the aSNc, pSNc in >10 years subgroup were lower than those in the 6-10 years subgroup ( P=0.037, 0.006). The QSV of aSNr, pSNr in >10 years subgroup were higher than those in the control group ( P was <0.001, 0.001). There were 7 cases of abnormal STS in the 0-5 years subgroup, 11 cases in the 6-10 years subgroup, 12 cases in >10 years subgroup, and 9 cases in the control subgroup, and there was a statistically significant difference in the probability of abnormal STS among the subgroups of the RRMS patients and the control subgroup (χ 2=16.20, P=0.011). Both the scores of STS in the 6-10 years subgroup and >10 years group were positively correlated with the QSV in pSNc ( r s=0.65, P=0.006; r s=0.48, P=0.045). Conclusions:In RRMS patients, SN iron deposition is concentrated on aSNr, pSNr, and aSNc in the 0-5 years subgroup and on aSNr, aSNc and pSNc in the 6-10 years subgroup. The QSVs of all SN subregions have a downward trend in >10 years subgroup compared with that in the 6-10 years subgroup. Both the QSVs of the pSNc in the 6-10 years group and >10 years group are positively related to STS scores. These help explore the potential progression pattern of SN iron deposition in RRMS patients and the cause of abnormal STS in RRMS patients.

Inhibition of Fatty Acid β-Oxidation by Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 Induces Ferroptosis in HK2 Cells Under High Glucose Conditions

Background@#Ferroptosis, which is caused by an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides, is a type of cell death linked to diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Previous research has shown that fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is involved in the regulation of ferroptosis in diabetic retinopathy. The present study was constructed to explore the role of FABP4 in the regulation of ferroptosis in DKD. @*Methods@#We first detected the expression of FABP4 and proteins related to ferroptosis in renal biopsies of patients with DKD. Then, we used a FABP4 inhibitor and small interfering RNA to investigate the role of FABP4 in ferroptosis induced by high glucose in human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HG-HK2) cells. @*Results@#In kidney biopsies of DKD patients, the expression of FABP4 was elevated, whereas carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1A (CP-T1A), glutathione peroxidase 4, ferritin heavy chain, and ferritin light chain showed reduced expression. In HG-HK2 cells, the induction of ferroptosis was accompanied by an increase in FABP4. Inhibition of FABP4 in HG-HK2 cells changed the redox state, sup-pressing the production of reactive oxygen species, ferrous iron (Fe2+), and malondialdehyde, increasing superoxide dismutase, and reversing ferroptosis-associated mitochondrial damage. The inhibition of FABP4 also increased the expression of CPT1A, reversed lipid deposition, and restored impaired fatty acid β-oxidation. In addition, the inhibition of CPT1A could induce ferroptosis in HK2 cells. @*Conclusion@#Our results suggest that FABP4 mediates ferroptosis in HG-HK2 cells by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation.

Scutellaria baicalensis: a promising natural source of antiviral compounds for the treatment of viral diseases / 中国天然药物

Viruses, the smallest microorganisms, continue to present an escalating threat to human health, being the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Over the decades, although significant progress has been made in the development of therapies and vaccines against viral diseases, the need for effective antiviral interventions remains urgent. This urgency stems from the lack of effective vaccines, the severe side effects associated with current drugs, and the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains. Natural plants, particularly traditionally-used herbs, are often considered an excellent source of medicinal drugs with potent antiviral efficacy, as well as a substantial safety profile. Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, has garnered considerable attention due to its extensive investigation across diverse therapeutic areas and its demonstrated efficacy in both preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we mainly focused on the potential antiviral activities of ingredients in Scutellaria baicalensis, shedding light on their underlying mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications in the treatment of viral infections.

An evidence-based clinical guideline for the treatment of infectious bone defect with induced membrane technique (version 2023) / 中华创伤杂志

Infectious bone defect is bone defect with infection or as a result of treatment of bone infection. It requires surgical intervention, and the treatment processes are complex and long, which include bone infection control,bone defect repair and even complex soft tissue reconstructions in some cases. Failure to achieve the goals in any step may lead to the failure of the overall treatment. Therefore, infectious bone defect has been a worldwide challenge in the field of orthopedics. Conventionally, sequestrectomy, bone grafting, bone transport, and systemic/local antibiotic treatment are standard therapies. Radical debridement remains one of the cornerstones for the management of bone infection. However, the scale of debridement and the timing and method of bone defect reconstruction remain controversial. With the clinical application of induced membrane technique, effective infection control and rapid bone reconstruction have been achieved in the management of infectious bone defect. The induced membrane technique has attracted more interests and attention, but the lack of understanding the basic principles of infection control and technical details may hamper the clinical outcomes of induced membrane technique and complications can possibly occur. Therefore, the Chinese Orthopedic Association organized domestic orthopedic experts to formulate An evidence-based clinical guideline for the treatment of infectious bone defect with induced membrane technique ( version 2023) according to the evidence-based method and put forward recommendations on infectious bone defect from the aspects of precise diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, operation procedure, postoperative management and rehabilitation, so as to provide useful references for the treatment of infectious bone defect with induced membrane technique.

Application of susceptibility-weighted imaging in intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in the diagnosis of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF).Methods:Patients with DAVF confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in Weihai Municipal Hospital from January 2014 to January 2021 were retrospectively included. All patients underwent conventional T 1-weighted imaging (T 1WI), T 2-weighted imaging (T 2WI) and SWI, and some patients also underwent 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA). Results:A total of 36 patients with DAVF were enrolled, 29 of them received 3D-TOF-MRA. The fistula location of 24 patients (24/36, 66.7%) underwent SWI and 26 patients (26/29, 89.7%) underwent 3D-TOF-MRA were correctly judged, and the difference was statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Test, P=0.039). SWI showed that the proportion of patients with thickened supply arteries (7/36, 19.4%) was significantly lower than that on 3D-TOF-MRA (14/29, 48.3%; χ2=6.105, P=0.013). T 2WI, 3D-TOF-MRA and SWI showed no cerebral venous abnormalities in all 7 patients with DAVF without cortical venous reflux; in 29 patients with DAVF with cortical venous reflux revealed by DSA, SWI and T 2WI showed all patients (100%) and 26 patients (89.7%) had superficial venous dilatation respectively, but there was no significant difference ( χ2=0.693, P=0.405). SWI showed medullary vein dilation in 17 patients (47.2%), and only 2 patients (5.6%) had medullary vein thickening on T 2WI, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). The proportion of patients with venous cerebral infarction on T 2WI was significantly higher than that on SWI (22.2% vs. 0%; Fisher’s Exact Test P=0.005), and the proportion of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage on SWI was significantly higher than that on T 2WI (61.1% vs. 25.0%; χ2=9.574, P=0.004). Conclusion:SWI is helpful to evaluate the abnormal drainage vein of DAVF and the secondary changes in brain, especially intracerebral hemorrhage.

Correlations between psoriasis and obesity / 中华皮肤科杂志

It has become a consensus that there is a correlation between psoriasis and obesity, but the exact mechanism is not yet clear. Studies demonstrate that common inflammatory pathways and insulin resistance may contribute to the association between psoriasis and obesity. Understanding the impact of obesity on the occurrence and treatment of psoriasis will be beneficial to the treatment of psoriasis.

Factors affecting dyslipidemia among residents in Haining City / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of dyslipidemia among residents in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide into the management of dyslipidemia.@*Methods@#Totally 1 953 residents at ages of 15 to 69 years were recruited using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method in 5 townships (streets) of Hainan City. Subjects' demographic features, smoking status, alcohol consumption, family history of diseases and development of chronic diseases were collected. The height, body weight, waist circumstance and blood pressure were measured, and the fasting blood glucose, serum uric acid and blood lipid levels were determined. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was analyzed and standardized by the 7th population census data. The factors affecting dyslipidemia were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.@*Results@#Totally 1 893 valid questionnaires were recovered. The respondents included 949 males (50.13%) and 944 females (49.87%), and had a mean age of (47.90±14.34) years. A total of 513 participants were detected with dyslipidemia, and the prevalence and standardized prevalence of dyslipidemia were 27.10% and 27.01%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia and hypolipoproteinemia was 16.53%, 3.22%, 1.74% and 15.27%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male (OR=1.571, 95%CI: 1.268-1.947), family history of stroke (OR=1.645, 95%CI: 1.192-2.270), hyperuricemia (OR=1.809, 95%CI: 1.370-2.388), central obesity (OR=1.423, 95%CI: 1.066-1.900), obesity (OR=1.736, 95%CI: 1.335-2.257), underweight (OR=0.171, 95%CI: 0.049-0.593) significantly correlated with dyslipidemia.@*Conclusions@#The prevalence of dyslipidemia is lower than the national level among residents at ages of 15 to 69 years in Haining City, and hypertriglyceridemia and hypolipoproteinemia are predominant types of dyslipidemia. Male, obesity, family history of stroke and hyperuricemia are risk factors of dyslipidemia.

Influencing factors of nucleic acid negative conversion in patients with mild and common COVID-19 induced by the Omicron variant of SARS-COV-2 / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical characteristics of mild and common COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant, and to analyze related factors affecting the time to negative conversion of viral nucleic acid detection.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 1781 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to a cabin hospital in Shanghai from April 12 to May 26, 2022, were retrospectively analyzed, including age, gender, height, weight, clinical symptoms, comorbid diseases, COVID-19 vaccination, treatment, and nucleic acid negative conversion time. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the influencing factors of nucleic acid negative conversion time.@*RESULTS@#Among the 1781 patients, 995 were male and 786 were female, with a median age of 39 (30, 52) years. There were 727 patients (40.8%) with overweight and obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 24 kg/cm 2) and 413 patients (23.2%) had comorbid diseases. 205 cases (11.5%) were not vaccinated while 1576 cases were vaccinated. There were 1233 cases (69.2%) with one or more symptoms. The main clinical symptoms were cough (60.3%), expectoration (50.4%) and fever (36.9%). 1444 cases (81.0%) were treated with Chinese medicine, 78 cases (4.4%) were treated with western medicine, 14 cases (0.8%) were treated with integrated Chinese and western medicine, and 245 cases (13.8%) did not receive any medical treatment. All patients improved and were discharged. The median nucleic acid negative conversion time was 10.3 (7.4, 12.4) d. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that, age ≥ 60 years ( OR＝1.537, 95% CI: 1.116 - 2.115, P<0.01), BMI > 24 kg/cm 2 ( OR＝1.344, 95% CI: 1.106 - 1.634, P<0.01 ) and hypertension ( OR＝1.518, 95% CI: 1.094 - 2.106, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for prolonged nucleic acid negative conversion. COVID-19 vaccination ( OR=0.548, 95% CI: 0.398 - 0.755, P<0.01) was a protective factor, that is, vaccination shortened the time for the nucleic acid test to become negative.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The symptoms of the Omicron variant infection were relatively mild and occult. Age ≥ 60 years old, comorbid hypertension, no vaccination and BMI > 24 kg/cm 2 are independent influencing factors for prolonged nucleic acid negative conversion.

Protein A immunoadsorption in the treatment of de novo DSA-mediated acute rejection after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the treatment on de novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA) mediated acute rejection after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 1 recipient with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) early after lung transplantation was retrospectively analyzed. The process of diagnosis and treatment were assessed. Results The recipient underwent right lung transplantation due to systemic sclerosis-associated end-stage interstitial lung disease. Preoperatively, classⅠ panel reactive antibody (PRA) was positive (11%). No pretreatment was given before transplantation. Antithymocyte globulin induction therapy was delivered on the day of transplantation and postoperatively. The recipient was properly recovered early after transplantation. Chest tightness and shortness of breath occurred at postoperative 13 d, which were progressively worsened and rapidly progressed into type Ⅰ respiratory failure. Class Ⅰ PRA was increased to 58%, and dnDSA was observed at the loci of A24: 02. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 2 110. According to the guidelines of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the recipient was diagnosed as possible AMR. After comprehensive treatment including plasmapheresis, protein A immunoadsorption, glucocorticoid pulse, rituximab and immunoglobulin intravenous drip, the PRA and DSA levels were gradually decreased, and the MFI of DSA was 0 at postoperative 20 d. Clinical condition of the recipient was gradually improved. The dyspnea was healed, shortness of breath was eased, respiratory failure was treated, and pulmonary effusion was gradually absorbed. At postoperative 45 d, the recipient was discharged after full recovery. During 1-year follow-up, the recipient was physically stable and obtained normal quality of life. Class Ⅰ PRA was 5%, and class Ⅱ PRA was negative. No DSA was noted. Conclusions Based on traditional drug therapy, supplement of protein A immunoadsorption therapy may effectively eliminate DSA from the circulating blood of the recipient and mitigate the damage of target organs. Ideal short- and long-term prognosis may be achieved. Traditional drug therapy combined with immunoadsorption may yield ideal efficacy in treating AMR after lung transplantation.