Objective To explore the causal relationships between 13 micronutrients (copper, selenium, zinc, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E) and risk of tuberculosis (TB) through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Methods The Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data about micronutrients and TB were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS and FinnGen Biobank, and Bayesian Weighted Mendelian Randomization (BWMR) and Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) methods were employed to explore the causal relationship between micronutrients and risk of TB. The robustness and reliability of the results were assessed through horizontal pleiotropy tests, heterogeneity tests, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Results The BWMR results indicated that iron (OR = 0.40, 95% CI : 0.20- 0.79, P = 0.008) and vitamin C (OR = 0.42, 95% CI : 0.20 - 0.87, P = 0.019) were protective factors against TB infection, while no causal relationships were found between other micronutrients with TB infection. The IVW method produced consistent results with BWMR. The results for other micronutrients were robust and reliable (P > 0.05), except for calcium-related Instrumental Variables (IVs), which exhibited heterogeneity (P < 0.05). Conclusion Iron and vitamin C may play a protective role in reducing the risk of TB, whereas the remaining micronutrients show no significant causal relationship with TB.

The frequent challenges encountered in spinal surgeries utilizing pedicle screws for osteoporotic patients include inadequate fixation strength and postoperative screw loosening or displacement, often requiring reinforcement or surgical revision. The bone cement-augmented technique, without altering the diameter, length, or material of the screws, can solidly enhance the stability of internal fixation and improve surgical efficacy. The bone cement types that are widely applied in clinical practice encompass Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Calcium Phosphate Cement (CPC), and their composite series.The bone cement reinforcement techniques are mainly divided into two categories: bone cement augmentation within pedicle screw pathway and hollow lateral-hole screw reinforcement. The technique of pedicle screw pathway bone cement augmentation significantly enhances the stability of internal fixation by pre-injecting bone cement into the pedicle screw pathway before inserting the screw. However, it poses potential risks such as difficulty in precisely controlling the distribution of bone cement and susceptibility to leakage. In comparison, hollow lateral-hole screw augmentation, through the optimization of bone cement injection techniques and screw design, not only augments screw stability but also effectively decreases the incidence of complications such as bone cement leakage, especially exhibiting outstanding performance in both primary and revision surgeries. For patients with severe osteoporosis or those requiring revision surgery due to compromised pedicle screw tracts, the bone cement-augmented cortical bone trajectory (CBT) exhibits favorable mechanical properties. By adjusting the screw placement pathway, it may potentially avoid the central venous sinus of the vertebra, thereby reducing the risk of bone cement leakage and embolism. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings. With the rapid development of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement technology, the precision and safety of spinal screws augmented with bone cement have been significantly enhanced, effectively minimizing surgical trauma and reducing the risk of complications. In the future, clinicians will make more scientific and objective selections of appropriate screw types and method of screw placement based on patients' bone quality, further reducing complications and adhering to the principle of personalized treatment. This will continuously enhance patient outcomes and prognosis, ultimately providing safer and more effective treatment options for patients.

Objective·To investigate the association of insulin resistance with left ventricular(LV)remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)in patients without a history of diabetes mellitus.Methods·This study consecutively enrolled STEMI patients without a history of diabetes mellitus who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the Department of Cardiology of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2014 to December 2022.The patients were followed up for 6 months.Age,gender,smoking status,blood pressure,body mass index,biochemical indexes(liver function,kidney function,lipid profiles,glycemic levels and peak troponin levels,etc.)and pharmacological treatment were recorded.Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was used to evaluate insulin resistance and mean values of visit-to-visit HOMA-IR were calculated.Patients were divided into 4 groups(low-level group,low-to-medium-level group,medium-to-high-level group,and high-level group)according to the quartiles of mean HOMA-IR levels.Echocardiography was performed at baseline and during follow-up.Then the association between mean values of insulin resistance and post-infarction LV remodeling was analyzed.Results·A total of 219 patients were finally included,with an average age of(62.7±11.9)years,and male patients accounted for 85.4％(187 cases).The average follow-up time was(6.4±1.8)months.During follow-up,the average number of HOMA-IR measurements was(4.32±2.18),and the mean value of visit-to-visit HOMA-IR was 2.41(1.58,3.98),which was higher than normal range.The results showed that post-infarction LV end-diastolic diameter(P=0.027)and LV end-diastolic volume index(P=0.013)generally showed a trend for dilation with increasing mean HOMA-IR levels.Pearson correlation analysis revealed the mean values of visit-to-visit HOMA-IR were positively correlated to changes in LV dimensions(△ LV end-diastolic volume index:r=0.20,P=0.003;△ LV end-diastolic diameter:r=0.21,P=0.002).Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that higher HOMA-IR was independently associated with greater LV dilation after STEMI,even after adjusting for age,gender,traditional risk factors(history of hypertension,body mass index,smoking status,renal function and lipid profiles),pharmacological treatment,baseline LV ejection fraction and peak troponin levels.Compared with patients with the lowest quartile of HOMA-IR,those with the highest HOMA-IR quartile exhibited a 7.727 mL/m2 increase in LV end-diastolic volume index(P＜0.001).Conclusion·This study reveals that insulin resistance is prevalent in STEMI patients without a history of diabetes mellitus.Insulin resistance is an independent predictor of adverse LV remodeling in this population.

The frequent challenges encountered in spinal surgeries utilizing pedicle screws for osteoporotic patients include inadequate fixation strength and postoperative screw loosening or displacement, often requiring reinforcement or surgical revision. The bone cement-augmented technique, without altering the diameter, length, or material of the screws, can solidly enhance the stability of internal fixation and improve surgical efficacy. The bone cement types that are widely applied in clinical practice encompass Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Calcium Phosphate Cement (CPC), and their composite series.The bone cement reinforcement techniques are mainly divided into two categories: bone cement augmentation within pedicle screw pathway and hollow lateral-hole screw reinforcement. The technique of pedicle screw pathway bone cement augmentation significantly enhances the stability of internal fixation by pre-injecting bone cement into the pedicle screw pathway before inserting the screw. However, it poses potential risks such as difficulty in precisely controlling the distribution of bone cement and susceptibility to leakage. In comparison, hollow lateral-hole screw augmentation, through the optimization of bone cement injection techniques and screw design, not only augments screw stability but also effectively decreases the incidence of complications such as bone cement leakage, especially exhibiting outstanding performance in both primary and revision surgeries. For patients with severe osteoporosis or those requiring revision surgery due to compromised pedicle screw tracts, the bone cement-augmented cortical bone trajectory (CBT) exhibits favorable mechanical properties. By adjusting the screw placement pathway, it may potentially avoid the central venous sinus of the vertebra, thereby reducing the risk of bone cement leakage and embolism. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings. With the rapid development of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement technology, the precision and safety of spinal screws augmented with bone cement have been significantly enhanced, effectively minimizing surgical trauma and reducing the risk of complications. In the future, clinicians will make more scientific and objective selections of appropriate screw types and method of screw placement based on patients' bone quality, further reducing complications and adhering to the principle of personalized treatment. This will continuously enhance patient outcomes and prognosis, ultimately providing safer and more effective treatment options for patients.

Objective·To investigate the association of insulin resistance with left ventricular(LV)remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)in patients without a history of diabetes mellitus.Methods·This study consecutively enrolled STEMI patients without a history of diabetes mellitus who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the Department of Cardiology of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2014 to December 2022.The patients were followed up for 6 months.Age,gender,smoking status,blood pressure,body mass index,biochemical indexes(liver function,kidney function,lipid profiles,glycemic levels and peak troponin levels,etc.)and pharmacological treatment were recorded.Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was used to evaluate insulin resistance and mean values of visit-to-visit HOMA-IR were calculated.Patients were divided into 4 groups(low-level group,low-to-medium-level group,medium-to-high-level group,and high-level group)according to the quartiles of mean HOMA-IR levels.Echocardiography was performed at baseline and during follow-up.Then the association between mean values of insulin resistance and post-infarction LV remodeling was analyzed.Results·A total of 219 patients were finally included,with an average age of(62.7±11.9)years,and male patients accounted for 85.4％(187 cases).The average follow-up time was(6.4±1.8)months.During follow-up,the average number of HOMA-IR measurements was(4.32±2.18),and the mean value of visit-to-visit HOMA-IR was 2.41(1.58,3.98),which was higher than normal range.The results showed that post-infarction LV end-diastolic diameter(P=0.027)and LV end-diastolic volume index(P=0.013)generally showed a trend for dilation with increasing mean HOMA-IR levels.Pearson correlation analysis revealed the mean values of visit-to-visit HOMA-IR were positively correlated to changes in LV dimensions(△ LV end-diastolic volume index:r=0.20,P=0.003;△ LV end-diastolic diameter:r=0.21,P=0.002).Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that higher HOMA-IR was independently associated with greater LV dilation after STEMI,even after adjusting for age,gender,traditional risk factors(history of hypertension,body mass index,smoking status,renal function and lipid profiles),pharmacological treatment,baseline LV ejection fraction and peak troponin levels.Compared with patients with the lowest quartile of HOMA-IR,those with the highest HOMA-IR quartile exhibited a 7.727 mL/m2 increase in LV end-diastolic volume index(P＜0.001).Conclusion·This study reveals that insulin resistance is prevalent in STEMI patients without a history of diabetes mellitus.Insulin resistance is an independent predictor of adverse LV remodeling in this population.

Objective:To discuss the repairment effect of intra-articular injection of adipose derived stem cells(ADSCs)on articular cartilage destruction in the temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis(TMJOA)model rabbits,and to clarify the possible mechanism.Methods:Twenty-seven rabbits were randomly divided into control group,model group,and ADSCs group.The ADSCs of the rabbits were extracted and cultured.The rabbit TMJOA model was prepared by monosodium-iodoacetate(MIA)injection technique.The temporomandibular joint cavity of the TMJOA model rabbits in ADSCs group was given two continuous intra-articular injections of 1.0×106 mL-1 ADSCs,while the rabbits in control and model group were given sequivalent volume of saline into the temporomandibular joint cavity.After 8 weeks,Micro-CT scan was performed on the temporomandibular joints of the rabbits in various groups;the bone volume fraction(BV/TV),bone surface area/bone volume(BS/BV),trabecular thickness(Tb.Th),trabecular separation(Tb.Sp),and trabecular number(Tb.N)of condyles tissue of the rabbits in various groups were analyzed;HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of condyles tissue of the rabbits in various groups;immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of SRY-related high mobility group box gene 9(SOX9),matrix metalloproteinase-13(MMP-13),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)proteins in condyles tissue of the rabbits in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of SOX9,MMP-13,and VEGF proteins in condyles tissue of the rabbits in various groups.Results:The micro-CT scan results showed that compared with control group,the BV/TV,Tb.Th,and Tb.N of condyles tissue of the rabbits in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the BS/BV and Tb.Sp were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the BV/TV,Tb.Th,and Tb.N in condyles tissue of the rabbits in ADSCs group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the BS/BV and Tb.Sp were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The HE staining results showed that the condylar cartilage surface of the rabbits in control group was smooth with clear layers and intact structure;compared with control group,the surface of condyles tissue of the rabbits in model group was irregular with thickened hypertrophic layer and areas of cell depletion and clustering;compared with model group,the pathological damage of condyles tissue of the rabbits in ADSCs group was significantly decreased.The immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with control group and ADSCs group,the number of brown granule in condyles tissue of the rabbits in model group was increased,mainly concentrated in the hypertrophic layer,especially in the bone cartilage junction site and the expression levels of SOX9,MMP-13,and VEGF proteins in condyles tissue of the rabbits in model group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the number of brown granule in condyles tissue of the rabbits in ADSCs group was significantly decreased,and the expression levels of SOX9,MMP-13,and VEGF proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of SOX9,MMP-13,and VEGF proteins in condyles tissue of the rabbits in model group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of SOX9,MMP-13,and VEGF proteins in condyles tissue of the rabbits in ADSCs group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Intra-articular injection of ADSCs can effectively repair the cartilage destruction in TMJOA,alleviate the cartilage injury,and mitigate the progression of osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND:At present,there are shortcomings and risks in the surgical revision of vertebral bodies that failed to be fixed in clinical practice.To avoid the risks of conventional revision surgery,the cortical bone trajectory technique is used to perform revision surgery on vertebral bodies that failed to be fixed.However,the mechanical properties of cortical bone trajectory technique screws in revision surgery are not clear. OBJECTIVE:The mechanical properties of cortical bone trajectory in lumbar revision surgery were analyzed by the finite element method to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of cortical bone trajectory in revision surgery. METHODS:CT scan data of the osteoporotic vertebral body were obtained and the L4 vertebral body model was established.The initial cortical bone trajectory placement and traditional pedicle screw in the L4 vertebral body model were completed,respectively,and their mechanical data were taken as the baseline standard for later evaluation of revision surgical performance.The traditional pedicle screw was removed and the screw path was retained.The cortical bone trajectory screw was used for secondary screw placement on the vertebral body to achieve lumbar refixation.The axial pull-out force,stability,and lumbar motion range of the revised screw were analyzed by the finite element method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The screw axial pull-out force of the cortical bone trajectory revision group was 25.6%higher than that of the traditional pedicle initial group.(2)In the lower,left,and right working conditions,the load-displacement ratio of screws in the cortical bone trajectory revision group increased by 18.5%,41.3%,and 35.0%,respectively,compared with the traditional pedicle initial group.The load-displacement ratio of screws in the cortical bone trajectory revision group was slightly higher than that in the traditional pedicle initial group under the above condition,but there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).(3)In anterior and posterior flexion conditions,lumbar motion range in the cortical bone trajectory revision group was increased by 45.5%and 36.1%compared with the traditional pedicle initial group,but there was no statistically significant difference in left bend,right bend,and axial rotation conditions(P>0.05).(4)There were no statistically significant differences in screw axial pull-out force,screw load-displacement ratio,and lumbar motion range between the cortical bone trajectory revision group and cortical bone trajectory initial group(P>0.05).(5)The mechanical data exhibited that although the revised nail track bone was damaged or lost to a certain extent,the mechanical properties of the cortical bone trajectory revision group were still better than those of the traditional pedicle initial group to a certain extent.Moreover,there was no significant difference in the mechanical properties between the cortical bone trajectory revision group and the cortical bone trajectory initial group.It provides a reference for revision surgery of lumbar internal fixation with cortical bone trajectory technique in patients with failed traditional pedicle fixation.

Objective:To discuss the clinical efficacy and plausible mechanism of Tiao Yang Qu Xie(regulating Yang to eliminate pathogenic factors)needling method plus paroxetine in treating mild-to-moderate depression. Methods:Sixty-six patients with mild-to-moderate depression were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method,each consisting of 33 cases.Another 25 healthy subjects were recruited as a healthy group.The control group took oral paroxetine tablets for treatment,and the observation group received additional acupuncture treatment 3 times weekly.Both groups underwent 4-week treatment.Before treatment,after 2-week and 4-week treatment,and 2 weeks after treatment(follow-up),the patients were assessed using the Hamilton depression scale-17-item(HAMD-17),self-rating depression scale(SDS),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern element identification scale for depression.The two groups each randomly contributed 25 cases to detect the protein content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)before treatment and after 4-week treatment,and compared with the healthy group. Results:After 2-week treatment,the markedly effective and total effective rates were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05);after 4-week treatment,the observation group significantly surpassed the control group in comparing the markedly effective rate(P<0.05).After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and at the follow-up,the HAMD-17 total score and sleep disorder factor score were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05);the anxiety-somatic score was lower in the observation group than in the control group after 2-week treatment(P<0.05).After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and at the follow-up,the observation group was lower than the control group in comparing the scores of SDS,SAS,and TCM pattern element identification scale for depression(P<0.05).After 4-week treatment,the observation group had an increased serum BDNF protein content,higher than that in the control group(P<0.05)and had no significant difference compared to the healthy group(P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared to the use of oral paroxetine alone,acupuncture plus paroxetine can produce more significant efficacy in treating mild-to-moderate depression and act faster in improving sleep disorder and anxiety-somatic symptoms;increasing the serum BDNF protein content may be a part of the mechanism underlying its antidepressant actions.

Pruritus is one of the typical clinical manifestations of bullous pemphigoid (BP) . In recent years, researchers have gradually recognized that the histamine-independent itch pathway plays an important role in BP. Eosinophils, basophils, interleukin (IL) -31, IL-4, IL-13, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, periostin and substance P are all closely related to the occurrence of pruritus in BP. This review mainly elaborates research progress in mechanisms related to pruritus in BP.

Objective:To compare the effect of one stage laparoscopic surgery and conservative treatment for periappendiceal abscess.Methods:From Jun 2013 to Jun 2020 116 patients with periappendiceal abscess were evenly divided into one stage appendectomy group and conservative treatment group . Clincal results were compared between the two groups .Results:The use of antibiotics in one stage operation group was shorter than that in the conservative group[5(4-6) d vs. 7(6-8)d , Z=-7.227, P=0.000], time to normal temperature was shorter[3(2-3) d vs. 5(4-5)d , Z=-7.809, P=0.000], Leukocyte count return to normal was quicker[4(3-5)d vs. 6(5-7) d , Z=-7.346, P=0.000], hospital stay was shorter[8(7-9) d vs. 14(13-15) d , Z=-9.293, P=0.000], hospital ecperss were less[8 848(8 434-9 073) yuan vs. 14 003(12 999-14 894) yuan, Z=-9.127, P=0.000], the rate of recurrent or residual abscess (7% vs.29%, χ 2=9.827, P=0.002) was lower, while effective rate was higher (93% vs. 79%, χ 2=4.640, P=0.031). Conclusion:One stage laparoscopic appendectomy for the treatment of periappendiceal abscess is safe and more economic , effective method.