Toxin-antitoxin(TA)systems serve as central hubs of bacterial adaptive regulation and play critical roles in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)and Bordetella pertussis(B.per-tussis).This review summarizes the functional evolution and therapeutic potential of TA systems in M.tb and B.pertussis.It systematically outlines the molecular mechanisms and pathogenic functions of TA sys-tems in these two pathogens.M.tb relies on type Ⅱ TA systems(e.g.,VapBC,MazEF)to drive persis-ter formation and antibiotic tolerance through toxin-mediated ribonuclease activity that cleaves host nucle-ic acids or DarT/DarG-mediated DNA modification.In contrast,B.pertussis utilizes a unique tempera-ture-sensing PhtA/PhtB system to release adenylate cyclase toxin,which targets the host cAMP signaling pathway to achieve immune evasion.Both pathogens employ TA toxins to suppress host defenses-such as VapC cleaving tRNA and RelE degrading NF-κB components.Their high-frequency mutation sites(e.g.,the VapC47-Ser46Leu mutation frequency＞50 000 in M.tuberculosis)reveal strong positive selec-tion pressure,closely associated with persister phenotypes and virulence evolution.This review further discusses therapeutic strategies,including small-molecule inhibitors targeting toxin-antitoxin interactions,TA-deletion attenuated vaccines,and antitoxin-based immunization approaches.Finally,it highlights the need for future research to elucidate TA-host interaction networks and develop nanocarrier delivery tech-nologies to advance breakthroughs in precision therapy for tuberculosis and pertussis.

Objective To explore a better surgical approach for the surgical treatment of avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibial plateau.Methods From July 2014 to May 2024,A total of 29 cases of avulsion fractures at the insertion point of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibial platform were admitted to our department.They were divided into two groups according to different surgical approaches.There were 16 cases in group A,which adopted the modified posterior approach,and 13 cases in group B,which adopted the conventional posterior approach.The therapeutic effects of the two groups of patients were evaluated by using the Lysholm knee score scale after surgery and the KOOS knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scoring system.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 14 months,with an average of(12.6±0.3)months.No serious adverse complications such as non-healing of the surgical site occurred in group A.In group B,there was 1 case of delayed wound healing and 8 cases of knee joint pain during movement.The Lysholm knee joint score and KOOS knee joint outcome score of patients in group A at 12 months after the operation were(88.65±9.23)points and(90.48±6.84)points respectively,and those in group B were(63.98±10.77)points and(69.37±9.01)points respectively.Both groups in group A were more satisfied than those in group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion For patients with avulsion fractures of the insertion point of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibial platform,the modified minimally invasive penetrating muscle approach on the posterior side of the knee joint can reduce related complications such as excessive intraoperative bleeding,internal relaxation of the knee joint,and poor postoperative wound healing,enabling early functional exercise for patients and achieving a better prognosis.

Objective To explore a better surgical approach for the surgical treatment of avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibial plateau.Methods From July 2014 to May 2024,A total of 29 cases of avulsion fractures at the insertion point of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibial platform were admitted to our department.They were divided into two groups according to different surgical approaches.There were 16 cases in group A,which adopted the modified posterior approach,and 13 cases in group B,which adopted the conventional posterior approach.The therapeutic effects of the two groups of patients were evaluated by using the Lysholm knee score scale after surgery and the KOOS knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scoring system.Results All patients were followed up for 12 to 14 months,with an average of(12.6±0.3)months.No serious adverse complications such as non-healing of the surgical site occurred in group A.In group B,there was 1 case of delayed wound healing and 8 cases of knee joint pain during movement.The Lysholm knee joint score and KOOS knee joint outcome score of patients in group A at 12 months after the operation were(88.65±9.23)points and(90.48±6.84)points respectively,and those in group B were(63.98±10.77)points and(69.37±9.01)points respectively.Both groups in group A were more satisfied than those in group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion For patients with avulsion fractures of the insertion point of the posterior cruciate ligament of the tibial platform,the modified minimally invasive penetrating muscle approach on the posterior side of the knee joint can reduce related complications such as excessive intraoperative bleeding,internal relaxation of the knee joint,and poor postoperative wound healing,enabling early functional exercise for patients and achieving a better prognosis.

Toxin-antitoxin(TA)systems serve as central hubs of bacterial adaptive regulation and play critical roles in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)and Bordetella pertussis(B.per-tussis).This review summarizes the functional evolution and therapeutic potential of TA systems in M.tb and B.pertussis.It systematically outlines the molecular mechanisms and pathogenic functions of TA sys-tems in these two pathogens.M.tb relies on type Ⅱ TA systems(e.g.,VapBC,MazEF)to drive persis-ter formation and antibiotic tolerance through toxin-mediated ribonuclease activity that cleaves host nucle-ic acids or DarT/DarG-mediated DNA modification.In contrast,B.pertussis utilizes a unique tempera-ture-sensing PhtA/PhtB system to release adenylate cyclase toxin,which targets the host cAMP signaling pathway to achieve immune evasion.Both pathogens employ TA toxins to suppress host defenses-such as VapC cleaving tRNA and RelE degrading NF-κB components.Their high-frequency mutation sites(e.g.,the VapC47-Ser46Leu mutation frequency＞50 000 in M.tuberculosis)reveal strong positive selec-tion pressure,closely associated with persister phenotypes and virulence evolution.This review further discusses therapeutic strategies,including small-molecule inhibitors targeting toxin-antitoxin interactions,TA-deletion attenuated vaccines,and antitoxin-based immunization approaches.Finally,it highlights the need for future research to elucidate TA-host interaction networks and develop nanocarrier delivery tech-nologies to advance breakthroughs in precision therapy for tuberculosis and pertussis.

Objective: To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in cancer registration areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2016 to 2020 and its epidemiological status in 2020, so as to provide the basis for improving prevention and control measures for thyroid cancer. Methods: The data of thyroid cancer incidence and mortality from 2016 to 2020 in four cancer registration areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were collected through the Tumor Registry. The crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate and world population-standardized rate were calculated using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000 and Segi's world standard population. The incidence and mortality characteristics of thyroid cancer in different genders and ages in 2020 were described. The trends in the Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous from 2016 to 2020 were assessed using the average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: In 2020, the crude, Chinese population-standardized and world population-standardized incidences of thyroid cancer in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were 32.91/100 000, 26.99/100 000, and 25.53/100 000, respectively. The crude, Chinese population-standardized and world population-standardized mortalities of thyroid cancer were 1.25/100 000, 0.96/100 000, and 0.98/100 000, respectively. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in females were 2.44 times and 2.20 times those in males, respectively. The crude incidence of thyroid cancer was increased after age of twenty years, with a peak at age of 55 to 60 years (76.73/100 000) before rapidly declining. In contrast, the crude mortality remained low across all age groups, with the highest rate observed at age of 70 to 75 years (13.70/100 000). From 2016 to 2020, the Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer showed no significant changes (both P>0.05). Conclusions From 2016 to 2020, the trends in incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in cancer registration areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were stable. The disease burden of thyroid cancer was higher in females than in males. The crude incidence first rised and then declined with age, peaks at age of 55-<60 years.

To investigate the pharmacological substances basis and anti-vitiligo mechanism of Carum carvi L. (caraway) fruits, chemical and blood-absorbed components were identified using mass spectrometry combined with literature study and database analysis. A “blood-absorbed components–target genes–pathways” network was constructed through network pharmacology. The pharmacological effects of Carum carvi L. extract and its key blood-absorbed component, acacetin, were validated in vitro. 72 chemical components were identified in the extract, with 11 prototype blood-absorbed components and 26 metabolites being detected in the plasma of SD rats. 14 key active components and 24 key targets were predicted. In vitro experiments demonstrated that acacetin at 10 μmol/L exhibited melanogenesis-promoting and tyrosinase-activating effects compared with the positive control, significantly upregulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (tyrosinase, TYR). This study comprehensively analyzes the chemical and blood-absorbed components of Carum carvi L. and elucidates its pharmacological substances basis, which provides a theoretical foundation for the anti-vitiligo effects of acacetin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical technique and effectiveness of tension band-assisted plate fixation combined with external fixator for volar marginal fractures of the distal radius. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 12 patients with volar marginal fractures of the distal radius treated by Kirschner wire tension band-assisted anatomical plate fixation combined with external fixator between October 2018 and July 2023. The cohort included 9 males and 3 females, aged from 20 to 52 years (mean, 35.5 years). The injury causes included traffic accidents in 6 cases, falls from height in 3 cases, and fall in 3 cases. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA), there were 1 case of type B2, 4 cases of type B3, 2 cases of type C1, 3 cases of type C2, and 2 cases of type C3. According to Fernandez classification, there were 2 cases of type Ⅲ, 5 cases of type Ⅳ, and 5 cases of type Ⅴ. Associated injuries included radiocarpal joint dislocation or subluxation in 7 cases and median nerve injury in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-7 days (mean, 3.2 days). Postoperatively, functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Grip strength was measured as the ratio to the unaffected side, and wrist range of motion (ROM) including dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation was assessed. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed, with an operation time of 55-110 minutes (mean, 65 minutes). All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 13.7 months). Surgical incisions healed by first intention, without complications such as vascular-nerve injury or infection. Bony union and articular congruency were attained in all patients, with a healing time of 3-5 months (mean, 3.8 months). During follow-up, 1 case of Kirschner wire migration occurred with no instances of infections, radiocarpal dislocations, internal fixation failures, or extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures. At last follow-up, the modified Mayo wrist score ranged from 65 to 92 (mean, 80.8), the DASH score ranged from 7 to 15 (mean, 11.6), the grip strength was 65%-90% (mean, 78.2%) of the unaffected side; and wrist ROM was palmar flexion 60°-85° (mean, 77.4°), dorsiflexion 55°-80° (mean, 74.8°), radial deviation 10°-25° (mean, 18.8°), and ulnar deviation 15°-30° (mean, 24.5°). CONCLUSION Kirschner wire tension band-assisted anatomical plate fixation combined with external fixator for volar marginal fractures of the distal radius is a simple method with reliable fixation, which can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Bone Plates ; Bone Wires ; External Fixators ; Young Adult ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Hand Strength ; Wrist Injuries/surgery*

Objective China is among the 30 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis(TB)worldwide,and TB remains a public health concern.Kashgar Prefecture in the southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region is considered as one of the highest TB burden regions in China.However,molecular epidemiological studies of Kashgar are lacking. Methods A population-based retrospective study was conducted using whole-genome sequencing(WGS)to determine the characteristics of drug resistance and the transmission patterns. Results A total of 1,668 isolates collected in 2020 were classified into lineages 2(46.0%),3(27.5%),and 4(26.5%).The drug resistance rates revealed by WGS showed that the top three drugs in terms of the resistance rate were isoniazid(7.4%,124/1,668),streptomycin(6.0%,100/1,668),and rifampicin(3.3%,55/1,668).The rate of rifampicin resistance was 1.8%(23/1,290)in the new cases and 9.4%(32/340)in the previously treated cases.Known resistance mutations were detected more frequently in lineage 2 strains than in lineage 3 or 4 strains,respectively:18.6%vs.8.7 or 9%,P<0.001.The estimated proportion of recent transmissions was 25.9%(432/1,668).Multivariate logistic analyses indicated that sex,age,occupation,lineage,and drug resistance were the risk factors for recent transmission.Despite the low rate of drug resistance,drug-resistant strains had a higher risk of recent transmission than the susceptible strains(adjusted odds ratio,1.414;95%CI,1.023-1.954;P = 0.036).Among all patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis(DR-TB),78.4%(171/218)were attributed to the transmission of DR-TB strains. Conclusion Our results suggest that drug-resistant strains are more transmissible than susceptible strains and that transmission is the major driving force of the current DR-TB epidemic in Kashgar.

Objective:To investigate the effects of tumor burden score (TBS) and post-radiotherapy alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) stabilization time on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).Methods:Clinical data of 40 eligible HCC patients complicated with PVTT admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from July 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), AFP response, and post-radiotherapy AFP stabilization time in the entire group were observed. Diagnostic thresholds were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival analysis was conducted by Kaplan-Meier method, and the differences of survival rate were assessed by log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional risk model.Results:The optimal cut-off value for TBS was 4.27 [area under the ROC curve (AUC)=0.752, P=0.018]. The ORR in the entire group was 35.7%, with a median OS and PFS of 8 and 5 months, respectively. The median AFP stabilization time was 6 months. Univariate analysis showed that a total of 9 factors were associated with OS, including gender, maximum tumor diameter, TBS, China liver cancer staging, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), radiation dose, AFP stabilization time, and tumor response. Multivariate analysis showed that TBS>4.27 ( HR=0.195, 95% CI=0.060-0.638, P=0.007), China liver cancer stage Ⅲb staging ( HR=0.328, 95% CI=0.144-0.745, P=0.008), and AFP stabilization time ≤6 months ( HR=10.282, 95% CI=2.304-45.883, P=0.002) were the independent risk factors for OS in HCC patients complicated with PVTT. Conclusion:HCC patients complicated with PVTT who have low TBS and AFP stabilization time after radiotherapy may obtain longer OS, and the combination of TBS and AFP is expected to become a new risk assessment model.

Objective To monitor the susceptibility of clinical isolates to antimicrobial agents in tertiary hospitals in major regions of China in 2022.Methods Clinical isolates from 58 hospitals in China were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using a unified protocol based on disc diffusion method or automated testing systems.Results were interpreted using the 2022 Clinical &Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)breakpoints.Results A total of 318 013 clinical isolates were collected from January 1,2022 to December 31,2022,of which 29.5％were gram-positive and 70.5％were gram-negative.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains in Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species(excluding Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi)was 28.3％,76.7％and 77.9％,respectively.Overall,94.0％of MRSA strains were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 90.8％of MRSE strains were susceptible to rifampicin.No vancomycin-resistant strains were found.Enterococcus faecalis showed significantly lower resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents tested than Enterococcus faecium.A few vancomycin-resistant strains were identified in both E.faecalis and E.faecium.The prevalence of penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae was 94.2％in the isolates from children and 95.7％in the isolates from adults.The resistance rate to carbapenems was lower than 13.1％in most Enterobacterales species except for Klebsiella,21.7％-23.1％of which were resistant to carbapenems.Most Enterobacterales isolates were highly susceptible to tigecycline,colistin and polymyxin B,with resistance rates ranging from 0.1％to 13.3％.The prevalence of meropenem-resistant strains decreased from 23.5％in 2019 to 18.0％in 2022 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and decreased from 79.0％in 2019 to 72.5％in 2022 in Acinetobacter baumannii.Conclusions The resistance of clinical isolates to the commonly used antimicrobial agents is still increasing in tertiary hospitals.However,the prevalence of important carbapenem-resistant organisms such as carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae,P.aeruginosa,and A.baumannii showed a downward trend in recent years.This finding suggests that the strategy of combining antimicrobial resistance surveillance with multidisciplinary concerted action works well in curbing the spread of resistant bacteria.