OBJECTIVE: To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact. RESULTS: Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution. CONCLUSION The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; China/epidemiology* ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission* ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Temperature

Aim To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltrate(RAS-RH)on X-ray-induced cellular damage in Raw264.7 macrophages.Methods An integrated approach combining network pharmacology,molecular docking,and bioinformatics a-nalysis was employed to predict therapeutic targets and signaling pathways of RAS-RH in coronary heart dis-ease(CHD).Subsequent in vitro validation was per-formed using an X-ray(6 Gy)-induced macrophage in-jury model with four experimental groups:control,radi-ation-only model,and three RAS-RH-treated groups at varying concentrations.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining,mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescence,and inflammatory cytokine levels(IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-18,TNF-α)by ELISA.Molecular mechanisms were investigated through Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 sig-naling pathway components and Bcl-2 family proteins.Results Network pharmacology revealed RAS-RH's multi-target action on apoptosis and inflammation-relat-ed pathways,particularly NF-κB and Bcl-2 signaling.Molecular docking identified strong binding affinities between RAS-RH components and TLR4/NLRP3 pro-teins.In vitro studies demonstrated that RAS-RH treat-ment significantly improved cell viability(P＜0.01),reduced apoptosis(P＜0.01),restored mitochondrial membrane potential(P＜0.05),and attenuated radia-tion-induced ultrastructural damage including mem-brane disruption and cytoplasmic vacuolization.ELISA showed marked suppression of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines(P＜0.01).Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)analysis revealed that RSA-RH ameliorated pyroptosis-associated ultrastructural alterations,inclu-ding plasma membrane disruption and cytoplasmic vac-uolization.Protein and gene expression analyses con-firmed downregulation of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and modulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio.Conclu-sion RAS-RH exerts radioprotective effects through dual regulation of pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for radia-tion-induced cardiovascular complications in CHD pa-tients.

Objective To explore the possibility and genetic identification method of constructing a hepatocyte-specific NLRP3 gene knockout mouse model by using Cre-LoxP system gene knockout technology.Methods Phase one:mice specifically expressing the albumin promoter-Cre(AlbCre)recombinase in hepatocytes were mated with NLRP3flox/flox mice,and the hepatocyte-specific NLRP3 gene knockout mice with the genotype of NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre+/-(hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group)and the control mice in the same litter with the genotype of NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre-/-(control group in the same litter)were obtained after two generations of selection and mating.The second stage was the mass reproduction stage.Mating NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre+/-target mice with NLRP3flox/flox mice could quickly obtain a large number of experimental target mice and control mice in the same litter.The DNA was extracted from the tails of mice after numbering,and the offspring genotype was identified by PCR.qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 gene in the liver tissue.HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes in liver tissues,and serum liver transaminases and inflammatory factors were detected.The changes in body weight,liver-to-body ratio and special circumstances during reproduction and development of mice in the two groups were observed.Results The offspring genotype of the target mice in the F2 generation was consistent with theoretical result of NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre+/-.The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 in liver tissues of mice in the hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group were significantly lower than those in the control group in the same litter(P<0.05).The mice in the hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group was not affected in terms of growth,development and reproduction after the NLRP3 gene knockout.There were no statistically significant differences in the body weight,liver-to-body ratio,liver tissue morphology,serum liver transaminase or inflammatory factors between the hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group and the control group in the same litter(P>0.05).Conclusion The Cre-LoxP gene knockout technology can be used to successfully construct a hepatocyte-specific NLRP3 gene knockout mouse model,providing an important technical support for the next step of studying the function of the NLRP3 gene in the liver at the animal level.

Objective:To explore the predictive role of dynamic changes in serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) and its inflammatory influencing factors on the reversal of hepatitis B virus-related liver fibrosis.Methods:Two hundred and seventy-eight patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver fibrosis who received entecavir or combined Fuzheng Huayu tablets treatment and completed two liver biopsies (biopsy) in Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2014 to July 2019 were selected. The correlation between serum GP73 level and fibrosis stage (Ishak) and inflammation grade (HAI) was analyzed. The patients were divided into a fibrosis reversal group (Ishak decreased≥1 point) and a non-reversal group (Ishak score remained unchanged or increased), and an inflammation improvement group (ΔHAI≤-2) and a non-improvement group (ΔHAI>-2) according to the pathological changes of liver tissue before and after treatment. The cross-sectional value of GP73, its change value (ΔGP73), and the role of inflammatory influencing factors on the liver before and after treatment were evaluated for their predictive efficacy regarding liver fibrosis regression. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to explore the predictive value of serum ΔGP73 combined with liver stiffness change value (ΔLSM) for the reversal of hepatitis B virus-related liver fibrosis. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the data between the groups of quantitative data, and a paired t-test or rank sum test was used for the data before and after treatment. The χ2 test was used to compare the differences between the groups of enumeration data. Spearman and Pearson correlation methods were used for correlation analysis. Results:The serum GP73 level was higher in the cirrhosis group than that in the group without significant fibrosis ( P<0.01). The GP73 level was higher in patients with moderate and severe inflammation than that in the mild group ( P<0.05). Pre-treatment serum GP73 was positively correlated with fibrosis stage ( r=0.248), inflammation grade ( r=0.318), and alanine aminotransferase level ( r=0.203) ( P<0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the predictive ability of post-treatment GP73 levels in the fibrosis reversal was 0.633 (95% CI: 0.573-0.689, sensitivity 62.68%, and specificity 59.56%). The decrease in ΔGP73 was significantly higher in the liver fibrosis reversal group ( n=142) than that in the non-reversal group ( n=136) [-39.22(-85.08,-14.31) ng/mL vs. -30.06(-61.29,-5.84) ng/mL, P<0.01]. ΔGP73 was also associated with liver inflammation changes (AUROC=0.634, 95% CI: 0.574-0.690, sensitivity of 51.64%, specificity of 69.87%). Additionally, the predictive effectiveness of GP73 for fibrosis reversal improved after normalization of serum ALT (AUROC: 0.651 vs. 0.522 at baseline). ΔGP73 combined with ΔLSM had improved the AUROC predictive effectiveness from single indicators of 0.609 (ΔGP73) and 0.656 (ΔLSM) to 0.800 (95% CI: 0.662-0.899), with specificity increasing from 72.22% to 86.11%. Conclusion:Serum GP73 level is positively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis and inflammation. Serum GP73 levels and ΔGP73 can predict the reversal of fibrosis, with liver inflammation being an important influencing factor following treatment. ΔGP73 combined with ΔLSM can significantly optimize the evaluation efficiency of liver fibrosis reversal.

Objective To develop a fused model based on combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features and clinical risk factors to accurately predict the efficacy of radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 124 HCC patients(95 males and 29 females)undergoing IMRT at the radiotherapy center of some hospital,who were divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio.According to relevant standards for evaluating solid tumor treatment efficacy the patients at the progressive disease phase were enrolled into a non-response group,and the ones at the phases of complete response,partial response and stable disease were included into a response group.Firstly,radiomics features were extracted from pre-radiotherapy contrast-enhanced CT images,and were screened with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression to obtain valuable radiomics features;secondly,the scores of intratumor radiomics features,peritumor radiomics features and combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features underwent binary Logistic regression(LR)analysis by using the glmnet package in R software(version 4.2.0),so as to construct three models for intratumor radiomics features,peritumor radiomics features and combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features;finally,a fused model was established based on the scores of combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features and clinical risk factors,and the corresponding Nomogram,calibration curve and clinical decision curve were plotted.R software(version 4.4.1)was used for image analysis and statistical analysis.Results The fused model based on the scores of combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features and clinical risk factors achieved an AUC of 0.87 on both the training and validation sets,outperforming the models based solely on intratumor radiomics features,peritumor radiomics features or combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features.The Nomogram plot showed the prediction probability of the fused model for the short-term treatment response rate was 10%-90%within the total score range of 42-93 points,and the calibration and clinical decision curves indicated that the fused model gained advantages in prediction and clinical application.Conclusion The fused model based on the scores of combined intratumor-peritumor radiomics features and clinical risk factors predicts the short-term efficacy of HCC radiotherapy effectively,providing references for formulating radiotherapy plans and guiding subsequent treatment decisions.

An implantable cardiac monitor(ICM)is a subcutaneous electronic device for recording and remotely transmitting electrocardiographic events.New-generation ICM,like the Reveal LINQ,have extended arrhythmia monitoring duration and improved diagnostic yield through miniaturization,large storage capacity,and easy implantation.They provide comprehensive monitoring data for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment,optimize individualized treatment plans,and enhance patient prognosis.In recent years,research on ICM in cardiovascular fields has deepened,and their clinical application scope has expanded.They show significant advantages and unique value and are widely used in early cardiovascular disease diagnosis and prognostic management.In the future,ICM are expected to play a bigger role in boosting diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for cardiovascular disease patients,offering stronger support for early disease detection,accurate diagnosis,and effective management.

Aim Mouse model of myocardial hypertro-phy was established via intraperitoneal injection of iso-proterenol(ISO)in mice.This approach allows for an in-depth investigation into the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of emodin,offering novel in-sights and directions for the improvement of myocardial hypertrophy.Methods The mice were randomly di-vided into the following groups:control group(CON),emodin group(EMO),MAPK activator control group(EMO+Ani),model group(ISO),treatment group(ISO+EMO),and activator intervention group(ISO+EMO+Ani).After treatment with emodin and inter-vention with MAPK activator,the heart weight ratio and cardiac size of each group were observed.Hematoxy-lin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the patho-logical changes in cardiac tissue,and kits were utilized to measure the levels of GSH,LDH,and MDA in the serum.Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of inflammatory and oxidative factors,as well as p-p38,p-ERK,p38,and ERK in cardiac tis-sue.Results Emodin can significantly inhibit the production of myocardial inflammatory and oxidative factors induced by ISO,thereby effectively alleviating the degree of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.Af-ter the p38/ERK signaling pathway was specifically ac-tivated by farnesol,the improvement effect of emodin on myocardial hypertrophy was weakened.Further comparison revealed that,compared with the myocardi-al hypertrophy pathological model group,the pathologi-cal protein expression levels in the farnesol-treated group showed no significant difference,and were even higher in some indicators.Conclusion Emodin can effectively inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and improve the state of oxidative stress by modulating the p38/ERK signaling pathway,thereby exerting an ameliorative effect on myocardial hypertrophy.

Background and Aims:Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)has become increasingly popular due to its minimal invasiveness and cosmetic advantages,but challenges remain in biliary identification and limited operative space.Indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence navigation enables real-time visualization of the biliary tract and may enhance surgical safety and efficiency.This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application value of ICG fluorescence navigation in single-incision LC.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 59 patients with benign gallbladder diseases who underwent elective single-incision LC at Yixing Hospital affiliated to Jiangsu University from January 2023 to December 2024.Patients were divided into a fluorescence group(n=27)and a white-light group(n=32)according to whether ICG fluorescence navigation was applied.The two groups were compared in terms of Calot's triangle dissection time,operative time,intraoperative blood loss,surgeon satisfaction,hospital stay,and postoperative complications.Results:No significant differences were observed in baseline clinical characteristics between the two groups(all P＞0.05).In the fluorescence group,the cystic duct,common hepatic duct,and common bile duct were all successfully visualized.Compared with the white-light group,the fluorescence group had significantly shorter Calot's triangle dissection time[(25.56±3.49)min vs.(38.81±5.59)min],shorter operative time[(44.67±3.06)min vs.(61.31±4.96)min],and less intraoperative blood loss[(13.44±1.70)mL vs.(14.50±2.11)mL](all P＜0.05),with significantly higher surgeon satisfaction(P＜0.05).No intraoperative bile duct injury,conversion to three-port surgery,or postoperative complications occurred in either group.Conclusion:ICG fluorescence navigation can significantly improve biliary identification efficiency in single-incision LC,shorten operative time,reduce blood loss,and enhance surgeon satisfaction,demonstrating promising clinical application prospects.

Objective:To evaluate the early outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and discuss the revisions post THA in the treatment for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) with severe hip problems.Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled 50 patients (64 hips) with a mean age of 52.4±8.7 years, including 25 male patients and 25 female patients (36 left hips and 28 right hips), who were diagnosed as KBD with hip problems and received THA at Arthritis Clinical and Research Centre, Peking University People's Hospital from October 2019 to January 2024. The leg length discrepancy (LLD), femoral offset (FO), abduction angle and anteversion angle were calculated preoperatively and one week post-operation. The postoperative radiological indexes and the functional outcomes in the last follow-up were compared with the preoperative assessment.Results:The surgical duration was 105(80, 120) min and the bleeding amount was 300(200, 400) ml. All the cases were followed up for an average of 37 months (ranging from 21 to 44 months). Significant differences were found on postoperative radiological images, with LLD improving to 0.50±0.78 cm from a preoperative value of -1.36±0.79 cm, and FO increasing to 3.28±1.01 cm from 2.72±0.83 cm ( P<0.05). The mean postoperative abduction angle and anteversion angle were 42.5°±7.7° and 15.1°±5.9°, respectively. A total of 71.8% and 95.3% hips fell within the Lewinnek safe zones of abduction angle and anteversion angle, respectively. In terms of functional outcomes, the average range of motion improved significantly to 185°(173°, 210°) from a preoperative value of 99°(76°, 123°), and the Harris Hip Score increased from 35(26, 43) preoperatively to 70(63, 80) postoperatively ( P<0.05). During the follow-up, there were complications for two cases of femoral stem loosening, one case of periprosthetic femoral fracture, one case of hip dislocation, and one case of acetabular component loosening with hip subluxation. Additionally, seven patients exhibited Trendelenburg gait. A total of five hips required revision surgery due to severe complications, including two cases of femoral stem loosening, one case of periprosthetic femoral fracture, one case of hip dislocation, and one case of acetabular component loosening with subluxation. Conclusions:Patients with KBD demonstrated significant early improvements in both radiological and functional outcomes following THA.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF) channel technique combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment lumbar intervertebral space/vertebral body infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients who underwent surgical treatment for lumbar infection from January 2021 to December 2022. The patients were divided into the OLIF channel group and the traditional open surgery group according to the surgical methods. There were 16 cases in the OLIF channel group, including 9 males and 7 females, with an average age of (68.5±12.1) years old;there were 7 cases in the traditional open surgery group, including 4 males and 3 females, with an average age of (75.0±3.2) years old. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, visual analogue scale(VAS), activities of daily living (ADL) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) before and 1 week and 3 months after the operation, and the intervertebral fusion status on the last follow-up CT were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the open surgery group, the OLIF channel group had shorter operation time (209.87±31.5) min vs. (246.0±42.7) min, less intraoperative blood loss (225.625±91.1) ml vs. (364.2±74.8) ml, and shorter incision length (6.1±1.2) vs. (14.0±1.4) cm, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). Before and 1 week and 3 months after the operation, the lumbar VAS in the OLIF group were (6.3±0.6), (2.8±0.7), (1.1±0.5), and those in the traditional open surgery group were (6.4±0.6), (3.4±0.5), (1.2±0.3);the ADL scores in the OLIF group were (45.0±4.5), (60.3±4.3), (94.1±4.2), and those in the open group were (46.4±5.6), (60.7±4.5), (92.9±4.9); the ODI scores in the OLIF group were (86.3±2.9)%, (69.5±4.1)%, (23.0±3.2)%, and those in the open group were (87.3±3.8)%, (69.8±4.2)%, (23.8±3.6)%, all of which showed significant improvement(P<0.05). Three months after the operation, CRP, PCT, and ESR were significantly lower than those before the operation, and CRP and PCT returned to normal, while ESR was still slightly elevated in some patients. The last follow-up CT showed that continuous trabecular bone formation was observed between the upper and lower endplates of the surgical segments in all patients, and the fusion time was (8.7±4.5) months. CONCLUSION The OLIF channel technique combined with posterior internal fixation is a minimally invasive and effective treatment method, which can effectively control infection, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients. Compared with traditional open surgery, it has the advantages of minimally invasive, shorter operation time, and less intraoperative blood loss.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/microbiology* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Pedicle Screws ; Infections/surgery*