BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still challenging to prevent or treat. Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increased pyroptosis in chondrocytes may be responsible for cartilage degeneration. This study aims to investigate the effect of ER stress on chondrocyte pyroptosis and the upstream regulatory mechanisms, which have rarely been reported. METHODS: The expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the levels of ER stress, pyroptosis, and metabolic markers in normal and OA chondrocytes were investigated by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, fluorescein amidite-tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid-fluoromethyl ketone (FAM-YVAD-FMK)/Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, and cell viability assessments. The effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on ER stress and pyroptosis and the hierarchical regulatory relationship between them were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporters, gain/loss-of-function assays, and rescue assays in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. The mechanistic contribution of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 to chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis and therapeutic prospects were validated radiologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically in surgically induced OA rats. RESULTS: Increased EZH2 and HMGB1, decreased miR-142-3p, enhanced ER stress, and activated pyroptosis in chondrocytes were associated with OA occurrence and progression. EZH2 and HMGB1 exacerbated and miR-142-3p alleviated ER stress and pyroptosis in OA chondrocytes. EZH2 transcriptionally silenced miR-142-3p via H3K27 trimethylation, and miR-142-3p posttranscriptionally silenced HMGB1 by targeting the 3'-UTR of the HMGB1 gene. Moreover, ER stress mediated the effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on chondrocyte pyroptosis. In vivo experiments mechanistically validated the hierarchical regulatory relationship between EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 and their effects on chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS A novel EZH2/miR-142-3p/HMGB1 axis mediates chondrocyte pyroptosis and cartilage degeneration by regulating ER stress in OA, contributing novel mechanistic insights into OA pathogenesis and providing potential targets for future therapeutic research.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; HMGB1 Protein/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Middle Aged

Objective: To establish and validate a whole blood (WB) supply model, thereby providing practical experience for the clinical application of WB in domestic trauma emergency care and informing the development of a wartime blood supply system for the military. Methods: A “10×24” WB supply model was established by formulating blood collection protocols, storage standards, and transfusion criteria. Multiple WB samples were tested under specific storage conditions to assess key indicators at different time points, including red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, TT, FIB), coagulation factor activity, thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, and electrolyte levels. Additionally, clinical data from hemorrhagic patients who met the criteria for WB transfusion and were admitted between March and July 2024 were analyzed to evaluate WB transfusion volume. Results: RBC counts and hemoglobin levels remained stable in WB stored at 4℃ for up to 10 days. However, platelet counts and coagulation function (PT, APTT) significantly declined with prolonged storage, while potassium levels increased. From March to July 2024, the model was successfully applied to 23 patients with acute hemorrhage, with a median WB transfusion volume of 543 mL. A detailed case study of a severe traumatic hemorrhagic shock patient was reported, who was successfully treated with 5.5 units of refrigerated WB combined with component blood. Conclusion: The “10×24” WB supply model demonstrated acceptable changes in critical quality parameters under strict management and a 10-day rotation cycle. This model effectively supports the treatment of acute hemorrhage and holds promise for integration into the future wartime blood supply system of the military.

Objective To investigate the significance of intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics models in predicting occult lymph node metastasis in stage T1 non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and to compare the predictive accuracy in different peritumoral radiomics models.Methods The CT images and clinical data of 211 patients without lymph node metastasis on preoperative CT examination and pathologically confirmed NSCLC after surgery were collected.The radiomics features were derived from the three-dimensional volume of interest(VOI)of the intratumoral and peritumoral at 3-,5-,and 10-mm following lesion segmentation on CT images of each patient.The feature data of all nidus were radomly divide into training set and validation set with a ratio of 7︰3.The Pearson or Spearman correlation test was performed to remove redundancy.Dimensionality was reduced by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression analysis.The linear combination of selected features and corresponding coefficients were used to construct the Radiomics score(Radscore).The clinical model and comprehensive model were constructed by logistic regression analysis.The conprehensive model was visualized with the nomogram,and its performance was evaluated.Results Among the peritumoral radiomics models,the peritumoral 5-mm model showed the best predictive efficacy[validation set,area under the curve(AUC)0.771].The comprehensive model containing Radscore,CT image features and CEA exhibited the best performance(validation set,AUC 0.850).Conclusion Intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics models perform efficiently in predicting occult lymph node metastasis in stage T1 NSCLC,and nomogram can effectively and noninvasively predict occult lymph node metastasis in NSCLC.

Objective: To explore the correlation between Diabetes Complication Severity Index(DCSI), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio(CAR) and death in patients with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU) and to clarify their predictive value for all-cause death in DFU patients. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 354 DFU patients who were treated in the Endocrinology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from July 2019 to December 2022. Based on survival status during follow-up, patients were divided into a survival group(n=268) and a death group(n=86). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for all-cause death in DFU patients. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of DCSI, CAR, and their combination for all-cause death in DFU patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to explore the impact of different DCSI and CAR levels on survival in DFU patients. Results: Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that older age, history of hypertension, higher Wagner classification levels, and elevated levels of CRP, Scr, FDP, DCSI score, and CAR were associated with a higher risk of death in DFU patients(P<0.05). Higher levels of HGB, HCT, ALB, or eGFR were associated with a lower risk of death. Patients receiving combined insulin and oral hypoglycemic medication had a lower risk of death compared to those receiving only insulin therapy(P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that older age, higher levels of Scr, DCSI, and CAR were independent risk factors for all-cause death in DFU patients, while higher levels of ALB and combined insulin and oral hypoglycemic therapy were protective factors. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values for DCSI, CAR, and their combination were 0.652, 0.633, and 0.686, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients with high DCSI scores(≥4.5) had a lower survival rate compared to those with lower DCSI scores(<4.5). Similarly, patients with high CAR levels(≥0.124) had a lower survival rate compared to those with lower CAR levels(<0.124). Conclusion High levels of DCSI and CAR are independent risk factors for all-cause death in DFU patients. DCSI, CAR, and their combination have predictive value for all-cause mortality in DFU patients.

Objective To investigate the application of intravenous iron in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding(AUD)and iron deficiency anemia(IDA)in gynecology,to establish the drug utilization evaluation(DUE)standard,and to comprehensively evaluate the rationality of the clinical application of intravenous iron by analytic hierarchy process(AHP),so as to provide reference for the rational use of intravenous iron in clinical practice.Methods The medical records of patients with AUD and IDA from January to December 2022 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology were collected,and the special rationality of the drug was evaluated from the aspects of indications,route and frequency of administration,daily dosage,solvent,combination medication,and contraindications of iron sucrose injection,and the DUE standard of the drug was formulated.AHP was used to analyze and evaluate 113 archived cases of intravenous iron in gynecology from January to December 2022.Results A total of 113 patients were treated with iron sucrose injection,and the indications,route of administration,solvent,contraindications,and allergic reactions were reasonable.The main unreasonableness was that the frequency of administration was inappropriate,the daily dose was inappropriate,the combination was not appropriate,the total iron supplement was not up to standard,and there was no continuous drug monitoring after medication.The case scores 90～100,70～<90 and 60～<70 were 6(5.31%),106(93.81%)and 1(0.88%),respectively.Conclusion Patients with AUD and IDA should pay attention to the dosage,total amount of iron supplementation,combined application of drugs and continuous medication monitoring after intravenous iron supplementation,so as to improve the rationality of their use.

Objective To provide pharmaceutical monitoring using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe(PCNE)for patients with respiratory diseases,to explore effective pharmaceutical monitoring models in the department of respiratory,and to promote clinical rational drug use.Methods Inpatients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and lung infections in 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology were selected and divided into a simple group and an intervention group.According to the PCNE classification system,the types,causes,interventions,acceptance of interventions,and resolution status of drug-related problems(DRPs)were analyzed.Results A total of 120 cases were included,60 cases in the simple group and 60 cases in the intervention group.Regarding the number of DRPs,there were 15 cases in the simple group and 45 cases in the intervention group,and there was a significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).There were a total of 82 DRPs,which were mainly related to therapeutic efficacy(51.22%)and safety(46.34%),and the reasons for this were that patients'incorrect medication usage method,inappropriate usage and dosage,and unscheduled safety monitoring,etc.The pharmacist interventions were 75(91.46%)at the drug level,38(46.34%)at the physician level,and 43(52.44%)at the patient level;after the pharmacist interventions,the acceptance rate was in the range of 97.56%,and 74.39%of the DRPs were resolved.Conclusion PCNE classification system helps clinical pharmacists to enhance their ability to find and deal with DRPs,reduce the risk of clinical adverse events and promote reasonable and safe drug use.Meanwhile,it is conducive to the standardization of pharmaceutical care records for patients with respiratory diseases and provides reference for pharmaceutical service models for patients in the department of respiratory.

BACKGROUND:The maximum muscle strength is typically used for evaluating the recovery of muscle function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Recent studies have suggested that neuromuscular function should also be considered,such as rate of force development,which measures the slope of the force time curve at different time intervals under conditions of isometric muscle contraction. OBJECTIVE:To elaborate on the current research status and shortcomings of muscle isometric rate of force development in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery,and analyze the degree of defects in quadriceps femoris and hamstring isometric rate of force development at different times after surgery;to analyze the effect of isometric rate of force development on postoperative functional performance,thereby providing important information for optimizing postoperative rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,reducing secondary injury to patients,and reducing the incidence of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:Literature retrieval of CNKI,VIP,WanFang and PubMed was performed using"anterior cruciate ligament,rate of force development"as Chinese search terms and"anterior cruciate ligament,rate of force development,rate of torque development"as English search terms.Finally,69 articles were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Most studies have found defects in bilateral muscle isometric rate of force development in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction within 6 months.Early isometric rate of force development of the bilateral hamstring muscles(i.e.the slope of the force time curve at any time interval during muscle contraction of 100 ms)showed significant improvement after 6 months.However,long-term defects in early isometric rate of force development of the bilateral quadriceps indicate long-term damage to the neuromuscular function of the quadriceps after surgery.There is limited research on late isometric rate of force development(the slope of the force time curve at any time interval after 100 ms of muscle contraction),and conclusions cannot be drawn.Regarding landing exercises(jumping to the ground,lateral cutting,etc.)and daily activities(walking,running),early isometric rate of force development of the quadriceps is more correlated with isometric peak torque.Abnormal biomechanical changes during exercise are considered an important risk factor for secondary injury and traumatic knee osteoarthritis in patients.Actively improving early isometric rate of force development of the quadriceps may reduce the incidence of secondary injury and traumatic knee osteoarthritis.Currently,there is limited evidence to suggest that whole-body vibration training can improve early isometric rate of force development of the quadriceps femoris in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.It is recommended to use neuromuscular electrical stimulation to intervene in the quadriceps and hamstring in the early postoperative stage and implement explosive force and high resistance training in the late postoperative stage,which may improve the isometric rate of force development in patients.Generating sufficient muscle strength in a short period of time is necessary to effectively protect the anterior cruciate ligament,while the relationship between isometric rate of force development in the hamstring muscle and functional performance is still unclear,which may provide information on preventing secondary injury in patients.It is recommended to use the isometric rate of force development as one of the evaluation indicators for guiding rehabilitation and restoring movement.In addition to focusing on improving symmetry and differences from normal individuals,the hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio should also be considered.An appropriate range of ratios can ensure the balance of muscles during rapid muscle exertion,which may reduce the occurrence of secondary injuries.However,the normal range of ratios is not yet clear.Future research should consider the effects of graft type and knee flexion angle on isometric rate of force development,in order to identify neuromuscular dysfunction in patients as much as possible and help them recover better.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of the treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen and pro re nata (PRN) regimen of intravitreal conbercept in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients.Methods:A non-randomized controlled study was performed.Ninety-one patients (91 eyes) diagnosed with treatment-na?ve PCV from October 2016 to January 2019 at Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital were enrolled.All the patients received the intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg conbercept.After the initial treatment, the patients were divided into 3+ PRN group and 3+ TAE group according to their willingness.The follow-up time was one year.All the eyes underwent visual acuity test with ETDRS chart, optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), maximum retinal thickness (MRT), pigment epithelium detachment (PED) height, the number and area of polypoidal lesions, the area of retinal hemorrhage and the area of branching vascular network (BVN) were recorded.Treatment interval and injection frequencies during the one-year follow-up were compared between the two groups.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by Peking University People's Hospital (No.2020PHB250-01). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient.Results:One-year after treatment, the BCVA improvement in the 3+ PRN group and 3+ TAE group was 5.0(-2.0, 15.0) and 6.0(-1.0, 14.0) letters, respectively, showing no significant difference ( Z=-0.352, P=0.725). No significant differences were found in CRT, MRT and PED height between the two groups ( Z=-0.145, -0.529, -0.985, all at P>0.05). There was no significant difference in polypoidal lesions number, polypoidal lesions area, the number of eyes with different degrees of polyp regression, BVN area and retinal hemorrhage area between the two groups ( Z=-0.502, -0.300, -0.047, -0.265, -1.243, all at P>0.05). After the one-year follow-up, the mean injection frequency of 3+ PRN group was (7.6±0.9) times, which was lower than (8.4±2.0) times of 3+ TAE group, showing a significant difference ( t=2.432, P=0.019). The mean follow-up frequency was (11.3±1.5) times of 3+ PRN group, which was significantly higher than (10.1±1.7) times of 3+ TAE group ( t=3.403, P=0.001). For the 3+ TAE group, 17.1%(6/35) of patients achieved an extension interval of 12 weeks after the first 3 doses, and 48.5%(17/35) of patients achieved an extension interval of 8 weeks or more, with a mean maximum extension interval of (9.5±2.0) weeks.During the follow-up, 10 patients in 3+ PRN group and 8 patients in 3+ TAE group received photodynamic therapy as a rescue treatment. Conclusions:The 3+ PRN and 3+ TAE regimens of intravitreal injection of conbercept combined with photodynamic therapy as a rescue treatment have similar efficacy in visual and anatomical outcomes for PCV patients.3+ TAE regimen has a higher treatment frequency and fewer follow-up visits.