ObjectiveTo investigate the status of overlapping hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus （HCV） infection and the serological characteristics of such patients. MethodsA total of 8 637 patients with HCV infection who were hospitalized from January 1， 2010 to December 31， 2020 and had complete data of HBV serological markers were enrolled， and the composition ratio of patients with overlapping HBV serological markers was analyzed among the patients with HCV infection. The patients were divided into groups based on age and year of birth， and serological characteristics were analyzed， and the distribution of HBV-related serological characteristics were analyzed across different HCV genotypes. ResultsThe patients with HCV/HBV overlapping infection accounted for 5.85%， and the patients with previous HBV infection accounted for 48.10%； the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 14.67%， while the patients with a lack of protective immunity against HBV accounted for 31.39%. The patients were divided into groups based on age： in the 0 — 17 years group， the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 61.41% （304 patients）； the 18 — 44 years group was mainly composed of patients with previous HBV infection （698 patients， 37.31%）， the 45 — 59 years group was predominantly composed of patients with previous HBV infection （1 945 patients， 50.38%）， and the ≥60 years group was also predominantly composed of patients with previous HBV infection （1 486 patients， 61.66%）. The patients were divided into groups based on the year of birth： in the pre-1992 group， the patients with previous HBV infection accounted for 51.63% （4 112 patients）； in the 1992 — 2005 group， the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 54.72% （168 patients）； in the post-2005 group， the patients with protective immunity against HBV accounted for 64.38% （235 patients）. In this study， 6 301 patients underwent HCV genotype testing： the patients with genotype 1b accounted for the highest proportion of 51.71% （3 258 patients）， followed by those with genotype 2a （1 769 patients， 28.07%）， genotype 3b （63 patients， 1.00%）， genotype 3a （10 patients， 0.16%）， genotype 4 （21 patients， 0.33%）， and genotype 6a （5 patients， 0.08%）. ConclusionWith the implementation of hepatitis B planned vaccination program in China， there has been a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with previous HBV infection among the patients with HCV/HBV overlapping infection， but there is still a relatively high proportion of patients with a lack of protective immunity against HBV.

Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods From August 2011 to August 2012, patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. Conclusion Different MVD have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the relationship among iron content, volume and drainage venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2) in deep gray matter nuclei of healthy people using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 126 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled in the community in Tianjin from June 2019 to December 2023, and 57 males and 69 females, aged 48±15 years. All healthy volunteers underwent MRI examinations to get STrategically Acquired Gradient Echo images, then it was post-processed to obtain T 1 weighted enhanced images, QSM maps and the maximum intensity projection images. In QSM maps, caudate nucleus (CN), putamen (PUT), globus pallidus (GP), thalamus (THU), subthalamic nucleus (STN), substantia nigra (SN) and red nucleus (RN) were semi-automatically segmented to calculate the iron content and volume using SPIN software. Four bilateral deep cerebral veins regions of interest, including septum pellucidum veins, thalamostriate veins, internal cerebral veins and basilar veins, were manually delineated on the maximum intensity projection images of QSM to obtain venous magnetic sensitivity. The venous magnetic sensitivity was calculated as SvO 2. To observe the age-related trend of SvO 2, iron content and volume, the partial correlation analysis was conducted. The relationships between iron content, volume and SvO 2 were explored using the partial correlation analysis. To explore the potential effects of SvO 2 between iron content and volume in deep gray matter, the mediation analysis was utilized. Results:The relationships between the SvO 2 of thalamostriate veins ( r=0.23, P=0.018), basilar veins ( r=0.27, P=0.004) and age were positive. The relationships between the SvO 2 of internal cerebral veins and the iron contents of CN ( r=?0.25, P=0.042) and PUT ( r=?0.33, P<0.001) were negative. The relationships between the SvO 2 of basilar veins and the iron contents of STN ( r=?0.25, P=0.042) and SN ( r=?0.24, P=0.045) were negative. The relationships between iron content and volume including CN ( r=0.46, P<0.001), PUT ( r=0.20, P=0.027), GP ( r=0.76, P<0.001), STN ( r=0.87, P<0.001), SN ( r=0.90, P<0.001), RN ( r=0.79, P<0.001) were positive. The mediation analysis showed that the SvO 2 of internal cerebral veins indirectly mediated the relationship between iron content and volume of CN, PUT, GP and THU. Conclusions:The process of iron deposition required the participation of oxygen in deep gray matter nuclei. Volume shows positive correlation with iron content in deep gray matter nuclei, with individual variations. The SvO 2 of internal cerebral veins mediate the relationship between iron content and volume of deep gray matter nuclei.

Objective:To explore the specific mechanism of Baijiesan on microangiogenesis of wound after perianal abscess in rats by regulating RAS signal pathway.Methods:A total of 72 SD rats were divided into control group,model group,Baijiesan group and Baijiesan+farnesylthiosalicylic acid(FTS)group,with 18 rats in each group.Cut off the whole layer of skin on the back of rats.The model group,Baijiesan group and Baijiesan+FTS group were treated with fecal supernatant,while the control group was treated with normal saline.After the successful establishment of the model,Baijiesan+FTS group were treated with Baijiesan and received in-traperitoneal injection of FTS,while Baijiesan group were treated with Baijiesan only.The back wound images of rats were taken after successful modeling(day 0),4 days,8 days and 12 days after treatment,and the wound healing rate was calculated.After 4 days,8 days and 12 days of treatment,6 rats in each group were randomly selected and killed,the new wound healing tissue was removed,and the blood of abdominal aorta of rats after treatment for 12 days was collected.Histopathological morphology of wound tissue was observed by HE and Masson staining.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the number of microvessels.ELISA was used to detect serum inflammatory markers.RAS signal pathway and angiogenesis-related molecules were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.Results:Compared with control group,the wound healing rate of model group,Baijiesan group and Baijiesan+FTS group decreased at each time point(P<0.05),while the number of microvessels,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,RAS and Raf-1,VEGF,VEGFR2 mRNA and protein,ERK1,ERK2 mRNA,p-MEK1/2,p-ERK1/2 protein expressions were increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group and Baijiesan+FTS group,the wound healing rate,the number of microvessels,RAS,Raf-1,VEGF,VEGFR2 mRNA and protein,ERK1,ERK2 mRNA,p-MEK1/2,p-ERK1/2 protein expressions were further increased in Baijiesan group(P<0.05),while the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Baijiesan can reduce the level of wound inflamma-tion after operation of perianal abscess,and may enhance the ability of wound angiogenesis and wound healing by promoting RAS signal pathway.

Objective:To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese curve-correcting and rotation-reducing spinal manipulation on biomechanical parameters and factors influencing herniated disc resorption in lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods:A retrospective analysis of 51 LDH patients treated between January 2022 and May 2024 was conducted.Lumbosacral parameters(vertebral rotation angle[α],disc angle[β],sacral slope[SS],lumbar lordosis[LL])were measured via MRI before treatment and at final follow-up.Disc resorption was assessed using Michigan State University(MSU)classification.Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with resorption.Results:Post-treatment α angle significantly decreased(3.02°→1.86°,P=0.002),while SS(28.4°→30.0°,P＜0.001)and LL angles(31.0°→35.12°,P＜0.001)increased;Disc resorption occurred in 56.86％(29/51)of patients.Longer disease course(OR=0.79,95％CI:0.69-0.91)and disc calcification(OR=0.03,95％CI:0.00-0.25)were independent inhibitors of resorption(P＜0.001).Conclusion:Spinal manipulation restores lumbosacral biomechanics by reducing vertebral rotation and increasing lumbar curvature,with higher resorption rates in patients with short duration(≤6 months),non-calcified discs,and MSU type 2-3 herniations.

Aim To explore the role and mechanism of epimedokoreanin B(EKB)in HepaRG cell pyroptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress and NLRP1-me-diated pyroptosis pathway.Methods The effect of EKB on the viability of HepaRG cells at different con-centrations was determined by MTT assay,and the cell growth status was recorded by Incucyte.Four groups of HepaRG cells were set up.The control group was cul-tured with complete medium for 24 h;the drug admin-istration group was cultured with three concentration gradients of 6.25,12.5 and 25 μmol·L-1 of EKB for 24 h.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins and pyroptosis-related proteins in the cells of each group.Results HepaRG cells showed cytotoxicity at a concentration of 6.25 μmol·L-1 for 24 h,and the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)was 12.41 μmol·L-1.Incucyte recordings of the cell growth status showed that the cells in the control group were in good growth status,and the vesicular pyropto-sis cells appeared in the different concentrations of EKB and the cells swelled and ruptured after 24 h.Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins pERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,and CHOP significantly in-creased in HepaRG cells at 25 μmol·L-1 of EKB compared with the control group.The proteins of the classical pathway of cellular pyroptosis mediated by NLRP1,caspase-1,cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD,GS-DMD-N significantly increased in HepaRG cells.Con-clusion EKB administration induces HepaRG cell py-roptosis,and EKB activates HepaRG cells to undergo endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates the NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway.

Objective To evaluates the effects of cross-balance training on knee function,dynamic balance,and rectus femoris(RF)activation in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR).Methods Forty ACLR patients at 5th-6th week after operation were randomly divided into experimental group and control group.The experimental group received the cross-balance training on the basis of standard rehabilitation,while the control group received only standard rehabilitation.Knee function was assessed with the Lysholm score,dynamic balance,and root mean square(RMS)of RF surface electromyography.The correlation between RMS and dynamic balance was also examined.Results After intervention,the Lysholm score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.01).Regarding balance function,both the gait line length and single support line length of the experimental group were significantly greater than those of the control group(P<0.01).Conversely,the mediolateral displacement of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.01).Furthermore,the RF RMS of the experimental group was significantly larger than that of the control group(P<0.01).The RF RMS was positively correlated with the gait line length and single support line length,whereas it was negatively correlated with the mediolateral displacement(P<0.05).Conclusions Cross-balance training significantly enhances knee function,dynamic balance,and RF activation in post-ACLR patients,supports the theory of cross-education.Cross-balance training has certain application values in ACL postoperative rehabilitation.

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of modified posterolateral approach and traditional posterolateral approach combined with open reduction and internal fixation via medial approach in treatment of trimalleolar fracture.Methods Sixty-two patients with trimalleolar fractures who underwent modified posterolateral approach combined with open reduction and internal fixation via medial approach from January 2019 to June 2022 in orthopedics department of our hospital were enrolled in the modified approach group,and 62 patients who underwent traditional posterolateral approach combined with open reduction and internal fixation via medial approach at the same period were matched as the traditional approach group.The perioperative indicators were collected.The range of ankle motion 12 months after surgery was measured.The Maryland score,American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)score and Baird-Jackson score were employed to evaluate the recovery of patients 12 months after surgery,and the occurence of complications was recorded.Results There was no significant difference in the operation time,intraoperative blood loss,incision length,postoperative drainage volume or pain score between the two groups(P<0.05).The Maryland scores,AOFAS scores and Baird-Jackson scores 12 months after surgery of the two groups were higher than those before operation(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The range of ankle motion in the modified approach group was better than that in the traditional approach group,and the incidence of nerve injury after surgery was lower than that in the traditional approach group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusions The modified posterolateral approach combined with open reduction and internal fixation via medial approach in treatment of trimalleolar fracture can achieve good early clinical outcome,effectively improve range of ankle motion,and reduce postoperative nerve injury.

Objective To screen out the predictive factors for prognosis of migraine patients with patent foramen ovale(PFO)after occlusion,and to observe the value of predictive model based on these factors.Methods A total of 102 migraine patients with PFO who underwent occlusion of PFO were retrospectively included.Based on right to left shunt(RLS)grade in contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler(TCD)and changes of migraine disability assessment(MIDAS)grade after occlusion,the patients were divided into effective group(n=56)and ineffective group(n=46).Patients'basic data and imaging data including contrast-enhanced TCD and transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)before occlusion were compared between groups.Independent predictive factors were screened using multivariate logistic regression,then a predictive model was established,and its performance was evaluated.Results Compared with ineffective group,effective group had a lower proportion of female patients,a higher proportion of patients with aura symptoms,also higher MIDAS scores before occlusion,lower left to right shunt(LRS)velocities through the defect,and higher RLS grades in contrast-enhanced TCD and TEE right heart contrast echocardiography before occlusion(all P＜0.05).Patients'gender,LRS velocity through the defect and RLS grade in TEE right heart contrast echocardiography before occlusion were all predictive factors for prognosis of migraine patients with PFO after occlusion of PFO(all P＜0.05).The established model demonstrated good discrimination,calibration and clinical net benefit.Conclusion Patients'gender,LRS velocity through the defect and RLS grade in TEE right heart contrast echocardiography before occlusion were all significant predictors of prognosis of migraine patients with PFO after occlusion,and the predictive model established based on these factors demonstrated certain clinical value.

Aim To explore the role and mechanism of epimedokoreanin B(EKB)in HepaRG cell pyroptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress and NLRP1-me-diated pyroptosis pathway.Methods The effect of EKB on the viability of HepaRG cells at different con-centrations was determined by MTT assay,and the cell growth status was recorded by Incucyte.Four groups of HepaRG cells were set up.The control group was cul-tured with complete medium for 24 h;the drug admin-istration group was cultured with three concentration gradients of 6.25,12.5 and 25 μmol·L-1 of EKB for 24 h.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins and pyroptosis-related proteins in the cells of each group.Results HepaRG cells showed cytotoxicity at a concentration of 6.25 μmol·L-1 for 24 h,and the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)was 12.41 μmol·L-1.Incucyte recordings of the cell growth status showed that the cells in the control group were in good growth status,and the vesicular pyropto-sis cells appeared in the different concentrations of EKB and the cells swelled and ruptured after 24 h.Western blot showed that the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins pERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,and CHOP significantly in-creased in HepaRG cells at 25 μmol·L-1 of EKB compared with the control group.The proteins of the classical pathway of cellular pyroptosis mediated by NLRP1,caspase-1,cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD,GS-DMD-N significantly increased in HepaRG cells.Con-clusion EKB administration induces HepaRG cell py-roptosis,and EKB activates HepaRG cells to undergo endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates the NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway.