ObjectiveTo compare the differences in fungal community composition between lesional and non-lesional scalp areas in patients suffering from severe alopecia areata （AA）， and compare these with healthy scalp areas in control subjects. Additionally， to preliminarily explore the changes in scalp fungal communities in severe AA patients and their potential underlying immunological mechanisms. MethodsA total of 20 severe AA patients and 18 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin swab samples were collected from lesional and non-lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients， as well as from the normal scalp of healthy controls. The fungal internal transcribed spacer （ITS） region was amplified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. ResultsThe lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients exhibited higher α-diversity and species richness in fungal communities. Notably， the relative abundance of Ascomycota， along with genera such as Mycosphaerella， Aspergillus， Penicillium， and Wallemia， significantly increased in the bald regions. In contrast， Acremonium and Schizophyllum were more predominant in the non-lesional areas of severe AA patients. ConclusionDistinct region-specific differences in scalp fungal microbiota in severe AA patients suggests that fungal dysbiosis may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. These findings provide new insights into the disease characteristics of severe AA from the perspective of scalp microecology.

Malignant tumor is a serious and difficult disease threatening human health， which has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving the therapeutic effect of malignant tumors and alleviating adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Qi deficiency and blood stasis are important pathogeneses in the development of malignant tumors， and the method of supplementing Qi and activating blood is an effective strategy for treating malignant tumors. Astragali Radix， sweet in taste and warm in nature， has effects of tonifying Qi and rising Yang， strengthening the exterior and reducing sweat， promoting fluid and nourishing blood. Curcumae Rhizoma， acrid and bitter in taste and warm in nature， has the effects of promoting Qi and breaking blood stasis， eliminating mass， and relieving pain. Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma， as the classic herb pair of invigorating Qi and activating blood， has a clear effect on inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma contains astragalus polysaccharide， astragaloside， calycosin， formononetin， curcumin， β-elemene， curcumenol， curcumenone， curcumendione， gemacrone， and other anti-tumor active ingredients. It can significantly inhibit the occurrence and development of liver cancer， colorectal cancer， gastric cancer， lung cancer， ovarian cancer， cervical cancer， breast cancer， and other cancers and has the advantages of superposition effect， synergistic complementarity， and increased dissolution compared with single herb and monomer of Chinese traditional herbs and has been widely valued in the field of TCM anti-cancer. Its anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibition of tumor cell proliferation， promotion of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy， anti-invasion and metastasis， regulation of immune function， and enhancement of anti-tumor drug sensitivity. By combining Chinese and foreign literature， the compatibility effect and anti-tumor mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma were summarized， and then scientific compatibility of these two herbs was expounded， in order to provide a useful reference for clinical application and future research of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma.

Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective:To investigate the impact of blood pressure outcomes on the risk of arteriosclerosis in non-hypertensive populations.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. All data were derived from Kailuan Cohort. Non-hypertensive individuals who completed two brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurements between January 2014 and December 2019 (using the first measurement as the baseline and the second as the follow-up) were enrolled, and clinical data such as blood pressure and baPWV were collected. According to the blood pressure level at baseline and follow-up, participants were divided into new-onset hypertension group (no hypertension at baseline but diagnosed at follow-up) and non-hypertension group (no hypertension at both baseline and follow-up). Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the impact of new-onset hypertension on arteriosclerosis progression. Subgroup analysis further classified participants into six blood pressure transition categories: normal-maintained, normal-to-high-normal, normal-to-hypertensive, high-normal-to-normal, high-normal-maintained, and high-normal-to-hypertensive groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of different blood pressure outcomes on arteriosclerosis progression.Results:A total of 7 049 participants were enrolled, with the age of (40.45±9.04) years, including 3 645 males (51.71%). There were 800 cases in the new-onset hypertension group and 6 249 individuals in the non-hypertension group. During follow-up, arteriosclerosis occurred in 2 154 cases (30.56%). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between new-onset hypertension and baPWV levels. The baPWV in the new-onset hypertension group was significantly higher by 63.94 cm/s compared to the non-hypertension group ( β=63.94, P<0.01). Additionally, the risk of arteriosclerosis in the new-onset hypertension group was 2.09 times that of the non-hypertension group ( OR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.77-2.46, P<0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher arteriosclerosis risks in normal-to-high-normal ( OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.38-1.98, P<0.01), normal-to-hypertensive ( OR=2.47, 95% CI 1.70-3.59, P<0.01), high-normal-maintained ( OR=1.50, 95% CI 1.21-1.86, P<0.01), and high-normal-to-hypertensive groups ( OR=2.86, 95% CI 2.20-3.73, P<0.01) than normal-maintained group, except for a non-significant difference in high-normal-to-normal group ( OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.74-1.20, P>0.05). Conclusion:Blood pressure outcome in non-hypertensive populations is closely related to arteriosclerosis risk. Progression to or maintenance of high-normal blood pressure or higher levels substantially increases arteriosclerosis risk, while regression from high-normal to normal blood pressure shows no significant increase in arteriosclerosis risk.

Cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder primarily caused by Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) heterozygous mutation, serves as a representative model for investigating regulatory mechanisms of RUNX2 in bone remodeling and tooth eruption. As a master transcription factor governing mineralized tissue development, RUNX2 orchestrates bone remodeling and tooth eruption through diverse regulatory networks. It drives alveolar bone formation via transcriptional activation, integration of multiple signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications, thereby generating the biomechanical force for tooth eruption. Concurrently, RUNX2 promotes osteoblastic secretion of osteoclastogenic factors and directly regulates osteoclast precursor differentiation, facilitating bone resorption at the coronal aspect of dental follicles to estavlish the eruption pathway. Furthermore, RUNX2 modulates eruption progression by participating in stress-induced biological signal transduction within dental follicle cells (DFCs), remodeling the DFCs microenvironment, and regulating DFCs senescence. RUNX2 also influences root development via the NOTUM-Wnt axis, providing auxiliary biomechanical conditions conducive to eruption. This review systematically delineates the pivotal role of RUNX2 in coordinating bone remodeling and tooth eruption. Future studies should leverage organoid models and multi-omics technologies to further elucidate the spatiotemporal regulatory networks of RUNX2, potentially advancing precision diagnostics and therapeutics for rare skeletal-dental developmental disorders.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical distribution characteristics and drug resistance of Enterobacter cloa-cae in Gansu Province from 2019 to 2023,providing reference for the prevention and control of E.cloacae infec-tions in this region.METHODS Data on the distribution and drug resistance of E.cloacae from hospitals in mem-ber units of the Gansu Antimicrobial Surveillance Network between 2019 and 2023 were collected.In vitro drug susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion(K-B)method,minimum inhibitory con-centration method,and fully automated instrumentation,followed by analysis of the susceptibility results.RESULTS From 2019 to 2023,a total of 402 490 bacterial strains were isolated and cultured in Gansu Province,including 17 417 strains of E.cloacae,with a detection rate of 4.33％.The bacteria were primarily iso-lated from sputum specimens(62.81％),followed by urine(7.37％)and wound pus specimens(6.07％).The de-partmental distribution was dominated by internal medicine(44.96％)and surgery(28.50％).The highest detec-tion rate was observed in the adult group(15-65 years,45.79％).E.cloacae exhibited varying degrees of resist-ance to over 20 antibacterial drugs,but the overall drug resistance rate showed a declining trend(P＜0.05).The highest drug resistance rate was observed for cefazolin(96.40％-98.38％),while the lowest was for tigecycline(0.44％—2.92％).Carbapenem-resistant E.cloacae demonstrated an increasing trend in drug resistance rates,with imipenem resistance ranging from 2.79％to 3.71％(P=0.044)and meropenem resistance ranging from 1.29％to 3.41％(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS The isolation rate of E.cloacae in Gansu Province remains stable,with a declining trend in drug resistance to multiple antibacterial drugs.However,the increasing drug resistance to carbapenems warrants attention.

Objective To explore the role of Erianin in atopic dermatitis(AD)and its regulatory mechanism involving the high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-Ras homolog gene family member A(RhoA)/Rho-associated protein kinase 1(ROCK1)signaling pathway.Methods An AD model was induced in BALB/c mice using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene(DNCB).Skin thickness and spleen and lymph node weight were measured and pathological changes in the back skin and ears were detected using methylamine blue and hematoxylin and eosin staining.Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.An in vitro model of AD was established in HaCaT cells stimulated by tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α.Cellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by flow cytometry and mitochondrial ROS(mtROS)were detected by immunofluorescence assay.Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling.HMGB1,RAGE,RhoA,and ROCK1 proteins were detected by Western blot.Results Erianin inhibited the increase in skin thickness,reduced the spleen and lymph node weights,improved the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the degranulation of mast cells,and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors(P＜0.05).Erianin also reduced the production of cellular ROS and mtROS induced by TNF-α in vitro(P＜0.01),and decreased the protein expression of HMGB1,RAGE,RhoA,and ROCK1(P＜0.01).Treatment of HMGB1-stimulated HaCaT cells with a RAGE-specific blocker(TFA)had no effect on HMGB1 expression,while expression levels of RAGE,RhoA,and ROCK1 were decreased(P＜0.01).Cells treated with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632+r-HMGB1 group showed similar result to the TFA+r-HMGB1 group,except for RAGE.Conclusions Erianin relieves AD by regulating the HMGB1/RAGE-RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Objective:To understand the current status of family resilience in children with autism and explore its influencing factors, providing a basis for developing intervention measures to improve family resilience in these families.Methods:Convenience sampling was used to select children with autism and their caregivers who underwent rehabilitation training at the Department of Child Developmental Behavior, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March to September 2023. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, the Chinese version of the Parenting Burnout Scale, and the Caregiver Stress Scale.Results:A total of 280 questionnaires were distributed, and 271 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the 271 children with autism, 210 were male and 61 were female, with the majority aged 3-5 years old (169 cases). Among the 271 caregivers, 21 were male and 250 were female, with the majority aged 30-39 years old (149 cases). The total score of the Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale was (70.59 ± 14.08) points, with scores of (49.96 ± 10.23) points for family communication and problem-solving, (7.13 ± 1.62) points for social resource utilization, and (13.52 ± 3.31) points for maintaining a positive attitude. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the child′s age, disease duration, reimbursement method, parenting burnout, and caregiver stress were influencing factors of family resilience in children with autism ( t values were -10.40-3.48, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The level of family resilience in children with autism needs improvement. Higher levels of parenting burnout and caregiver stress are associated with lower levels of family resilience. Future interventions should be developed based on these influencing factors to promote the physical and mental health of children with autism and their caregivers.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided thyroid injection of dexamethasone in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT).Methods:This is a randomized controlled study involving 32 patients with SAT who received treatment at Endocrinology Clinic of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital between June 2022 and March 2023. The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group ( n = 16 per group) using a random number table method. The observation group received ultrasound-guided injection of dexamethasone (5 mg per injection, once a week) into the thyroid lesion, while the control group was treated with oral prednisone acetate tablets (5 mg per dose, three times a day). Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy, time taken for body temperature to return to normal, time for pain resolution, time for goiter regression, time for thyroid function to normalize, as well as recurrence rates and adverse reactions, were compared between the two groups. Results:The response rate in the observation group was 100% (16/16), which was significantly higher than that in the control group [75% (12/16), χ2 = 4.57, P = 0.033]. The time taken for body temperature to return to normal, the time for goiter regression, and the time for goiter regression in the observation group were (3.5 ± 3.6) days, (7.4 ± 2.5) days, and (11.6 ± 7.4) days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(6.1 ± 3.2) days, (9.9 ± 3.5) days, (16.9 ± 6.8) days, t = -2.16, -2.33, -2.11, all P < 0.05]. After 4 weeks of treatment, the observation group showed significantly lower body mass index, fasting blood glucose, and serum triglyceride levels compared to the control group ( t = -2.07, -2.46, -2.13, all P < 0.05). The recurrence rate in the observation group was 0%, which was significantly lower than that in the control group [25% (4/16), χ2 = 4.57, P = 0.033]. Conclusions:The efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided local thyroid injection of dexamethasone for the treatment of SAT are superior to those of the oral treatment regimen.