AIM: To investigate the mechanism of Hexue Mingmu Tablets(HXMMT)in improving diabetic retinopathy(DR)based on transcriptomics.METHODS: Zebrafish DR models were established by 3-day glucose induction(130 mmol/L)starting at 3 days post-fertilization(dpf). Larvae were randomized into four groups: control group(CG; aquaculture water), model group(MG; 130 mmol/L glucose), low-dose HXMMT treatment group(L-HX; 130 mmol/L glucose +7.5 mg/L HXMMT), and high-dose HXMMT treatment group(H-HX; 130 mmol/L glucose +75 mg/L HXMMT), with a 3-day intervention period until 6 dpf. The area and length of eyes, and body length of zebrafish were observed by stereomicroscopy, retinal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE), and retinal vessel diameter was observed under fluorescence microscope. Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified by RNA-sequencing(RNA-seq)technology to further elucidate the molecular mechanism of HXMMT in improving DR in zebrafish, and the sequencing accuracy was validated through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).RESULTS: HE staining demonstrated that the intervention with HXMMT significantly improved the disordered cell arrangement, widened gaps, and thickened inner nuclear layer(INL)in ganglion cell layer GCL); retinal vascular diameter quantification revealed that the retinal vessel diameter of the MG significantly increased compared with the CG, and it was significantly changed after the intervention of HXMMT, with significant efficacy in the H-HX(P<0.05); transcriptomics profiling identified 1 470 reversed DEGs, predominantly enriched in the AMPK signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, retinal developmental processes, and tight junction regulation. Technical validation confirmed strong correlation between qRT-PCR and RNA-seq data(R2=0.8571, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: HXMMT may improve retinal vascular microcirculation disorders in DR by regulating core targets including vsx1, pde6c, arr3a, plk1, fbp1b, foxo1a, pcna, and cdk1, as well as synergistically modulating processes such as retinal development in camera-type eyes, visual perception, microtubule cytoskeletal organization, tight junctions, and the AMPK signaling pathway, Foxo signaling pathway.

Objective: To analyze the timeliness of antir-etroviral therapy (ART) and its influencing factors among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide a reference for improving the ART effect of HIV/AIDS cases. Methods: Newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Wenzhou City from 2016 to 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Demographic information, the situation of the first CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4 cell) test, baseline CD4 cell count, and ART situation were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The timely rate of ART was analyzed, and the influencing factors for timely ART among HIV/AIDS cases were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 4 500 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Wenzhou City from 2016 to 2023 were included, among which 3 679 were males, accounting for 81.76%, and 821 were females, accounting for 18.24%. The median age was 46.24 (interquartile range, 26.23) years. Among these cases, 3 606 received timely ART, with a timely rate of 80.13%. The timely rate of ART increased from 57.54% in 2016 to 91.97% in 2023 (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that unmarried/divorced/widowed (OR=0.769, 95%CI: 0.641-0.922), detainees (OR=0.492, 95%CI: 0.269-0.900), untimely first CD4 cell test (OR=0.278, 95%CI: 0.234-0.330), baseline CD4 cell count ≥200 cells/µL (OR=0.709, 95%CI: 0.595-0.843) or undetected (OR=0.131, 95%CI: 0.080-0.213) were associated with a lower timeliness for ART among HIV/AIDS cases. Conclusion From 2016 to 2023, the timely rate of ART among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Wenzhou City showed an upward trend, which was mainly affected by marital status, case source, timeliness of the first CD4 cell test, and baseline CD4 cell count.

Colorectal polyps are important early markers of colorectal cancer, and their early detection is crucial for cancer prevention. Although existing polyp segmentation models have achieved certain results, they still face challenges such as diverse polyp morphology, blurred boundaries, and insufficient feature extraction. To address these issues, this study proposes a parallel coordinate fusion network (PCFNet), aiming to improve the accuracy and robustness of polyp segmentation. PCFNet integrates parallel convolutional modules and a coordinate attention mechanism, enabling the preservation of global feature information while precisely capturing detailed features, thereby effectively segmenting polyps with complex boundaries. Experimental results on Kvasir-SEG and CVC-ClinicDB demonstrate the outstanding performance of PCFNet across multiple metrics. Specifically, on the Kvasir-SEG dataset, PCFNet achieved an F1-score of 0.897 4 and a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 0.835 8; on the CVC-ClinicDB dataset, it attained an F1-score of 0.939 8 and an mIoU of 0.892 3. Compared with other methods, PCFNet shows significant improvements across all performance metrics, particularly in multi-scale feature fusion and spatial information capture, demonstrating its innovativeness. The proposed method provides a more reliable AI-assisted diagnostic tool for early colorectal cancer screening.
Humans ; Colonic Polyps/diagnostic imaging* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Algorithms ; Early Detection of Cancer

First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis, as a corrective measure for severe hallux valgus deformity, has a long history and remains in use today. Indications for the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis include severe hallux valgus deformity, recurrent hallux valgus, hallux deformity in rheumatoid arthritis, severe hallux rigidus, joint infection, primary or secondary osteoarthritis, hallux valgus deformity due to neuromuscular disorders, and severe gouty arthritis. Innovative research continues to emerge in biomechanics and materials science related to the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Surgical fixation options are diverse and evolving, encompassing traditional screws and plates alongside novel intramedullary fixation systems and shape-memory alloy implants. Biomechanical studies, gait analysis research, and clinical trials consistently demonstrate minimal postoperative impact on gait and no significant impairment of functional mobility. When performed with proper technique, complications are rare. The first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is an effective and reliable method for treating severe hallux valgus deformity.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/surgery* ; Arthrodesis/instrumentation* ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint/surgery* ; Bone Screws ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare effectiveness of multiple metatarsal osteotomy versus first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis in treating severe metatarsal adductus hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 25 patients with severe metatarsal adductus hallux valgus deformity admitted between June 2010 and May 2014 who met the selective criteria. Among them, 15 patients underwent multiple metatarsal osteotomy (osteotomy group), while 10 patients underwent first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis (fusion group). There was no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05) in gender, age, disease duration, affected side, preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), or metatarsal adduction angle (MAA). The osteotomy group underwent fixation with screws and/or staples fixation, while the fusion group utilized anatomic fusion plates and trans-articular compression screws. The study compared the following outcome indicators between groups: operation time, pre- and post-operative differences (change values) in AOFAS scores, VAS scores, and radiographic parameters (HVA, MAA), osteotomy healing outcomes, and recurrence of hallux valgus deformity. RESULTS: Both surgical procedures were completed successfully. The operation time was significantly shorter in the fusion group than in the osteotomy group ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up 96-144 months (mean, 116 months). The follow-up time was (129.1±7.2) months in the osteotomy group and (104.4±8.0) months in the fusion group, with no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05). X-ray films revealed the radiographic union in two groups, and the fusion time was significantly shorter in the fusion group than in the osteotomy group ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in AOFAS and VAS scores compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05). However, the differences in the change values of AOFAS and VAS scores between groups were not significant ( P>0.05). During follow-up, 3 cases (20%) of deformity recurrence occurred in the osteotomy group, while no recurrence was observed in the fusion group. There was no significant difference in the incidences of deformity recurrence between groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For severe metatarsus adductus hallux valgus deformities, both multiple metatarsal osteotomy and first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis can correct the deformity. The former preserves metatarsophalangeal joint mobility but demands high technical proficiency from the surgeon, involves relatively longer operation times, extended bone healing periods, and higher complication incidences. The latter procedure is relatively simpler, facilitates faster postoperative recovery, allows early weight-bearing, and yields more reliable outcomes, though it sacrifices first metatarsophalangeal joint mobility.
Humans ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Hallux Valgus/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Arthrodesis/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Metatarsal Bones/diagnostic imaging* ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Bone Screws ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Bone Plates ; Pain Measurement

Ferroptosis of chondrocytes is a significant contributor to osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is still a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs targeting ferroptosis. Here, we screen for anti-ferroptotic drugs in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library via a high-throughput manner in chondrocytes. We identified a group of FDA-approved anti-ferroptotic drugs, among which vitamin K showed the most powerful protective effect. Further study demonstrated that vitamin K effectively inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of vitamin K inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated OA phenotype in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing and knockdown experiments revealed that the anti-ferroptotic effects of vitamin K depended on growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6). Furthermore, exogenous expression of Gas6 was found to inhibit ferroptosis through the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) axis. Together, we demonstrate that vitamin K inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates OA progression via enhancing Gas6 expression and its downstream pathway of AXL/PI3K/AKT axis, indicating vitamin K as well as Gas6 to serve as a potential therapeutic target for OA and other ferroptosis-related diseases.

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features,immunophenotype,diagnosis and differential diagnosis of superficial CD34-positive fibroblast tumor.Methods Retro-spective analysis was performed in 6 cases of superficial CD34 positive fibroblastic tumors.Routine HE staining was performed under light microscopy,immunohistochemical Eli Vision staining was performed,and FISH was used to detect the PRDM10 gene.Literature review was also conducted.Results Among the 6 SCPFT patients,there were 2 males and 4 females.Four masses were located subcutaneous in the lower limbs,one in the lower abdomen,and one in the vulva.Microscopically,the tumor cells were arranged in bundles or solid patches,with obvious pleomor-phism or deformity of the nucleus and nucleoli.Pseudoinclusion bodies were visible in the nucleus,and the cytoplasm was eosin-ophilic.Some areas of the cells were epithelioid,with no mitotic figures observed.A small amount of inflammatory cells were scattered in the stroma.Immunophenotypically,diffuse and strong expression of CD34 and INI1 was observed in the tumor cells,some cells expressed CK(AE1/AE3),but did not ex-press SMA,CD68,desmin,S-100,CD31,ERG.Ki67 had a value-added index below 3％.FISH detection of PRDM10 gene was performed on 4 cases of SCPFT,and 3 cases were positive.Conclusion Superficial CD34-positive fibroblast tumor is a newly reported soft tissue tumor with borderline or low-grade ma-lignant biological behavior.Diagnosis needs to be differentiated from multiple CD34 positive soft tissue tumors to avoid over diag-nosis and over treatment.

Objective:To investigate associations of serum peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and their severity in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).Methods:Consecutive patients with CSVD admitted to the Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University and the Eighth People's Hospital of Tongzhou District, Nantong from August 2022 to August 2023 were prospectively included. According to the MRI findings, patients were divided into non-CMB group and CMB group, with the latter further divided into mild CMB group (1-2), moderate CMB group (3-10), and severe CMB group (>10). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent correlation factors of CMBs. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the correlation between serum PGC-1α and the number of CMBs. Results:A total of 158 patients with CSVD were included, of which 96 (60.8%) had CMBs; among them, 55 patients had mild CMBs, 24 had moderate CMBs, and 17 had severe CMBs. The PGC-1α and white blood cell count in the CMB group were significantly lower than those in the non-CMB group, while age, platelet count, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were significantly higher than those in the non-CMB group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for the confounding variables such as age, fasting blood glucose, and white blood cell count, PGC-1α was an independent protective factor for CMBs in patients with CSVD (odds ratio 0.588, 95% confidence interval 0.415-0.833; P=0.003). Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between serum PGC-1α and the number of CMBs ( β=-0.566, P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum PGC-1α is associated with CMBs and their severity in patients with CSVD; the higher the serum PGC-1α, the lower the likelihood of the presence of CMBs.

Objective To analyze the prevalence and genetic characteristics of influenza A(H3N2) viruses in the city of Xiangyang in 2022-2023, and to provide a scientific basis for predicting the epidemic and mutation of influenza virus. Methods Throat swab specimens of the influenza like cases were collected from national influenza monitoring sentinel hospitals in Xiangyang every week. RNA was extracted from the specimens for influenza diagnosing using real-time RT-PCR．Viruses were isolated from H3N2 positive specimens, and HA and NA genes were amplified and sequenced．3D modeling analyses were conducted. Results The gene phylogenetic tree showed that the H3N2 isolates in 2022-2023 belonged to 3C.2a1b.2a1 and 3C.2a1b.2a2 branches, respectively. The A(H3N2) influenza virus strains all had amino acid point mutation sites on important antigenic determinants of HA protein. The epitope mutations of the 2022 A(H3N2) strain mainly occurred in regions B, C, and D. The epitope mutations of the A(H3N2) strain in 2023 mainly occurred in regions C and D. Different glycosylation sites of HA gene were found in 2022-2023 strains. No variation was found in key amino acid sites associated with neuraminidase inhibitor resistance. The difference of overall structure was not obvious in the three-dimensional simulation structure diagram. Conclusion The A(H3N2) influenza strains isolated in this study have shown antigenic drift, especially the mutation of HA, which may affect the protective effect of the vaccine on the local population and lead to influenza epidemic. The variations of HA and NA suggest that close attention should be paid to the epidemic and genetic variation of H3N2 subtype influenza virus, to provide a scientific basis for the selection of influenza virus vaccine strains and the prevention and control of influenza.

Objective To study the serotype, drug resistance, and molecular typing characteristics of Salmonella enteritidis strains isolated from patients with diarrhea in Xiangyang City. Methods Serotyping, drug sensitivity test, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing, and whole genome sequencing were carried out on Salmonella enteritidis strains isolated from diarrhea patients from 2019 to 2020. Results From the drug susceptibility test , Salmonella enteritidis in this region showed varying degrees of drug resistance, with 94.7% of Salmonella enteritidis strains being multidrug-resistant. The PFGE electrophoretogram of Salmonella enteritidis showed that 19 strains could be divided into 6 PFGE types by cluster analysis, among which 12 strains belonged to the epidemic dominant type. MLST typing showed that all 15 strains were ST11 type, carrying multiple drug resistance genes (mdsA, mdsB, mdsC, gols, and sdiA) and mdtK gene, and all carried various invasiveness-related virulence genes. However, there were slight differences in virulence genes related to the secretion system of the pathogenic island among the different strains. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the system evolution showed that 15 strains could be divided into 2 different evolutionary branches. Conclusion The situation of multidrug resistance in Salmonella enteritidis in Xiangyang is serious, with dominant PFGE types and ST types, and it carries multiple drug resistance genes and various invasiveness-related virulence genes.