ObjectiveTo analyze the expression level of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 （TREM-1） in serum and ascites of patients with cirrhotic ascites， and to investigate its correlation with clinical features and inflammatory markers and its role in the diagnosis of infection and prognostic evaluation. MethodsA total of 110 patients with cirrhotic ascites who were hospitalized in The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled， and according to the presence or absence of intra-abdominal infection， they were divided into infection group with 72 patients and non-infection group with 38 patients. The patients with infection were further divided into improvement group with 38 patients and non-improvement group with 34 patients. Clinical data and laboratory markers were collected from all patients. Serum and ascites samples were collected， and ELISA was used to measure the level of TREM-1. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between indicators. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and infection. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of each indicator， and the Delong test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve （AUC）. ResultsThe level of TREM-1 in ascites was significantly positively correlated with that in serum （r=0.50， P<0.001）. Compared with the improvement group， the non-improvement group had a significantly higher level of TREM-1 in ascites （Z=-2.391， P=0.017） and serum （Z=-2.544， P=0.011）， and compared with the non-infection group， the infection group had a significantly higher level of TREM-1 in ascites （Z=-3.420， P<0.001）， while there was no significant difference in the level of TREM-1 in serum between the two groups （P>0.05）. The level of TREM-1 in serum and ascites were significantly positively correlated with C-reactive protein （CRP）， procalcitonin （PCT）， white blood cell count， and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio （r=0.288， 0.344， 0.530， 0.510， 0.534， 0.454， 0.330， and 0.404， all P<0.05）. The ROC curve analysis showed that when PCT， CRP， and serum or ascitic TREM-1 were used in combination for the diagnosis of cirrhotic ascites with infection， the AUCs were 0.715 and 0.740， respectively. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CRP （odds ratio ［OR］=1.019， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.001‍ ‍—‍ ‍1.038， P=0.043） and serum TREM-1 （OR=1.002， 95%CI： 1.000‍ ‍—‍ ‍1.003， P=0.016） were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and infection， and the combination of these two indicators had an AUC of 0.728 in predicting poor prognosis. ConclusionThe level of TREM-1 is closely associated with the severity of infection and prognosis in patients with cirrhotic ascites， and combined measurement of TREM-1 and CRP/PCT can improve the diagnostic accuracy of infection and provide support for prognostic evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of GGN repeat polymorphism of androgen receptor (AR) with ovarian reserve and ovarian response in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). METHODS: This genetic association study was conducted among a total of 361 women aged ≤40 years with basal FSH≤12 U/L undergoing the GnRH-agonist long protocol for COS in a university-affiliated IVF center. GGN repeat in the AR gene was analyzed with Sanger sequencing. The primary endpoint was the number of antral follicle counts (AFCs), and the secondary endpoints were stimulation days, total dose of gonadotropin (Gn) used, total number of retrieved oocytes, ovarian sensitivity index, and follicular output rate. RESULTS: The GGN repeat in exon 1 of the AR gene ranged from 13 to 24, and the median repeat length was 22. Based on the genotypes (S for GGN repeats <22, L for GGN repeats ≥22), the patients were divided into 3 groups: SS, SL, and LL. Generalized regression analysis indicated that the number of AFCs in group SS was significantly lower than those in group SL (adjusted β=1.8, 95% CI: 0.2-3.4, P=0.024) and group LL (adjusted β=1.5, 95% CI: 0.2-2.7, P=0.021). No significant difference was observed in the number of AFCs between group SL and group LL (P>0.05). Generalized regression analysis indicated no significant differences in ovarian stimulation parameters among the 3 groups, either before or after adjusting for confounding factors (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS GGN repeat length on the AR gene is associated with AFC but not with ovarian response in Chinese women, indicating that AR gene polymorphisms may affect ovarian reserve.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Genotype ; Ovarian Follicle/cytology* ; Ovarian Reserve/genetics* ; Ovulation Induction/methods* ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Androgen/genetics* ; East Asian People/genetics*

Periodontal bone defects, primarily caused by periodontitis, are highly prevalent in clinical settings and manifest as bone fenestration, dehiscence, or attachment loss, presenting a significant challenge to oral health. In regenerative medicine, harnessing developmental principles for tissue repair offers promising therapeutic potential. Of particular interest is the condensation of progenitor cells, an essential event in organogenesis that has inspired clinically effective cell aggregation approaches in dental regeneration. However, the precise cellular coordination mechanisms during condensation and regeneration remain elusive. Here, taking the tooth as a model organ, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect the cellular composition and heterogeneity of human dental follicle and dental papilla, revealing a distinct Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) population with remarkable odontogenic potential. Interestingly, a reciprocal paracrine interaction between PDGFRA⁺ dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) and CD31⁺ Endomucin⁺ endothelial cells (ECs) was mediated by Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Platelet-derived growth factor subunit BB (PDGFBB). This crosstalk not only maintains the functionality of PDGFRA⁺ DFSCs but also drives specialized angiogenesis. In vivo periodontal bone regeneration experiments further reveal that communication between PDGFRA⁺ DFSC aggregates and recipient ECs is essential for effective angiogenic-osteogenic coupling and rapid tissue repair. Collectively, our results unravel the importance of MSC-EC crosstalk mediated by the VEGFA and PDGFBB-PDGFRA reciprocal signaling in orchestrating angiogenesis and osteogenesis. These findings not only establish a framework for deciphering and promoting periodontal bone regeneration in potential clinical applications but also offer insights for future therapeutic strategies in dental or broader regenerative medicine.
Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism* ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology* ; Dental Sac/cytology* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Transcriptome ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Bone Regeneration ; Animals ; Dental Papilla/cytology* ; Periodontium/physiology* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Regeneration ; Angiogenesis

Objective:To investigate the expression level and application value of anti-carbamylated protein(CarP)antibody in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Methods:Demographic data and laboratory test results of RA patients,non-RA patients and healthy controls in the physical examination center were re-viewed from December 2018 to June 2019 in the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of the Peo-ple's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.The serum concentrations of anti-CarP antibodies in all the subjects were measured by ELISA and statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 259 subjects were included in this study,including 158 in the RA group(45 serum-negative RA patients),59 in the non-RA group and 42 in the healthy control group.The concentration of anti-CarP antibody in RA group[8.31(5.22,15.26)U/mL]was higher than that in non-RA group[4.50(3.35,5.89)U/mL]and healthy control group[3.46(2.76,4.92)U/mL].The concentration of anti-CarP antibody in non-RA group was not significantly different from that in healthy control group(P=0.10).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of anti-CarP antibody in the diagnosis of RA was 58.2％,and the specificity was 93.1％.The sensitivity of the combined detection of anti-CarP antibody,anti-cyclic peptide containing citrulline(CCP)antibody and rheumatoid factor(RF)was 82.3％,and the specificity was 96.5％.The positive rate of anti-CarP antibody in serum-negative RA patients was 44.4％(20/45).Univariate Logisitic regression analysis showed that age,C-reactive pro-tein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),RF,glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(GPI),anti-CCP antibody and anti-CarP antibody were risk factors for RA.Multivariate Logisitic regression analysis showed that anti-CCP antibody and anti-CarP antibody were independent risk factors for RA.Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between anti-CarP antibody and swol-len joint count(SJC),tenderness joints count(TJC),ESR,disease activity score for 28 joints(DAS28),clinical disease activity index(CDAI),simplified disease activity index(SDAI).The concentration of anti-CarP antibody in RA with bone erosion(n=88)was higher than that in RA without bone erosion(n=70),and there was significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Anti-CarP antibody is an effective serological marker for the diagnosis of RA.The combined detection of RF,anti-CCP antibody and anti-CarP antibody can improve its diagnostic value,and anti-CarP antibody may be an effective assistant diagnostic tool for serum negative RA.The high serum concentration of anti-CarP antibody in patients with RA may indicate an increased risk of bone erosion and should be treated early,but further cohort studies are needed for follow-up observation.

OBJECTIVE To Analysis of CT and MRI imaging features of arrested pneumatisation of the sphenoid sinus and differentiate from osteogenic and chondrogenic tumours of the region.METHODS Retrospective analysis of CT and MRI findings was performed of 13 patients with sphenoid sinus arrested pneumatisation and 20 patients with osteogenic and chondrogenic tumours and tumor like lesions in the same period.Evaluation indicators included location,size,density,presence of expansive changes,calcification,cortical bone changes,MRI signal characteristics,signal changes after fat suppression,degree of enhancement,and statistical analysis was conducted.RESULTS Finally,the location includes the sphenoid body(4 cases),pterygoid process(3 cases)and multiple involved areas(6 cases).The arrested pneumatisation area is mainly characterized by fat density or mixed density of adipose and soft tissue.The longest diameter of the arrested pneumatisation zone is 0.8-4.1 cm.There is internal calcification(7 cases)and without bone expansive changes(13 cases).Cases with intact bone cortex(13 cases);On MRI T1WI,high signal(11 cases),equal signal(2 cases),on T2WI,high signal(10 cases),equal signal(3 cases).Decreased signal after fat suppression(13 cases),no significant enhancement(10 cases),and slight enhancement(3 cases).CONCLUSION The arrested pneumatisation of sphenoid sinus is a rare anatomical variation characterized by a mixed density of fat or soft tissue,intact bone cortex,without bone expansive changes,decreased signal of MRI fat suppression,and no obvious enhancement,which will help to differentiate from osteogenic and chondrogenic tumours of the region.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of the compound drug Weng-Li-Tong(WLT)against cisplatin(CDDP)-induced hepatocyte injury.Methods A cellular injury model was established by treating murine hepatocyte line BNL CL.2 with CDDP(80 μmol/L).Experimental groups were divided as follows:CDDP group(modeling only),WLT group(intervention with 1 g/L WLT),WLT+CDDP group(co-administration of CDDP and 1 g/L WLT),and a control group(normal culture).The protective effect of the compound drug WLT on CDDP-mediated hepatocyte injury was evaluated using CCK-8 assay,PI staining,crystal violet staining,Western blotting,reactive oxygen species(ROS)detection,and apoptosis analysis.Results Compared with the control group,the number of dead cells increased significantly(P＜0.001)in the CDDP group,but no cytotoxicity was observed in the WLT group.The hepatocyte morphology in the WLT+CDDP group showed improvement with no obvious shrinkage compared to the CDDP group,as evidenced by the reduced proportion of PI-positive cells.Crystal violet staining results also indicated a higher cell count in the WLT+CDDP group than in the CDDP group,suggesting the protective effect of WLT against CDDP-mediated liver injury.Under CDDP intervention,the expression of the apoptosis-related protein Cleaved Caspase-3 increased.However,in the WLT+CDDP group,the expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 decreased,while the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 increased.Additionally,compared to the CDDP group,the WLT+CDDP group showed a reduction in ROS production[DCFH-DA staining positive rate(％):56.20±1.65 vs.44.57±0.31]and a decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells[proportion of early and late apoptotic cells(％):43.60±0.44 vs.19.57±0.78;33.30±1.02 vs.14.83±0.57].Conclusion The compound drug WLT exhibits a protective effect against CDDP-mediated hepatocyte injury,suggesting potential therapeutic value in acute liver injury models.

Objective:To assess the effectiveness of a 6-month Ba Duan Jin exercise program in improving the balance of community-dwelling older adults.Methods:A two arms, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 1 028 community residents aged 60-80 years in 40 communities in 5 provinces of China. Participants in the intervention group (20 communities, 523 people) received Ba Duan Jin exercise 5 days/week, 1 hour/day for 6 months, and three times of falls prevention health education, and the control group (20 communities, 505 people) received falls prevention health education same as the intervention group. The Berg balance scale (BBS) score was the leading outcome indicator, and the secondary outcome indicators included the length of time of standing on one foot (with eyes open and closed), standing in a tandem stance (with eyes open and closed), the closed circle test, and the timed up to test.Results:A total of 1 028 participants were included in the final analysis, including 731 women (71.11%) and 297 men (28.89%), and the age was (69.87±5.67) years. After the 3-month intervention, compared with the baseline data, the BBS score of the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group by 3.05 (95% CI: 2.23-3.88) points ( P<0.001). After the 6-month intervention, compared with the baseline data, the BBS score of the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group by 4.70 (95% CI: 4.03-5.37) points ( P<0.001). Ba Duan Jin showed significant improvement ( P<0.05) in all secondary outcomes after 6 months of exercise in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusions:This study showed that Ba Duan Jin exercise can improve balance in community-dwelling older adults aged 60-80. The longer the exercise time, the better the improvement.

Objective To investigate the effects of esketamine on hypoxic-ischemic myocardial injury in neonatal rats based on glycogen synthase kinase-3β/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-containing protein 3 (GSK-3β/NLRP3) pathway. Methods Thirty neonatal rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and esketamine group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the sham operation group underwent a median incision in the neck to expose the bilateral common carotid arteries; the rats in the model group and the esketamine group underwent ligation of the common carotid arteries combined with a hypoxic environment to establish a model ofischemia and hypoxia; the rats in the esketamine group were given esketamine intervention (50 mg/kg). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β levels, myocardial injury, myocardial cell apoptosis and apoptosis protein caspase 1/3/9 levels, neutrophil infiltration in myocardial tissue, and changes in GSK-3β and NLRP3 protein levels in myocardial tissue were detected in each group. Results Compared with the sham operation group, the LVEF and LVFS were significantly decreased and the LVEDD and LVESD were significantly increased in the model group, while the LVEF and LVFS were significantly higher and the LVEDD and LVESD were significantly lower in the esketamine group than in the model group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of CK-MB, cTnI, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, myocardial injury and apoptosis, caspase 1/3/9 protein levels in myocardial tissue sections, neutrophil counts, and GSK-3β and NLRP3 protein levels were significantly increased in the model group, and these indicators were significantly lower in the esketamine group than in the model group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Esketamine improves hypoxic-ischemic myocardial injury in neonatal rats by inhibiting inflammation, and its mechanism of action is related to the GSK-3β/NLRP3 pathway.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) in Bozidun Kirghiz township of Xinjiang Aksu region, and to explore the risk factors for the occurrence of HUA in the local area.Methods:A cross-sectional survey study was conducted by randomly selecting 9 villages in Bozidun Kirgiz Township by the whole-group sampling method and questionnaire were distributed to the households. The questionnaire included: demographic information, history of past illness, personal history, and all subjects were measured for height, weight, blood pressure, abdominal circumference, etc. The diagnostic of HUA if the serum uric acid (SUA) level >420 μmol/L in men or >360 μmol/L in women. The incidences of HUA in different age, sex, food type and life style behavior were analyzed. T test, non-parametric test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the differences among the groups, and logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors. Results:①A total of 2 138 subjects were surveyed, among which 68 patients were with HUA, the prevalence of HUA in Bozidun Kirghiz township, Aksu region in the general population was 3.18%(68/2 138); the prevalence rate in men was 4.60%(45/978), 45 patients were identified; and the prevalence rate in women was 1.98%(23/1 160), 23 patients were identified. The peak age of HUA in male and female patients was 51~60 years old. ②The prevalence of HUA was lower in those who consumed dairy products ( χ2=6.91, P=0.017), nuts ( χ2=8.43, P=0.038) and eggs ( χ2=7.38, P=0.023), and lower in those who consumed more. Different intake of cereals ( χ2=0.87, P=0.647), meat( χ2=0.82, P=0.662), vegetables and fruits( χ2=5.22, P=0.073) had no effect on the prevalence of HUA.③In terms of different life behaviors, the prevalence of HUA in men who had been smoking was higher than those who had never smoked (57.78%, 28.89%, 13.33%, χ2=8.16, P=0.017). In the relationship between drinking and HUA, the prevalence rates of male always drinking, ever drinking and never drinking were 80.00%, 11.11% and 3.89%, respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.67, P=0.038). ④Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that high BMI, old age, high TG, increased Cr and increased WBC were risk factors for the occurrence of HUA [ OR(95% CI)=1.13(1.04, 1.23), 1.03(1.00,1.05),1.39(1.00, 1.93), 1.03(1.02, 1.05), 1.27(1.07, 1.49), all P<0.05]. Conclusion:The prevalence of HUA in Bozidun Kirgiz township in Aksu prefecture of Xinjiang is lower than that in other areas with continental climate. High BMI, old age, high TG, increased Cr and increased WBC count are risk factors for the development of HUA .

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of 101 patients with Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Xingbin District, Laibin City from 2017 to 2023, providing data for the prevention and control of strongyloidiasis. 　　Methods Clinical data of 101 patients diagnosed with Strongyloides stercoralis infection at Xingbin District People's Hospital from 2017 to 2023 were collected. Statistical analysis was performed on patients' symptoms, anemia status, age, gender, occupation, education level, and other relevant factors. Results Among the 101 cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infection, there were 79 males and 22 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.6∶1. The majority of patients were from rural areas, primarily engaged in agriculture, and had a lower level of education. The average age was (65.32±12.48) years, with 67 elderly patients over 60 years old (accounting for 66.64%). Only about one-third of the patients showed gastrointestinal symptoms, but most patients had other comorbid conditions such as lung infection (28.7%), hypertension (24.6%), gouty and rheumatoid arthritis (18%), diabetes (13%), and malignant tumors (12%). Laboratory tests revealed that most patients (>40%) had anemia, positive fecal occult blood, and eosinophilia. Conclusions Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Xingbin District, Laibin City, predominantly affects elderly individuals with low levels of education from rural areas, with more males than females. Only some patients present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, but most exhibit comorbid conditions including pulmonary infection, hypertension, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, malignant tumors, etc. Coinfection poses a risk of accelerating and exacerbating disease progression, underscoring the need to strengthen the prevention and control of local Strongyloides stercoralis infection.