Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering trend of scarlet fever in Nantong from 2009 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for scarlet fever prevention and control. Methods The incidence data of scarlet fever in Nantong from 2009 to 2023 were analyzed. Descriptive analysis, seasonal index method and Joinpoint 5.2.0 software were used to analyze epidemiological characteristics. Spatial-temporal clustering was assessed with SaTScan 10.2.5 software. Results The average annual incidence of scarlet fever in Nantong from 2009 to 2023 was 6.54/100 000. The overall morbidity rate of scarlet fever in Nantong had an increasing trend from 2009 to 2019 with an average annual percentage change of 14.55% (t=3.36，P<0.05). The cases mainly occurred during late spring to early summer and late autumn to early winter. Students, preschool children and scattered children were the main scarlet fever population. The average annual incidence of males was significantly higher than that of females (χ²=7.00, P<0.05). Rugao City, Chongchuan District and Tongzhou District were identified as high-incidence areas, accounting for 76.51% of all reported cases. Spatial-temporal scan analysis indicated that Rugao City and Chongchuan District were primary cluster areas, spanning from 2015 to 2021 (RR=3.77, LLR=1 308.07, P<0.05). Conclusion The number of reported cases of scarlet fever in Nantong City from 2009 to 2023 shows epidemic and spatial clustering, mainly concentrated in the central urban area and adjacent counties (cities). It is necessary to strengthen health education and disease surveillance in high-incidence areas, as well as in key institutions and key populations before epidemic peaks.

The ambiguity of etiology makes temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) "difficult-to-treat". Emerging evidence underscores the therapeutic promise of exosomes in osteoarthritis management. Nonetheless, challenges such as low yields and insignificant efficacy of current exosome therapies necessitate significant advances. Addressing lower strontium (Sr) levels in arthritic synovial microenvironment, we studied the effect of Sr element on exosomes and miRNA selectively loading in synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs). Here, we developed an optimized system that boosts the yield of SMSC-derived exosomes (SMSC-EXOs) and improves their miRNA profiles with an elevated proportion of beneficial miRNAs, while reducing harmful ones by pretreating SMSCs with Sr. Compared to untreated SMSC-EXOs, Sr-pretreated SMSC-derived exosomes (Sr-SMSC-EXOs) demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy by mitigating chondrocyte ferroptosis and reducing osteoclast-mediated joint pain in TMJOA. Our results illustrate Alix's crucial role in Sr-triggered miRNA loading, identifying miR-143-3p as a key anti-TMJOA exosomal component. Interestingly, this system is specifically oriented towards synovium-derived stem cells. The insight into trace element-driven, site-specific miRNA selectively loading in SMSC-EXOs proposes a promising therapeutic enhancement strategy for TMJOA.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects* ; Osteoarthritis/drug therapy* ; Exosomes/drug effects* ; Strontium/pharmacology* ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/therapy* ; Temporomandibular Joint

Objective To explore the application value of serum heat shock protein 90α(Hsp90α)combined with β2-microglobulin(β2-MG)detection in the early diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods A total of 101 patients with CRC who received their first treatment were selected as the CRC group(no surgery,radiotherapy or chemotherapy before enrollment),100 patients with benign colon tumor admitted to our hospital during the same period were selected as the benign tumor group and 94 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in our hospital were used as the control group.The levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG in all subjects were detected by ELISA.Follow-up was conducted every three months within the first two years after surgery,and every six months in the third year,for a total follow-up period of 3 years,and the survival status of CRC patients within 3 years was recorded.ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG for CRC.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curves of CRC patients with different expression levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG.Results The serum levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG increased successively in the control group,the benign tumor group and the CRC group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in serum levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG between CRC patients of different genders,ages and lesion locations.The levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG in patients with tumor diameter＞5 cm,low differentiation degree,TNM stage Ⅲ and lymph node metastasis were higher than those in patients with tumor diameter≤5 cm,moderate to high differentiation degree,TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and no lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).The ROC results showed that the combined diagnostic efficacy of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG was superior to that of serum Hsp90α or β2-MG alone(Z=2.433,2.435,P＜0.05).Based on the average expression levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG in CRC patients(76.66 μg/L and 6.52 μg/L),patients were divided into the high expression group of Hsp90α(59 cases),the low expression group of Hsp90α(42 cases),the high expression group of β2-MG(63 cases)and the low expression group of β2-MG(38 cases).Among the 101 CRC patients,31 died and 70 survived,with a total survival rate of 69.31％.The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the 3-year survival rates of patients with high expression levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG were lower than theose of patients with low expression levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG(P＜0.01).Conclusion The expression levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG are both elevated in CRC patients,and they are closely related to the occurrence,development and prognosis of CRC.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) meningitis in children. Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. This study included 34 Hi meningitis patients who admitted to Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023. Data on clinical presentations, laboratory tests, hearing assessment and outcomes at discharge were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the outcome at discharge: favorable outcome group and unfavorable outcome group. Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test was used to estimate the risk factors for an unfavorable outcome at discharge. Results:Thirty-four patients were enrolled. There were 16 males and 18 females. The age at onset ranged from 3 months to 12 years. Fever (34 patients (100%)), convulsions (17 patients (50%)), and coma (21 patients (62%)) were the common clinical presentations. Twenty-four patients (71%) developed complications. There were 15 patients (44%) needed treatment in the intensive care unit, 5 patients (15%) received intubation, and 4 patients (12%) had developed shock. The favorable outcome group included 23 patients, and the unfavorable outcome group included 11 patients. Female, patients with limb movement disability, dystonia, ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus, and a concentration of glucose in the initial cerebrospinal fluid lower than 1 mmol/L were risk factors of unfavorable outcome at discharge (all P<0.05). Among the 23 patients (68%) in favorable outcomes group, 13 patients (57%) had data available on their long-term follow-up results, including 12 patients with favorable long-term outcomes and 1 patient with unfavorable long-term outcome. Among the 11 patients (32%) in unfavorable outcomegroup, 1 patient died, the other 10 patients (91%) had data available on their long-term outcomes. Eight patients had unfavorable long-term outcomes and 2 patients with favorable long-term outcomes. Patients who had unfavorable outcomes at discharge were at a greater risk of experiencing unfavorable long-term outcomes ( P=0.001). Conclusions:It is common for patients with Hi meningitis to have intracranial complications or develop into critical conditions. Patients who have limb movement disability, dystonia, ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus, and who exhibit a concentration of glucose in the initial cerebrospinal fluid lower than 1 mmol/L tend to have unfavorable outcomes; they need to be assessed for sequelae.

Objective:To investigate the effects of backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS (P: planning; A: attention; S: simultaneous; S:successive) theory on cognitive function, balance function and self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Elderly patients with post-stroke MCI admitted to the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from December 2022 to November 2023 were selected as the study objects by convenience sampling method. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table. The patients in the control group implemented routine care and rehabilitation training, while the observation group were implemented backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on the PASS theory. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Brunel Balance, and the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to evaluate the intervention effect before intervention, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of intervention, respectively.Results:A total of 116 elderly patients with post-stroke MCI were included, comprising 58 patients in the observation group (32 males and 26 females), aged (73.47 ± 7.10) years, and 58 patients in the control group (33 males and 25 females), aged (72.72 ± 8.37) years. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in the total scores of MoCA, SSEQ and Brunel Balance Scale between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). At 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total score of MoCA in the observation group were (20.10 ± 2.73), (22.98 ± 2.98) points, which were higher than those of the control group (18.24 ± 2.84), (20.47 ± 3.29) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.61, 4.32, both P<0.05). The total score of SSEQ in the observation group were (49.97 ± 7.73), (54.98 ± 7.88) points, which were higher than those in the control group (46.50 ± 8.69), (51.59 ± 6.10) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.27, 2.60, both P<0.05). At 4 weeks of intervention, the Brunel Balance Scale score in the observation group was 11(9, 11) points, which was higher than 10(8, 11) points in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.00, P<0.05). Conclusions:Backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS theory can effectively improve cognitive and balance functions, and enhance self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke MCI.

Objective To explore the application value of serum heat shock protein 90α(Hsp90α)combined with β2-microglobulin(β2-MG)detection in the early diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods A total of 101 patients with CRC who received their first treatment were selected as the CRC group(no surgery,radiotherapy or chemotherapy before enrollment),100 patients with benign colon tumor admitted to our hospital during the same period were selected as the benign tumor group and 94 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in our hospital were used as the control group.The levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG in all subjects were detected by ELISA.Follow-up was conducted every three months within the first two years after surgery,and every six months in the third year,for a total follow-up period of 3 years,and the survival status of CRC patients within 3 years was recorded.ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG for CRC.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curves of CRC patients with different expression levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG.Results The serum levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG increased successively in the control group,the benign tumor group and the CRC group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in serum levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG between CRC patients of different genders,ages and lesion locations.The levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG in patients with tumor diameter＞5 cm,low differentiation degree,TNM stage Ⅲ and lymph node metastasis were higher than those in patients with tumor diameter≤5 cm,moderate to high differentiation degree,TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and no lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05).The ROC results showed that the combined diagnostic efficacy of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG was superior to that of serum Hsp90α or β2-MG alone(Z=2.433,2.435,P＜0.05).Based on the average expression levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG in CRC patients(76.66 μg/L and 6.52 μg/L),patients were divided into the high expression group of Hsp90α(59 cases),the low expression group of Hsp90α(42 cases),the high expression group of β2-MG(63 cases)and the low expression group of β2-MG(38 cases).Among the 101 CRC patients,31 died and 70 survived,with a total survival rate of 69.31％.The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the 3-year survival rates of patients with high expression levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG were lower than theose of patients with low expression levels of Hsp90α and β2-MG(P＜0.01).Conclusion The expression levels of serum Hsp90α and β2-MG are both elevated in CRC patients,and they are closely related to the occurrence,development and prognosis of CRC.

Objective:To investigate the effects of backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS (P: planning; A: attention; S: simultaneous; S:successive) theory on cognitive function, balance function and self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Elderly patients with post-stroke MCI admitted to the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from December 2022 to November 2023 were selected as the study objects by convenience sampling method. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table. The patients in the control group implemented routine care and rehabilitation training, while the observation group were implemented backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on the PASS theory. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Brunel Balance, and the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to evaluate the intervention effect before intervention, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of intervention, respectively.Results:A total of 116 elderly patients with post-stroke MCI were included, comprising 58 patients in the observation group (32 males and 26 females), aged (73.47 ± 7.10) years, and 58 patients in the control group (33 males and 25 females), aged (72.72 ± 8.37) years. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in the total scores of MoCA, SSEQ and Brunel Balance Scale between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). At 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total score of MoCA in the observation group were (20.10 ± 2.73), (22.98 ± 2.98) points, which were higher than those of the control group (18.24 ± 2.84), (20.47 ± 3.29) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.61, 4.32, both P<0.05). The total score of SSEQ in the observation group were (49.97 ± 7.73), (54.98 ± 7.88) points, which were higher than those in the control group (46.50 ± 8.69), (51.59 ± 6.10) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.27, 2.60, both P<0.05). At 4 weeks of intervention, the Brunel Balance Scale score in the observation group was 11(9, 11) points, which was higher than 10(8, 11) points in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.00, P<0.05). Conclusions:Backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS theory can effectively improve cognitive and balance functions, and enhance self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke MCI.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) meningitis in children. Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. This study included 34 Hi meningitis patients who admitted to Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023. Data on clinical presentations, laboratory tests, hearing assessment and outcomes at discharge were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the outcome at discharge: favorable outcome group and unfavorable outcome group. Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test was used to estimate the risk factors for an unfavorable outcome at discharge. Results:Thirty-four patients were enrolled. There were 16 males and 18 females. The age at onset ranged from 3 months to 12 years. Fever (34 patients (100%)), convulsions (17 patients (50%)), and coma (21 patients (62%)) were the common clinical presentations. Twenty-four patients (71%) developed complications. There were 15 patients (44%) needed treatment in the intensive care unit, 5 patients (15%) received intubation, and 4 patients (12%) had developed shock. The favorable outcome group included 23 patients, and the unfavorable outcome group included 11 patients. Female, patients with limb movement disability, dystonia, ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus, and a concentration of glucose in the initial cerebrospinal fluid lower than 1 mmol/L were risk factors of unfavorable outcome at discharge (all P<0.05). Among the 23 patients (68%) in favorable outcomes group, 13 patients (57%) had data available on their long-term follow-up results, including 12 patients with favorable long-term outcomes and 1 patient with unfavorable long-term outcome. Among the 11 patients (32%) in unfavorable outcomegroup, 1 patient died, the other 10 patients (91%) had data available on their long-term outcomes. Eight patients had unfavorable long-term outcomes and 2 patients with favorable long-term outcomes. Patients who had unfavorable outcomes at discharge were at a greater risk of experiencing unfavorable long-term outcomes ( P=0.001). Conclusions:It is common for patients with Hi meningitis to have intracranial complications or develop into critical conditions. Patients who have limb movement disability, dystonia, ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus, and who exhibit a concentration of glucose in the initial cerebrospinal fluid lower than 1 mmol/L tend to have unfavorable outcomes; they need to be assessed for sequelae.

Objective To investigate the impact of statistical uncertainty per control point(SUpCP)on dose calculation on volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)for rectum cancer,and to analyze the accuracy and efficiency of calculation.Methods 19 patients with rectum cancer undergoing radiotherapy were selected.The initial VMAT plans were generated on Monaco TPS using SUpCP=3,then changed SUpCP in the dose calculation process as follow:10 SUpCPs(1～10)for each patient,and totally190 VMAT dose distributions were obtained.For plan evaluation,Dmax,Dmean,D95%,V50,homogeneity index(HI),conformity index(CI)of the planning target volume(PTV),dissymmetric variations of bladder,small intestine and femoral head,and time calculation(Time)were analyzed.Patient specific quality assurance(PSQA),dose deviation of isocenter(ΔDISO)and passing rate of three-dimensional dose distribution(γ33,γ32,γ22)between calculated and delivered radiation doses were measured.Results AsSUpC increased,Dmax and HI of PTV,Dmax of bladder were increased,but D95%and V50 of PTV,Time,γ32 and γ22 were decreased(P<0.05).Dmax and CI of PTV,Dmean of bladder,Dmax and Dmean of small intestine and femoral head,ΔDISO and γ33 showed no statistical significance(P>0.05).When ΔDISO<1%,gamma passing rate>90%for all VMAT plan.When SUpCP<6,Dmax of PTV<110%of the prescribed dose was obtained;while SUpCP>2,time for dose calculation was less than 5 min.Conclusion For VMAT plan of rectum cancer on Monaco TPS using XVMC algorithm,3%～5%of statistical uncertainty per control point for dose calculation,and 3%2 mm or 2%2 mm gamma criteria for three-dimensional dose verification is recommended.This study provides clinical application basis for precise dose calculation of VMAT plan of rectum cancer.

Objective:To explore the effect of triglyceride glucose(TyG) index, single nucleotide polymorphism of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) genes, and its interaction on the risk of gout.Methods:A total of 315 male patients with gout and 499 men for health checkup at the same period were selected. General data were collected through questionnaires, and peripheral venous blood was collected for biochemical test. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of NLRP3 and TLR4 were detected with multiplex ligase assay reaction, and logistic regression analysis was applied to compare the correlation between NLRP3 and TLR4 alleles and gout risk. The interaction of SNP and TyG index with gout was analyzed by generalized multi-factor dimensionality reduction(GMDR) model and logistic regression.Results:After adjusting for smoking, drinking, and other factors, the risk of gout increased by 61.1% for each standard deviation increase in TyG index. CC genotypes of rs10754558, rs10759932, and rs7525979 were high risk genotypes of gout in Han ethnicity. GMDR results showed significant differences in the interaction models of rs10754558-TyG index, rs7525979-TyG index, and rs10759932-TyG index between control group and gout group( P<0.05), suggesting an interaction between the three genotypes of SNPs selected and TyG index. Stratified analysis of the three selected SNPs and TyG index showed that after adjusting for age, smoking, and other factors, the high TyG index patients carrying C/C or C/G genotype at rs10754558 displayed an increased risk of gout compared with those carrying GG genotype and low TyG index( OR=2.127, P<0.05). Conclusion:The CC genotypes of rs10754558, rs10759932, and rs7525979 are high risk genotypes for gout in Han ethnicity. The interaction between rs10754558 and TyG index may increase the risk of gout development.