PURPOSE: The rate of complications among patients undergoing surgery has increased due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern. However, Omicron has shown decreased pathogenicity, raising questions about the risk of postoperative complications among patients who are infected with this variant. This study aimed to investigate complications and related factors among patients with recent Omicron infection prior to undergoing orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A historical control study was conducted. Data were collected from all patients who underwent surgery during 2 distinct periods: (1) between Dec 12, 2022 and Jan 31, 2023 (COVID-19 positive group), (2) between Dec 12, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022 (COVID-19 negative control group). The patients were at least 18 years old. Patients who received conservative treatment after admission or had high-risk diseases or special circumstances (use of anticoagulants before surgery) were excluded from the study. The study outcomes were the total complication rate and related factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on complications. RESULTS: In the analysis, a total of 847 patients who underwent surgery were included, with 275 of these patients testing positive for COVID-19 and 572 testing negative. The COVID-19-positive group had a significantly higher rate of total complications (11.27%) than the control group (4.90%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the OR was 3.08 (95% CI: 1.45-6.53). Patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at 3-4 weeks (OR = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.06-0.59), p = 0.005), 5-6 weeks (OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04-0.59), p = 0.010), or ≥7 weeks (OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06-1.02), p = 0.069) prior to surgery had a lower risk of complications than those who were diagnosed at 0-2 weeks prior to surgery. Seven factors (age, indications for surgery, time of operation, time of COVID-19 diagnosis prior to surgery, C-reactive protein levels, alanine transaminase levels, and aspartate aminotransferase levels) were found to be associated with complications; thus, these factors were used to create a nomogram. CONCLUSION Omicron continues to be a significant factor in the incidence of postoperative complications among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. By identifying the factors associated with these complications, we can determine the optimal surgical timing, provide more accurate prognostic information, and offer appropriate consultation for orthopedic surgery patients who have been infected with Omicron.
Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Nomograms ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

Objective:To develop a treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to test its reliability and validity.Methods:The initial scale was constructed through a literature search, Delphi expert correspondence, and cognitive testing. This study conducted a preliminary survey of 379 patients with MM and a formal survey of 865 patients from the hematology departments of 155 hospitals nationwide from February 2024 to March 2024. The final scale was obtained after conducting item analysis and reliability and validity tests on the initial scale.Results:The constructed scale contains 36 items covering six domains: physiological, psychological, social, treatment side effects, general health, and others. In the preliminary survey, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of each item ranged from 0.597 to 0.939, and the test-retest reliability was 0.747 ( P<0.001). Exploratory factor analysis extracted eight common factors with a cumulative variance contribution of 60.058%. In the formal survey, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of each item ranged from 0.484 to 0.930, and the test-retest reliability was 0.835 ( P<0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a comparative fit index of 0.750, a root-mean-square error of approximation of 0.090, and a root-mean-square residual of 0.067. Conclusion:The treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with MM designed in this study exhibited good reliability and validity, reflecting the impact of treatment on the quality of life of patients. This scale can provide a reference to clinicians for assessing the disease status of patients.

Aim To explore the uric acid lowering effects and mechanisms of acteoside(AS)and echina-coside(ECH)extracted from Cistanche tubulosa.Methods Hyperuricemia(HUA)rat model was es-tablished using potassium oxonate(1.5 g·kg-1·d-1)combined with adenine(100 mg·kg-1·d-1).The HUA model rats were randomly divided into a model control group,an allopurinol group(30 mg·kg-1·d-1),AS low and high(50,100 mg·kg-1·d-1)dose groups,and ECH low and high(50,100 mg·kg-1·d-1)dose groups.A normal control group was previously established.After four weeks of admin-istration,the blood biochemistry analyzer was used to detect SUA UREA,CREA,adenosine deaminase(ADA)and uric acid(UUA)levels in urine.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect xan-thine oxidase(XOD)levels in serum.Kidney tissue was collected,and kidney coefficient was weighed and calculated.Hematoxylin eosin(HE)staining was used to observe renal pathological changes.Immunohisto-chemistry(IHC)and Real time PCR were used to de-tect the protein and mRNA expression levels of urate transporter 1(UR AT1),glucose transporter 9(GLUT9),organic anion transporter 1(OAT1),and organic anion transporter 3(OAT3)in renal tissue.Results AS and ECH could improve renal function in HUA model rats,reduce SUA levels,promote uric acid excretion,downregulate serum levels of ADA and XOD,and upregulate protein and mRNA expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 in renal tissue,while upregulating protein and mRNA expression of OAT1 and OAT3 in renal tissue.Conclusions The phenylethanoid glyco-sides AS and ECH from Cistanche tubulosa may exert uric acid lowering effects by improving renal function in HUA model rats,reducing ADA and XOD levels,and regulating the expression of URAT1,GLUT9,OAT1,and OAT3.

Aim To explore the uric acid lowering effects and mechanisms of acteoside(AS)and echina-coside(ECH)extracted from Cistanche tubulosa.Methods Hyperuricemia(HUA)rat model was es-tablished using potassium oxonate(1.5 g·kg-1·d-1)combined with adenine(100 mg·kg-1·d-1).The HUA model rats were randomly divided into a model control group,an allopurinol group(30 mg·kg-1·d-1),AS low and high(50,100 mg·kg-1·d-1)dose groups,and ECH low and high(50,100 mg·kg-1·d-1)dose groups.A normal control group was previously established.After four weeks of admin-istration,the blood biochemistry analyzer was used to detect SUA UREA,CREA,adenosine deaminase(ADA)and uric acid(UUA)levels in urine.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect xan-thine oxidase(XOD)levels in serum.Kidney tissue was collected,and kidney coefficient was weighed and calculated.Hematoxylin eosin(HE)staining was used to observe renal pathological changes.Immunohisto-chemistry(IHC)and Real time PCR were used to de-tect the protein and mRNA expression levels of urate transporter 1(UR AT1),glucose transporter 9(GLUT9),organic anion transporter 1(OAT1),and organic anion transporter 3(OAT3)in renal tissue.Results AS and ECH could improve renal function in HUA model rats,reduce SUA levels,promote uric acid excretion,downregulate serum levels of ADA and XOD,and upregulate protein and mRNA expression of URAT1 and GLUT9 in renal tissue,while upregulating protein and mRNA expression of OAT1 and OAT3 in renal tissue.Conclusions The phenylethanoid glyco-sides AS and ECH from Cistanche tubulosa may exert uric acid lowering effects by improving renal function in HUA model rats,reducing ADA and XOD levels,and regulating the expression of URAT1,GLUT9,OAT1,and OAT3.

Objective:To develop a treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to test its reliability and validity.Methods:The initial scale was constructed through a literature search, Delphi expert correspondence, and cognitive testing. This study conducted a preliminary survey of 379 patients with MM and a formal survey of 865 patients from the hematology departments of 155 hospitals nationwide from February 2024 to March 2024. The final scale was obtained after conducting item analysis and reliability and validity tests on the initial scale.Results:The constructed scale contains 36 items covering six domains: physiological, psychological, social, treatment side effects, general health, and others. In the preliminary survey, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of each item ranged from 0.597 to 0.939, and the test-retest reliability was 0.747 ( P<0.001). Exploratory factor analysis extracted eight common factors with a cumulative variance contribution of 60.058%. In the formal survey, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of each item ranged from 0.484 to 0.930, and the test-retest reliability was 0.835 ( P<0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a comparative fit index of 0.750, a root-mean-square error of approximation of 0.090, and a root-mean-square residual of 0.067. Conclusion:The treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with MM designed in this study exhibited good reliability and validity, reflecting the impact of treatment on the quality of life of patients. This scale can provide a reference to clinicians for assessing the disease status of patients.

BACKGROUND: Human interleukin (IL)-37 is a constituent of the IL-1 family with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive attributes. It has been demonstrated extensive beneficial effects on various diseases; however, its role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. METHODS: In vivo, DCM mouse model was established with streptozotocin injection and a high-fat diet in WT and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) specific hIL-37b overexpression mice (IL-37-Tg). In vitro, primary mouse CFs were isolated from the hearts of adult mice and cultured with high levels of glucose and palmitic acid. Cardiac function of the mice was assessed using echocardiography. Masson staining, immunofluorescence, western blot and RT-PCR assays were employed to evaluate the expression of cardiac fibrosis and SOCS3-JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins. RESULTS: In this study, we found that CFs specific IL-37-Tg significantly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and reduced collagen production by inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 axis, as evidenced by the decreased levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in the heart of CFs specific IL-37-Tg DCM mice. The beneficial effects of IL-37 were consistently observed in CFs treated with high glucose (HG) and palmitic acid (PA). Moreover, we also discovered that the presence of IL-37 increased the expression of SOCS3, a crucial regulator of JAK/STAT signaling, in DCM mice and HG and PA-treated CFs. Finally, the anti-fibrotic action of IL-37 in HG and PA-treated CFs was abolished when either SOCS3 was genetically knocked down or JAK2/STAT3 was pharmacologically activated. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that IL-37 exerts its antifibrotic effect by promoting SOCS3-mediated JAK2-STAT3 inactivation and may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for DCM.

Objective To explore the current situation of the clean operating rooms in Guangdong provincial hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine or integrated Chinese and western medicine to provide references for standardizing the construc-tion of the clean operating room.Methods A questionnaire was designed according to GB 50333-2013 Architectural technical code for hospital clean operating department and WS/T 368-2012 Management specification of air cleaning technique in hospitals,and a questionnaire survey and field investigation were conducted from March to October 2021 on the operating rooms of 64 secondary and above hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine or integrated Chinese and western medicine in Guangdong province,which involved in the basic situation of the operating rooms,general requirements for constructing clean operating rooms,requirements for the layout of clean operating rooms and architectural decorations of the clean operating rooms.Results Of the 64 hospitals surveyed there were 51 ones(79.7％)with clean operating rooms.Tertiary hospitals were mainly equipped with Class Ⅲ clean operating rooms(45.8％),secondary hospitals were provided with general operating rooms(35.0％)and Class Ⅲ clean operating rooms(29.2％),and the differences in the types and classes of the operating rooms in levels of hospitals were statistically significant(P＜0.001).The proportions of tertiary hospitals configured with clean operating rooms and the highest configuration of Class I clean operating rooms were also significantly higher than those of secondary hospitals(94.3％vs 62.1％and 88.6％vs 44.8％,respectively),with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).There were 66.7％hospitals equipped with negative pressure operating rooms;more than 1/2(56.9％)of the hospitals had the service time of their clean operating rooms longer than 10 years.All the tertiary hospitals did not have air shower rooms in their walkways,while 16.7％secondary hospitals did,with the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).Most of the building decorations of clean operating rooms in all the hospitals complied with the specifications(compliance rate＞80.0％),and the difference was not statistically significant between the secondary and tertiary hospitals(P＞0.05);the compliance rate of the decrations of the tertiary hospitals was 78.8％for the requirements of general principle,which was obviously lower than that of the secondary hospitals(100％),with the differences being statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The clean operating rooms in Guangdong provincial hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine or integrated Chinese and western medicine behave well in configuration,while have some defficiencies in general requirements,layout and building,and necessary guidance,supervision and management have to be involved in to standardize the construction of clean operating rooms.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(10):77-83]

ObjectiveTo explore whether miR-375 regulates the malignant characteristics of osteosarcoma (OS) by influencing the expression of MMP13. MethodsPlasmid DNAs and miRNAs were transfected into OS cells and HEK293 cells using Lipofectamine 3000 reagent. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of miR-375 and MMP13 in OS patients and OS cells. Western blot was performed to analyze the MMP13 protein in the patients with OS and OS cells. The targeting relationship between miR-375 and MMP13 was analyzed by luciferase assay. Migration and invasion were analysed by heal wound and transwell assays, respectively. ResultsmiR-375 expression in OS tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. The expression of MMP13 was upregulated in OS tissues. MMP13 expression was negatively correlated withmiR-375 expression in patients with OS. Migration and invasion were significantly inhibited in OS cells with the miR-375 mimic compared with OS cells with the miRNA control. MMP13 partially reversed the inhibition of migration and invasion induced by miR-375 in the OS cells. ConclusionmiR-375 attenuates migration and invasion by downregulating the expression of MMP13 in OS cells.