A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in SLCO2A1, c.1658T > A and c.96+4A > C.Through multidisciplinary consultation, we confirmed the diagnosis of pachydermoperiostosis.

Objective To evaluate cardiac involvement in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) using echocardiography combined with electrocardiography. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the detailed medical records of AAV patients treated in Jining First People’s Hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. Eighty patients were enrolled in the AAV group, and the risk of heart disease was compared between the AAV group and a control group with 80 subjects matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 78.75% of patients in the AAV group, while significant electrocardiographic abnormalities only occurred in symptomatic patients in the control group. There were no differences in left atrial enlargement or interventricular septal thickening between the AAV group and the control group. The overall left ventricular systolic function in the AAV group was lower than that in the control group (8.75% vs. 0). The incidence of reduced diastolic function in the AAV group was significantly higher than that in the control group (37.5% vs. 15%). The incidence rates of tricuspid regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and pericardial effusion in the AAV group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Pericardial thickening, aortic stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and rare periaortic granulomas were found in the AAV group, but not in the control group. Conclusion Echocardiography and electrocardiography are important examination methods for evaluating cardiac involvement in AAV. These methods have key roles in disease screening, diagnosis and treatment, follow-up, and prognosis judgment.

Quinic acid(QA)has antioxidant,anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects,but its pro-tective effect against bovine mastitis remains to be further investigated.The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of quinic acid(QA)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation and pyroptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells(MAC-T)and mouse mammary tissues.The CCK-8 method was applied to screen the treatment concentration of QA in MAC-T cells.The ELISA method was used to detect the expression levels of inflammatory factors,oxidative stress factors and pyroptosis indicators.The distribution of CD3 in mouse mam-mary tissues was detected by the immunohistochemical method.p65 nuclear translocation was measured by immunofluorescence.Western blot was performed to test the protein and phosphoryl-ation levels of NF-κB,the inflammasome of NOD-like receptor(NLRP3),Caspase-11 and gasder-min D(GSDMD).The results showed that QA(20,40 and 60 mg/L)significantly increased the activity of MAC-T cells(P＜0.05).QA treatment significantly reduced LPS-induced expression of inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-1β and IL 6),oxidative stress indicators(COX-2 and iNOS)and pyroptosis indicators(ROS,LDH and IL-18)in both MAC-T cells and mouse mammary tissues in a manner of dose-dependence(P＜0.05).Moreover,after intraperitoneal injection of QA at 5,10 and 20 mg/kg,respectively,the expression of T-lymphocyte marker CD3 induced by LPS was sig-nificantly downregulated in mouse breast tissues(P＜0.05).In addition,QA significantly de-creased the LPS-induced expression of NF-κB(IκBα,p65,p-IκBα and p-p65),inflammasome(NL-RP3,ASC and Caspase-1),Caspase-11 and DSDMD in both MAC-T cells and mouse mammary tis-sues,and inhibited p65 nuclear transfer in MAC-T cells(P＜0.05).Overall,the above results indi-cate that QA inhibits inflammatory response and pyroptosis through NF-κB and NLRP3 inflamma-some in both MAC-T cells and mouse mammary tissues.The results of this study provide novel da-ta on the prevention and treatment of mastitis by plant active ingredients.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of enterovirus 71 (EV71) and the genetic characteristics of VP1 region in common hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022.Methods:Throat swabs from mild HFMD in Shenzhen sentinel hospitals were collected from 2016 to 2022. A total of 38 EV71-positive samples were screened from these throat swabs and were sequenced. Then, the VP1 sequence of these EV71-positive samples were analyzed for their phylogenetic evolution by bioimformatics software DNAStar and MEGA 6.Results:From 2016 to 2022, the number of EV71 infections among HFMD patients in Shenzhen sentinel hospitals decreased from 136 in 2016 to 0 in 2022. The mumber of EV71 infections in 2018 and 2019 decreased by 96.3%(257/267) compared to that in 2016 and 2017. From 2020 to 2022, the number of EV71 infections decreased to 0. During this period, the EV71 vaccination rate among HFMD patients increased from 6.4% to 39.6%; Evolutionary analysis showed that the nucleotide homology and amino acid homology between 38 EV71 sample strains in Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022 were 91.8%-99.9% and 98.3%-100.0%, all belonging to the C4a subgenotype; Among them, 26 strains wene local epidemic strains, and 11 strains were imported from other provinces, with a close genetic relationship with epidemic strains in Hainan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Tianjin, Henan, Jilin, and other places. One strain from 2017 had the closest genetic relationship with the US epidemic strain OP207969-USA-2017. Further comparing the EV71 epidemic strains in Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022 and EV71 severe strains, it was found that the EV71 strains in Shenzhen carried four amino acid mutation sites related to severe condition, named R22H, K43R, I249V and T289A.Conclusions:The EV71 epidemic strains in Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022 all belong to the C4a subgenotype, and the number of EV71 infection shows a downward trend with the increase of vaccine coverage rate. At the same time, the distribution of EV71 virus strains in Shenzhen shows a significant decrease in local strains and a predominance of imported strains. There are a total of four amino acid mutation sites associated with severe cases in the EV71 sample strains in Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022. Among them, 22R and 289T are located at the N and C ends of VP1, which are related to EV71 adsorption and targeting cells. The 43R site is associated with binding ability to Annexin2 protein, which enhances cell binding ability.

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Tongren City, and to provide a basis for scientific iodine supplementation of key population.Methods:From 2020 to 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted, and one township (street) was selected from each of the five districts of east, west, south, north, and central in 10 counties (districts) of Tongren City each year. Twenty pregnant women were selected from each township (street) for the determination of iodine level in household salt samples and one random urine sample. The levels of salt iodine and urinary iodine in pregnant women from different years and regions, as well as the distribution of urinary iodine during different pregnancy periods, were compared and analyzed.Results:A total of 3 000 household edible salt samples were collected from pregnant women, with a median salt iodine level of 27.3 mg/kg. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.7% (2 991/3 000), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 96.1% (2 875/2 991), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 95.8% (2 875/3 000). There was a statistically significant difference in the iodine level of household salt consumed by pregnant women in different years ( H = 6.85, P < 0.001). A total of 3 000 urine samples from pregnant women were tested, and the median urinary iodine was 177.4 μg/L. By years, the median urinary iodine levels in different years were 197.8, 169.2, and 168.3 μg/L, with statistically significant differences ( H = 35.46, P < 0.001). By region, there were statistically significant differences in the median urinary iodine levels of pregnant women in different counties (districts, H = 104.00, P < 0.001); among them, Yuping County had the lowest median urinary iodine level, at 149.8 μg/L. By pregnancy periods, there were no statistically significant difference in the median urinary iodine levels of pregnant women in different pregnancy periods ( H = 177.44, P = 0.290). Conclusions:The overall iodine nutrition level of pregnant women in Tongren City is appropriate, and the iodine nutrition of pregnant women in individual areas is insufficient. We should continue to strengthen the monitoring of iodine nutrition level, pay attention to the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in key areas, and guide pregnant women to supplement iodine scientifically.

Aim To explore the impacts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on the phenotypes, endocy-tosis and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK)/P38 mitogen-ac-tivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in indoxyl sulfate (IS) -induced dendritic cells (DCs). Methods After treatment with 30, 300 and 600 (xmol · L

BACKGROUND:Previous literature reported that the fusion cage moved more than 2 mm from its original position,which means that the fusion cage moved backward.At present,clinical observation has found that the factors leading to the displacement of the fusion cage are complex,and the relationship between these factors and the cage retropulsion is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the risk factors related to cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion. METHODS:Retrospective analysis was conducted in 200 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery with a polyetheretherketone interbody fusion from February 2020 to February 2022.According to the distance from the posterior edge of the vertebral fusion cage to the posterior edge of the vertebral body after the operation(the second day after the removal of the drainage tube)and 1,3,6 and 12 months after the operation,patients were divided into cage retropulsion group(≥2 mm)and cage non-retropulsion group(<2 mm).The factors that may affect cage retropulsion,such as age,gender,body mass index,bone mineral density,operation time,bleeding,endplate injury,preoperative and postoperative interbody height,cage implantation depth,cage size,and segmental anterior convexity angle,were analyzed by univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Posterior displacement of the fusion cage occurred in 15 cases(15/200).The differences in basic information such as age and body mass index between the two groups were not statistically significant.(2)The results of the univariate analysis were that gap height difference,time to wear a brace,segmental anterior convexity angle difference,bone mineral density,and age were related to posterior migration of the cage.(3)The results of logistic regression analysis were that cage size,endplate injury condition,and depth of cage implantation were risk factors for cage retropulsion.(4)These findings suggest that cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion is caused by multiple factors,including segmental anterior convexity angle difference,bone mineral density,cage size,endplate damage,time to wear a brace,and depth of cage implantation.

BACKGROUND:Nano-zirconium dioxide has good application potential in the field of bone tissue repair.Studying the effect of nano-zirconium dioxide on osteogenic differentiation will help to promote the clinical application of nano-zirconium dioxide in the treatment of bone defects. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of nano-zirconium dioxide on the osteogenic differentiation of ectomesenchymal stem cells in the nasal mucosa. METHODS:Ectomesenchymal stem cells derived from rat nasal mucosa were isolated and cultured,and the biotoxicity of nano-zirconium dioxide to the cells was detected by CCK-8 assay.The biosafety concentration was selected according to the cytotoxicity,and the cells were randomly divided into a control group,a nano-zirconium dioxide group,and a nano-hydroxyapatite group.Osteogenic differentiation of cells was directionally induced in each group.On day 7 of induced differentiation,alkaline phosphatase staining was performed.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression of early osteogenic markers(Runx2 and Osx).On day 21 of induced differentiation,alizarin red staining was conducted.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were utilized to determine the expression levels of late osteogenic markers(OPN and OCN). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The median lethal concentration of nano-zirconium dioxide on ectomesenchymal stem cells in nasal mucosa was 0.6 mg/mL.In the experiment,the mass concentration of 200 μg/mL was selected for intervention.Zirconium dioxide had no significant effect on the proliferation of the cells.(2)Compared with the control group,the alkaline phosphatase staining of the cells in the nano-zirconium dioxide group was more obvious and the level of cell mineralization was higher,but there was no significant difference compared with the nano-hydroxyapatite.(3)Compared with the control group,the expression of bone-related genes and proteins increased significantly,but there was no significant difference compared with nano-hydroxyapatite.(4)The results show that nano-zirconium dioxide has good biological safety and can promote the osteogenic differentiation of ectomesenchymal stem cells in the nasal mucosa.This promoting effect is equivalent to that of nano-hydroxyapatite.

Objective:To analyze the iodine nutritional status of children aged 8 - 10 in Tongren City, Guizhou Province, and provide a basis for scientific iodine supplementation for children.Methods:From 2020 to 2022, a systematic sampling method was adopted in 10 districts and counties of Tongren City. Each year, each district and county was divided into 5 districts based on east, west, south, north, and center. One township (street) was selected from each district, and 40 non boarding students aged 8 to 10 were selected from each township (street) to measure the iodine content of household salt and urine samples. The content of salt iodine in children of different yesas as well as the distribution of urine iodine in children of different districts and counties and different genders were analyzed and compared. Additionally, B-ultrasound was used to measure the thyroid volume of some children and the situation of thyroid enlargement was analyzed.Results:From 2020 to 2022, a total of 6 000 salt samples were collected and monitored from children's households, and 5 989 samples of iodized salt were detected, the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.8%; and 5 750 samples of qualified iodized salt were found, the qualified rate of iodized salt was 96.0%, the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 95.8%; and the median salt iodine was 27.3 mg/kg, the difference in the median salt iodine among children between different years was statistically significant ( H = 10.04, P < 0.001). A total of 6 000 urine samples from children were tested, the median urinary iodine was 225.2 μg/L, the median urinary iodine among children in different districts and counties were statistically significantly different ( H = 85.73, P < 0.001); 3 077 male and 2 923 female urine samples were tested, and the median urinary iodine between different genders was statistically significant different ( Z = - 67.10, P < 0.001). The median urinary iodine of male samples were higher than those of female samples(227.8 vs 222.9 μg/L). The thyroid gland of 2 000 children was examined, and the rate of goiter was 1.0% (21/2 000). Conclusions:From 2020 to 2022, the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt, urinary iodine content and goiter rate of children in Tongren City have all met the national standard for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders. The overall iodine nutrition level exceeds the appropriate amount (urinary iodine of 200 - 299 μg/L).

Objective Tissue uptake and distribution of nano-/microplastics was studied at a single high dose by gavage in vivo.Methods Fluorescent microspheres (100 nm, 3 μm, and 10 μm) were given once at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·body weight). The fluorescence intensity (FI) in observed organs was measured using the IVIS Spectrum at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after administration. Histopathology was performed to corroborate these findings.Results In the 100 nm group, the FI of the stomach and small intestine were highest at 0.5 h, and the FI of the large intestine, excrement, lung, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscles were highest at 4 h compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the 3 μm group, the FI only increased in the lung at 2 h (P < 0.05). In the 10 μm group, the FI increased in the large intestine and excrement at 2 h, and in the kidney at 4 h (P < 0.05). The presence of nano-/microplastics in tissues was further verified by histopathology. The peak time of nanoplastic absorption in blood was confirmed.Conclusion Nanoplastics translocated rapidly to observed organs/tissues through blood circulation;however, only small amounts of MPs could penetrate the organs.