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.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and bacterial resistance of bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus mitis in children with hematological disease, so as to provide a reference for infection control. METHODS: The clinical information and laboratory findings of pediatric patients complicated with blood cultures positive for Streptococcus mitis from January 2018 to December 2020 in the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital were searched and collected. The clinical characteristics, susceptibility factors, and antibiotic resistance of the children were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Data analysis from 2018 to 2020 showed that the proportion of Streptococcus mitis isolated from bloodstream infections in children (≤14 years old) with hematological diseases was the highest (19.91%) and significantly higher than other bacteria, accounting for 38.64% of Gram-positive cocci, and presented as an increasing trend year by year. A total of 427 children tested positive blood cultures, including 85 children with bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus mitis who tested after fever. Most children experienced a recurrent high fever in the early and middle stages (≤6 d) of neutropenia and persistent fever for more than 3 days. After adjusting the antibiotics according to the preliminary drug susceptibility results, the body temperature of most children (63.5%) returned to normal within 4 days. The 85 children were mainly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), accounting for 84.7%. The proportion of children in the neutropenia stage was 97.7%. The incidence of oral mucosal damage, lung infection, and gastrointestinal injury symptoms was 40%, 31.8%, and 27.1%, respectively. The ratio of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin was 65.9% and 9.4%, respectively. All isolated strains of Streptococcus mitis were not resistant to vancomycin and linezolid, and the resistance rate to penicillin, cefotaxime, levofloxacin, and quinupristin-dalfopristin was 10.6%, 8.2%, 9.4%, and 14.1%, respectively. None of children died due to bloodstream infection caused by Streptococcus mitis. CONCLUSION The infection rate of Streptococcus mitis is increasing year by year in children with hematological diseases, especially in children with AML. Among them, neutropenia and oral mucosal damage after chemotherapy are high-risk infection factors. The common clinical symptoms include persistent high fever, oral mucosal damage, and elevated CRP. Penicillin and cephalosporins have good sensitivity. Linezolid, as a highly sensitive antibiotic, can effectively control infection and shorten the course of disease.
Humans ; Child ; Streptococcal Infections/microbiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Hematologic Diseases/complications* ; Streptococcus mitis ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Risk Factors ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Female ; Male ; Bacteremia/microbiology* ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers-based prediction of long-term risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. We aim to develop a risk score integrating clinical routine information (C) and plasma biomarkers (B) for predicting long-term risk of ACS patients. METHODS: We included 2729 ACS patients from the OCEA (Observation of cardiovascular events in ACS patients). The earlier admitted 1910 patients were enrolled as development cohort; and the subsequently admitted 819 subjects were treated as validation cohort. We investigated 10-year risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) and all cause death in these patients. Potential variables contributing to risk of clinical events were assessed using Cox regression models and a score was derived using main part of these variables. RESULTS: During 16,110 person-years of follow-up, there were 238 CV death/MI in the development cohort. The 7 most important predictors including in the final model were NT-proBNP, D-dimer, GDF-15, peripheral artery disease (PAD), Fibrinogen, ST-segment elevated MI (STEMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), termed as CB-ACS score. C-index of the score for predication of cardiovascular events was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.82) in development cohort and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76-0.78) in the validation cohort (5832 person-years of follow-up), which outperformed GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS risk score. The CB-ACS score was also well calibrated in development and validation cohort (Greenwood-Nam-D'Agostino: P = 0.70 and P = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS CB-ACS risk score provides a useful tool for long-term prediction of CV events in patients with ACS. This model outperforms GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS ischemic risk score.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate how spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) exerts its analgesic effects through regulating brain function in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients by utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). METHODS: From September 2021 to September 2023, we enrolled LDH patients (LDH group, n=31) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs, n=28). LDH group underwent rs-fMRI at 2 distinct time points (TPs): prior to the initiation of SMT (TP1) and subsequent to the completion of the SMT sessions (TP2). SMT was administered once every other day for 30 min per session, totally 14 treatment sessions over a span of 4 weeks. HCs did not receive SMT treatment and underwent only one fMRI scan. Additionally, participants in LDH group completed clinical questionnaires on pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, whereas HCs did not undergo clinical scale assessments. The effects on the brain were jointly characterized using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo). Correlation analyses were conducted between specific brain regions and clinical scales. RESULTS: Following SMT treatment, pain symptoms in LDH patients were notably alleviated and accompanied by evident activation of effects in the brain. In comparison to TP1, TP2 exhibited the most significant increase in ALFF values for Temporal_Sup_R and the most notable decrease in ALFF values for Paracentral_Lobule_L (voxelwise P<0.005; clusters >30; FDR correction). Additionally, the most substantial enhancement in ReHo values was observed for the Cuneus_R, while the most prominent reduction was noted for the Olfactory_R (voxelwise P<0.005; clusters >30; FDR correction). Moreover, a comparative analysis revealed that, in contrast to HCs, LDH patients at TP1 exhibited the most significant increase in ALFF values for Temporal_Pole_Sup_L and the most notable decrease in ALFF values for Frontal_Mid_L (voxelwise P<0.005; clusters >30; FDR correction). Furthermore, the most significant enhancement in ReHo values was observed for Postcentral_L, while the most prominent reduction was identified for ParaHippocampal_L (voxelwise P<0.005; clusters >30; FDR correction). Notably, correlation analysis with clinical scales revealed a robust positive correlation between the Cuneus_R score and the rate of change in the VAS score (r=0.9333, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Long-term chronic lower back pain in patients with LDH manifests significant activation of the "AUN-DMN-S1-SAN" neural circuitry. The visual network, represented by the Cuneus_R, is highly likely to be a key brain network in which the analgesic efficacy of SMT becomes effective in treating LDH patients. (Trial registration No. NCT06277739).
Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Adult ; Manipulation, Spinal/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Pain Management ; Rest ; Case-Control Studies

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of Shenmai Injection (SMI) against doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. METHODS: A total of 40 specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into 5 groups based on the random number table, including the control group, the model group, miR-30a agomir group, SMI low-dose (SMI-L) group, and SMI high-dose (SMI-H) group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the rats were injected weekly with DOX (2 mg/kg) in the tail vein for 4 weeks to induce myocardial injury, and were given different regimens of continuous intervention for 2 weeks. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography and myocardial pathological changes were observed by Van Gieson (VG) staining. Myocardial injury serum markers, including creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin T (cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), soluble ST2 (sST2), and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated dUTP triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy, and the expressions of target proteins and mRNA were detected by Western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-RCR), respectively. RESULTS: The treatment with different doses of SMI reduced rat heart mass index and left ventricular mass index (P<0.05), significantly improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.05), decreased the levels of serum CK, LDH, cTnT, and NT-proBNP (P<0.05 or P<0.01), reduced the levels of serum sST2 and GDF-15 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), decreased the collagen volume fraction, reduced the expressions of rat myocardial type I and type III collagen (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and effectively alleviated myocardial fibrosis. And the study found that SMI promoted the expression levels of miR-30a and Bcl-2 in myocardium, and down-regulated the expression of Bax, which inhibited the activation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and improved myocardial cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS SMI can alleviate myocardial injury and apoptosis caused by DOX, and its mechanism possibly by promoting the targeted expression of myocardial Bcl-2 protein through miR-30a.
Animals ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Doxorubicin/pharmacology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Drug Combinations ; Injections ; Rats

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).