Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between physical activity and genetic risk and their combined effects on the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 318,085 biobank participants from the UK. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The participants were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-genetic-risk groups based on their polygenic risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression models and multiplicative interaction analyses were used. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 13 years, 9,209 participants were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For low genetic risk, compared to low physical activity, the hazard ratios ( HRs) for moderate and high physical activity were 0.853 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.748-0.972) and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.727-0.950), respectively. For intermediate genetic risk, the HRs were 0.829 (95% CI: 0.758-0.905) and 0.835 (95% CI: 0.764-0.914), respectively. For participants with high genetic risk, the HRs were 0.809 (95% CI: 0.746-0.877) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.754-0.888), respectively. A significant interaction was observed between genetic risk and physical activity. CONCLUSION Moderate or high levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease across all genetic risk groups, highlighting the need to tailor activity interventions for genetically susceptible individuals.
Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology* ; Exercise ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Aged ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Risk Factors ; United Kingdom/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Adult

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Heat stroke is a heat-related illness caused by an imbalance between the body's heat production and heat dissipation,which could lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome with a high mortality rate.Rapid and effective reduction of core body temperature is key to successful treatment.This article reviews recent progress in the treatment of heat stroke,including new understandings of organ injury mechanisms,the timing,velocity and goals of cooling treatment,evaluation and selection of traditional cooling techniques(such as cold water immersion),and scientific evaluation of new cooling technologies(such as blood purification technology and intravascular heat exchange cooling technology),aiming to promote understanding and treatment of heat stroke.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D on the proliferation of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and its potential mechanism.Methods The effect of antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D at concentrations of 0,10,15,20,25,30,35,and 40 μmol/L on MDA-MB-231 cells proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.A pull-down assay was conducted to identify interacting proteins of antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D with MDA-MB-231 cells.MDA-MB-231 cells were obtained and divided into the following groups:(1)control group and treatment groups with 10 and 20 μmol/L antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D.Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression change of heavy chain binding protein(BiP),protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α(eIF2α),phosphorylated eIF2α(p-eIF2α),and Bax proteins within the cells.(2)Control group(transfected with no-load plasmid),si-BiP-592 group(transfected with si-BiP-592 interference plasmid)and si-BiP-592+WK-13-3D group(co-treated with si-BiP-592 interference plasmid and 10 μmol/L antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D).Western blotting was used to detect the expression changes of BiP,PERK,eIF2α,p-eIF2α and Bax proteins.Twelve BALB/c mice were randomly divided into PBS group(n=4),taxol(TAX)group(n=4)and WK-13-3D group(n=4).All mice were subcutaneously injected with MDA-MB-231 cells to establish a triple-negative breast cancer transplant tumor model.WK-13-3D group received local injections of antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D[200 mg/(kg·d)],TAX group was administered TAX intraperitoneally at the same dose[200 mg/(kg·d)],and PBS group was injected with an equivalent volume of PBS.Two weeks post-injection,the mice were killed,and the tumor weight and volume were measured and photographed.Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to evaluate the expressions of BiP and Ki-67 proteins in the tumor tissues.Results CCK-8 assay showed a gradual decrease in MDA-MB-231 cell survival rates with increasing concentrations of WK-13-3D,with an inhibitory concentration 50(IC50)of 19.82 μmol/L.The pull-down assay identified 268 interacting proteins of antimicrobial peptides and MDA-MB-231 cells,mainly including heavy-chain binding protein(BiP),heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1(HSP90B1),valerin-containing protein(VCP),heat shock cognate 71 kD protein(HSPA8).Compared with control group,treatment with 10 and 20 μmol/L antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D significantly increased the apoptosis rate of MDA-MB-231 cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01),decreased BiP protein expression(P<0.05),and increased the expression levels of PERK,p-eIF2α,and Bax(P<0.05 or P<0.01),with no significant change in eIF2α protein expression(P>0.05).Compared with control group,si-BiP-592 group showed BiP protein expression significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression of PERK,p-eIF2α,and Bax proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05),with no significant change in eIF2α protein expression(P>0.05);Compared with si-BiP-592 group,si-BiP-592+WK-13-3D group showed a decrease in BiP protein expression(P<0.05)and an increase in PERK,p-eIF2α,and Bax protein expression(P<0.05 or P<0.01),with no significant change in eIF2α protein expression(P>0.05).Tumor volumes in mice treated with antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D and TAX were significantly smaller than those in PBS group(P<0.05),and the immunohistochemical staining showed that the proportion of Ki-67 and BiP positive cells in tumor tissues of WK-13-3D treated mice was significantly lower than that in PBS group(P<0.01).Conclusion Antimicrobial peptide WK-13-3D could inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and its mechanism may involve the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the induction of cell apoptosis.