Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)among military personnel in plateau regions and to explore its risk factors.Methods From July 2023 to July 2024,a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey the prevalence of KOA and related risk factors among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China,covering different altitudes(1500-4500 m)and geographical areas(Gansu,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang).All study subjects were divided into KOA and non-KOA groups based on the presence or absence of KOA.Variables including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),education level,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury were selected for univariate analyses between groups.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analyses were included in the binary multifactor logistic regression to identify risk factors for KOA.Results A total of 3000 questionnaires were distributed,and 2854 valid questionnaires were collected,with a response rate of 95.13%.The sample included 2584 males and 270 females,with 510 cases of KOA,resulting in a prevalence rate of 17.9%.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between KOA and non-KOA groups in terms of age,BMI,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were found in gender and education level(P>0.05).Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age(OR=1.382,P=0.017),higher BMI(P<0.01),smoking(OR=1.929,P<0.01),higher military rank(OR=1.485,P=0.007),being a member of the Armed Police(P<0.01),longer service duration(P<0.01),higher regional altitude(OR=1.459,P<0.01),lower annual average temperature(OR=1.188,P=0.001),longer training duration(P<0.01),higher perceived training intensity(OR=2.450,P<0.01),and history of knee injury(OR=2.768,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for KOA.Conclusions Older age,overweight/obesity,smoking,higher military rank,being a member of the Armed Police,longer service duration,higher altitude,cold climate,longer training duration,higher training intensity,and history of knee injury are independent risk factors for KOA among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China.

Pancreatic cancer patients often have complaints such as upper abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice when seeking diagnosis and treatment. However, acute pancreatitis as a rare initial clinical manifestation of pancreatic cancer is often overlooked in clinical practice. This oversight often leads to a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, uncertainty in treatment strategies, and significantly affects patients′ quality of life and prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment, and active follow-up are crucial for patients with acute pancreatitis as an initial symptom of pancreatic cancer. Upon admission to such patients, common causes such as gallstones, alcohol abuse, and hyperlipidemia should be initially ruled out. Evaluation with tumor markers, CT and MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound are essential to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. For patients with mild pancreatitis, managing peripancreatic inflammation first before radical resection of pancreatic cancer could reduce postoperative complications. Moreover, pancreatitis serves as a high-risk factor for pancreatic cancer, so it is crucial to closely follow up patients with pancreatitis to detect pancreatic cancer early.

Pancreatic cancer patients often have complaints such as upper abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice when seeking diagnosis and treatment. However, acute pancreatitis as a rare initial clinical manifestation of pancreatic cancer is often overlooked in clinical practice. This oversight often leads to a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, uncertainty in treatment strategies, and significantly affects patients′ quality of life and prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment, and active follow-up are crucial for patients with acute pancreatitis as an initial symptom of pancreatic cancer. Upon admission to such patients, common causes such as gallstones, alcohol abuse, and hyperlipidemia should be initially ruled out. Evaluation with tumor markers, CT and MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound are essential to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. For patients with mild pancreatitis, managing peripancreatic inflammation first before radical resection of pancreatic cancer could reduce postoperative complications. Moreover, pancreatitis serves as a high-risk factor for pancreatic cancer, so it is crucial to closely follow up patients with pancreatitis to detect pancreatic cancer early.

Interleukin-35(IL-35)is an important immunosuppressive cytokine that has been shown to play a role in the immune response of various diseases.In this study,we cloned the coding sequence of human IL-35 gene,constructed single subunit expression vectors pXC17.4-p35 and pcDNA3.1(+)-EBI3,and co-transfected CHO-K1 cells to express IL-35 in vitro.No binding was found between subunits of p35 and EBI3.Knobs-into-Holes(KIH)can solve the problem of heavy chain mismatch of heterolo-gous antibodies.Therefore,expression vectors pXC17.4-p35-Fch and pcDNA3.1(+)-EBI3-Fck were constructed by fusing KIH structures on the basis of the original sequences to express the recombinant fu-sion protein of KIH-IL-35.The expression vectors of two subunits were exchanged at the same time to verify the influence of different vectors on the expression level of KIH-IL-35.The analysis of various pro-tein detection methods showed that the correct expression rate of KIH-IL-35 structure was significantly im-proved.Affinity purification of KIH-IL-35 was performed after large amount of expression,and the bind-ing activity of KIH-IL-35 to glycoprotein 130(gp130)was detected by ELISA.The results showed that the binding of KIH-IL-35 to gp130 was concentration dependent.The indirect activity of KIH-IL-35 and M1 cells was detected by cell activity assay.Further results showed that the inhibition rate of M1 cells in-creased in a dose-dependent manner with the concentration of KIH-IL-35.In addition,a method for de-termining IL-35 activity by activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was successfully estab-lished.Activated PBMCs increased in a dose-dependent manner with KIH-IL-35 concentration.In sum-mary,this study utilized the KIH-IL-35 model to enhance the expression of recombinant human IL-35 and validated its high activity in vitro,providing new ideas for the study of IL-35 and the recombinant expres-sion of similar heterodimeric cytokines.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of posterior reduction and fixation combined with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) kyphotic deformity complicated by upper cervical spine injury.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 8 patients with AS kyphotic deformity complicated by upper cervical spine injury, who were admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2010 to December 2022. All were males, aged 32-58 years [(46.9±8.7)years]. Acute injury was found in 1 patient and chronic injuries in 7 patients, including 3 with cervicothoracic kyphotic deformity and 5 with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity. Five patients were complicated by odontoid fractures, 1 by C 2-C 3 fracture and 2 by atlantoaxial dislocation. According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, 2 patients were with grade C, 3 with grade D, and 3 with grade E. The patients were treated with posterior upper cervical reduction and fixation combined with cervicothoracic PSO or thoracolumbar PSO respectively according to the location of the deformity. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS), C 0-C 2 angle, C 1-C 2 angle, cervical lordosis angle (CL), head tilt angle (HT), chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA), cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were compared before surgery, at 1 week and 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up. The healing of fractures and fusion of osteotomy site were recorded at 12 months after surgery. Recovery of neurological function was observed at the last follow-up. Incidence of complications was observed. Results:Patients were all followed up for 12-24 months [(17.0±5.4)months]. The operation time was 5.5-7.2 hours [(6.2±0.6)hours] and the intraoperative blood loss was 480-800 ml [(629.4±124.0)ml]. The NDI scores at 1 week and 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, and at the last follow-up were (14.6±2.6)points, (13.6±2.8)points, (12.8±2.4)points, (12.8±2.7)points, and (12.8±2.6)points respectively, significantly lower than (29.6±8.5)points preoperatively ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences in NDI scores at various time points after surgery ( P>0.05). The VAS scores were 2.0(1.0, 3.0)points, 1.5(1.0, 2.0)points, 0.5(0.0, 1.8)points, 0.5(0.0, 1.7)points, and 0.5(0.0, 1.8)points respectively, significantly lower than 3.5(3.0, 4.8)points preoperatively ( P<0.01). The VAS score at 3 months postoperatively was lower than that at 1 week postoperatively ( P<0.05), and the VAS score at 6 months postoperatively was lower than that at 3 months postoperatively ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in VAS scores at 6, 12 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between C 0-C 2 angle and C 1-C 2 angle preoperatively and at different time points postoperatively ( P>0.05). At 1 week and 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up, the CL values were -8.5(-5.3, -11.9)°, -8.6(-5.5, -11.9)°, -8.4(5.2, -12.1)°, -8.8(-5.6, -12.4)°, and -8.7(-5.3, -12.5)° respectively, significantly higher than 1.2(9.5, -4.8)° preoperatively ( P<0.01); the HT values were 6.1(4.5, 9.6)°, 6.1(4.3, 9.4)°, 6.0(4.2, 8.9)°, 6.0(4.2, 9.2)°, and 6.1(4.3, 9.2)° respectively, significantly lower than 17.0(10.3, 22.0)° preoperatively ( P<0.01); the CBVA values were (23.2±5.0)°, (23.1±4.8)°, (23.0±4.7)°, (23.1±4.7)°, and (23.1±4.9)° respectively, significantly lower than (44.1±9.8)° preoperatively ( P<0.01); the CSVA values were 5.2(4.2, 7.5)cm, 5.4(4.1, 7.1)cm, 4.7(4.0, 7.4)cm, 5.4(4.1, 7.0)cm, and 5.1(4.3, 6.5)cm respectively, significantly shorter than 9.0(7.8, 9.3)cm preoperatively ( P<0.01); the SVA values were 7.7(6.2, 13.7)cm, 7.5(6.0, 13.4)cm, 7.6(6.2, 13.2)cm, 7.4(6.3, 13.1)cm, and 7.5(6.2, 13.2)cm respectively, significantly shorter than 16.8(8.2, 27.2)cm preoperatively ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among CL, HT, CBVA, CSVA, and SVA values at different time points after surgery ( P>0.05). All the fractures healed at 12 months after surgery and Bridwell grade I healing was achieved at all the osteotomy sites. At the last follow-up, all the patients were classified as ASIA grade E, significantly improved compared with preoperatively ( P<0.01). One patient had transient C 8 nerve paralysis after surgery and recovered after 4 weeks′ treatment. The remaining patients did not develop any infection or internal fixation-related complications, such as broken rods, broken screws, or loose screws. Conclusion:For AS kyphosis deformity complicated with upper cervical injury, posterior reduction and fixation combined with cervicothoracic or thoracolumbar PSO can effectively promote functional recovery, relieve pain, maintain overall trunk balance, improve neurological symptoms, and reduce the incidence of complications.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of single posterior osteotomy in the correction of rigid cervical spine deformities (CSD) and to explore the indications and key surgical techniques involved.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 9 patients with rigid CSD who underwent single posterior osteotomy correction between June 2012 and June 2023 in the Department of Spine Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The cohort comprised 4 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 19.8±27.2 years (range, 7-48 years). Among these, 5 cases were congenital CSD, 3 were post-tuberculosis deformities, and 1 was iatrogenic. Various coronal and sagittal alignment parameters were measured, including C 1, 2 angle, cervical lordosis (CL), structural scoliosis angle (SSA), structural kyphosis angle (SKA), head tilt (HT), C 2-C 7 sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), coronal balance distance (CBD), T 1 slope (T 1S), and the difference between T 1 tilt and cervical lordosis (T 1S-CL). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (SRS-22). Results:The average operation time was 273.9±76.1 min, with an average blood loss of 472.2±128.8 ml. All 9 patients were followed up for an average of 45.2±41.8 months (range, 12-116 months). A total of 7 patients underwent single-segment osteotomies (C 3, C 6 and C 7: 1 case each; C 5: 4 cases), and 2 patients underwent double-segment osteotomies (C 2 and C 7, C 3 and C 4). Four cases involved pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), while 7 cases required vertebral column resection. The upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) was located at the occiput in 1 case and in the cervical spine in 8 cases. The lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was located in the upper thoracic spine in 6 cases and in the cervical spine in 3 cases, with 2 of the latter cases having both UIV and LIV in the cervical spine. The average number of fused segments was 7.6±4.4 segments (range, 2-12 segments). All patients achieved successful bone fusion within an average of 8.8±3.2 months (range, 6-12 months). Preoperatively, the mean values for CL, SSA, SKA, HT, and CBD were 19.8° (17.2°, 30.5°), 27.4°(23.3°, 30.4°), 28.4°(25.6°, 30.1°), 9.0°(6.2°, 12.3°), and 18.5(12.3, 23.6) mm, respectively. Postoperative improvements were noted with values of -11.1°(-8.8°, -14.4°), 1.3°(0.8°, 1.6°), -11.1°(-8.6°, -14.5°), 1.6°(0.5°, 2.2°), and 9.4 (4.8-13.5) mm, respectively. At the final follow-up, these parameters were maintained, with values of -11.0°(-8.8°, -14.3°), 1.2°(0.8°, 1.5°), -11.0° (-8.6°, -14.3°), 1.5°(0.5°, 2.2°), and 9.4(4.8, 13.4) mm, respectively. Statistically significant improvements were observed between preoperative and postoperative measurements ( P<0.05), except for C 1, 2 angle, CSVA, SVA, T 1S, and T 1S-CL ( P>0.05). NDI and SRS-22 scores showed significant improvements postoperatively ( P<0.05), while VAS scores did not show a significant change ( P>0.05). Postoperative complications included transient nerve injury in two patients, one case of right central retinal artery occlusion, and one case of vertebral artery injury. Conclusion:This study confirms the safety and efficacy of single posterior osteotomy for treating rigid CSD of various etiologies. Standard PSO or modified techniques are effective for correcting cervical kyphosis, while hemivertebra resection and concave-side distraction are recommended for congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis.

Seasonal influenza leads to a significant disease burden, and older people infected with influenza are susceptible to various complications. Influenza immunization can prevent infection effectively and significantly reduce the risk of complications and severe cases. Creating a supportive environment for vaccination is crucial in advancing the influenza vaccination rate among the elderly population. In China, the present environment for supporting influenza vaccinations among the elderly is primarily comprised of policies for free vaccination and expense reimbursement, which exhibit noteworthy regional variations across cities and regions. This study systematically analyses the supportive environment and regional disparities associated with influenza vaccination among the elderly in China. It aims to comprehend the opportunities for influenza prevention and control resulting from the current background of influenza vaccination and to identify potential health inequality challenges caused by regional differences. The findings should inform the introduction of relevant national policies and programs to protect the health and well-being of the elderly population.
Humans ; Aged ; Health Status Disparities ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; China ; Cities ; Vaccination