BACKGROUND:The treatment of early knee osteoarthritis can be achieved through two knee preservation treatments:Unicondylar knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy.However,further exploration is needed to determine whether there are differences in knee joint recovery between the two knee preservation surgeries at different stages after surgery. OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy and related complications of unicondylar knee arthroplasty and high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of varus osteoarthropathy of the knee,and to provide a reference for clinical decision. METHODS:A total of 103 patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from September 2018 to September 2022 were selected.Among them,86 patients were followed up for more than 1 year.According to different surgical methods,the patients were divided into unicondylar knee arthroplasty group(49 cases)and high tibial osteotomy group(37 cases).Knee function,pain,and line of force correction were evaluated before surgery,4 weeks,3 months,6 months,and 1 year after surgery in both groups.Hospital for special surgery knee score,functional score of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index,changes of lateral space of the knee joint,range of motion,proprioception(position sense),and postoperative activity recovery speed were evaluated comprehensively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were no significant differences in preoperative hospital for special surgery knee score,Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score and lateral knee compartment size between the two groups.(2)The hospital for special surgery knee score of patients undergoing unicondylar knee arthroplasty was better than that of patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy within 4 weeks after surgery(P<0.05).At 3 and 6 months after surgery,compared with the improvement of the two groups,the hospital for special surgery knee score in the unicondylar knee arthroplasty group was lower than that in the high tibial osteotomy group,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).The range of motion flexion value and position perception of patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy were significantly better than those undergoing unicondylar knee arthroplasty 6 months after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The unicondylar knee arthroplasty group was better than the high tibial osteotomy group in terms of the speed of knee movement recovery(P<0.05).(4)However,there was no significant difference between the two groups in the change of hospital for special surgery knee score,range of motion,and the width of lateral knee space during 1-year follow-up.(5)All patients were followed up for more than 1 year,and no adverse complications were found during the follow-up.(6)It is indicated that the short-term effect of knee functional recovery in patients with high tibial osteotomy is better than that in patients with unicondylar knee arthroplasty,but there is no significant difference in medium-and long-term efficacy between the two kinds of surgery for medial knee arthritis.

Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with peripheral lung masses (PLMs), and to assess the diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating benign and malignant PLMs. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 69 patients with PLM treated in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from January 2020 to December 2023. All patients underwent percutaneous biopsy, and were categorized into benign group (n＝36) and malignant group (n＝33). 25 patients were HIV-positive and 44 patients were HIV-negative. The clinical features and CEUS parameters in patients were compared across these groups. Results Patients with malignant masses were significantly older than those with benign masses (P＜0.05). In the malignant group, HIV-negative patients exhibited significantly larger tumor diameters compared to HIV-positive patients (P＜0.05); in the HIV-positive patients, no significant difference in tumor size was observed between benign and malignant masses. 19 patients underwent CEUS. 10 malignant masses, irrespective of HIV status (10 positive and 9 negative), commonly presented with indistinct margins, delayed enhancement, heterogeneous perfusion, and delayed peak enhancement on CEUS. 9 benign masses showed earlier peak enhancement compared to 10 malignant masses (P＜0.05); no significant differences were observed in the initiation and washout time of enhancement between benign and malignant masses. In HIV-positive patients, 5 benign masses frequently demonstrated discrepancies between CEUS findings and pathological results. Conclusions The clinical and CEUS characteristics were different between benign and malignant PLMs. However, CEUS shows limited accuracy in distinguishing benign and malignant PLMs, underscoring the need for pathological confirmation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the first cohort of people in China treated with a responsive neurostimulation system (Epilcure TM , GenLight MedTech, Hangzhou, China) for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in this study. METHODS: This multicenter, before-and-after self-controlled study was conducted across 8 centers from March 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were undergoing responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The study was based on an ongoing multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Efficacy was assessed through metrics including median seizure count, seizure frequency reduction (SFR), and response rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships of basic clinical factors and intracranial electrophysiological characteristics with SFR. The postoperative quality of life, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The follow-up period for the 19 participants was 10.7 ± 3.4 months. Seizure counts decreased significantly 6 months after device activation, with median SFR of 48% at the 6th month (M6) and 58% at M12 ( P  <0.05). The average response rate after 13 months of treatment was 42%, with 21% ( n  = 4) of the participants achieving seizure freedom. Patients who have previously undergone resective surgery appear to achieve better therapeutic outcomes at M11, M12 and M13 ( β  <0, P  <0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in patients' scores of quality of life, cognition, depression and anxiety following stimulation when compared to baseline measurements. No serious adverse events related to the devices were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings suggest that Epilcure TM exhibits promising therapeutic potential in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, to further validate its efficacy, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are required. REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200055247).
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy* ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; China ; Adolescent ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Single-Blind Method ; Seizures ; Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods*

This study investigated the mechanism of autophagy in the differentiation processes of MC3T3-E1 cells under osteogenic induction(physiological) and alcohol(AL) intervention(pathological), as well as the mechanism by which icariin(ICA) affected osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under the pathological condition of AL intervention. Osteogenic mineralized nodule staining confirmed that the cells could differentiate into osteoblasts. After determining the appropriate concentrations of AL and ICA using the CCK-8 assay, seven groups were set up in this study: complete medium(CM) group, osteogenic induction medium(OIM) group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-8) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-6) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, and OIM+0.25 mol·L~(-1) AL+1×10~(-5) mol·L~(-1) ICA group, with a culture period of 7 days. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) staining was used to detect the relative ALP area. Western blot and RT-qPCR were employed to analyze the expression of osteogenesis-and autophagy-related proteins and mRNAs. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) staining was used to detect ROS levels, and apoptosis was assessed through mitochondrial membrane potential assays. The results showed that ICA increased the relative ALP area that had been reduced by AL intervention. AL down-regulated the expression levels of Wnt family member 1(Wnt1), along with the osteogenesis-related mRNAs Wnt1, β-catenin, Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and ALP, thereby inhibiting osteogenic differentiation. ICA up-regulated the expression levels of the osteogenesis-related proteins and mRNAs that had been inhibited by AL, promoting osteogenic differentiation. AL inhibited typical autophagy, while ICA regulated Rubicon to suppress LC3-associated phagocytosis(LAP) and promote typical autophagy. ICA also reduced the ROS levels that were elevated by AL and decreased the apoptosis of osteoblasts induced by AL intervention. In conclusion, ICA can regulate Rubicon to inhibit LAP, promote typical autophagy, eliminate ROS, reduce apoptosis, and ultimately enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells under the pathological condition of AL intervention by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Autophagy/drug effects* ; Animals ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Mice ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Ethanol/pharmacology* ; Flavonoids/pharmacology* ; Cell Line ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

The innate immune sensor NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. PGAM5 is a mitochondrial phosphatase involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. However, the role of PGAM5 in ulcerative colitis and the mechanisms underlying PGAM5 regulating NLRP3 activity remain unknown. Here, we show that PGAM5 deficiency ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. By combining APEX2-based proximity labeling focused on PGAM5 with quantitative proteomics, we identify NEK7 as the new binding partner of PGAM5 to promote NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation in a PGAM5 phosphatase activity-independent manner upon inflammasome induction. Interfering with PGAM5-NEK7 interaction by punicalagin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice. Altogether, our data demonstrate the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction in macrophages for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and further provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis by blocking the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction.

Mesangial cell proliferation is an early pathological indicator of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Growing evidence highlights the pivotal role of paired-related homeobox 1 (Prrx1), a key regulator of cellular proliferation and tissue differentiation, in various disease pathogenesis. Notably, Prrx1 is highly expressed in mesangial cells under DN conditions. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Prrx1 overexpression promotes mesangial cell proliferation and contributes to renal fibrosis in db/m mice. Conversely, Prrx1 knockdown markedly suppresses hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cell proliferation and mitigates renal fibrosis in db/db mice. Mechanistically, Prrx1 directly interacts with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) promoter, leading to the upregulation of YAP expression. This upregulation promotes mesangial cell proliferation and exacerbates renal fibrosis. These findings emphasize the crucial role of Prrx1 upregulation in high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation, ultimately leading to renal fibrosis in DN. Therefore, targeting Prrx1 to downregulate its expression presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating renal fibrosis associated with DN.

Objective To observe the effects of restricted and high-fat diets on behavioral changes of wild-type(Adrb1+/+)and transgenic mice carrying Adrb1-A187V mutation(Adrb1+/m)with short sleep durations.Methods Adrb1+/+and Adrb1+/m C57BL/6 mice were randomized into normal chow group(25 Adrb1+/+and 26 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring),odor retention fasting group(17 Adrb1+/+and 19 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring;6 Adrb1+/+mice and 6 Adrb1+/m mice for EEG/EMG monitoring),absolute fasting group(6 Adrb1+/+and 4-5 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring;6 Adrb1+/+and 6 Adrb1+/m mice for EEG/EMG monitoring),and high-fat diet group(6 Adrb1+/+and 7 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring;6 Adrb1+/+and 6 Adrb1+/m mice for EEG/EMG monitoring).Electrodes for EEG and muscle activity monitoring were implanted on the skulls of the mice.After 24 h of odor retention fasting,absolute fasting,or high-fat feeding,the mice were observed for behavioral changes adapted to diet changes.Results In odor retention fasting experiment,Adrb1+/m mice exhibited more stable fluctuations of activities with mildly reduced movement and prolonged sleep duration,indicating enhanced starvation resistance.In absolute fasting experiment,Adrb1+/m mice showed significantly increased nighttime water intake,improved rhythmicity in water intake(frequent intakes in small amounts),and increased duration of non-rapid eye movement sleep(NREM).In the high-fat diet experiment,Adrb1+/m mice showed higher levels of activity with increased instances of nighttime rearing,longer movement distances,and increased rapid eye movement sleep during daytime.Conclusion Adrb1+/m mice can quickly respond to environmental changes and under restricted dietary conditions,they can conserve energy by increasing sleep to maintain energy homeostasis but show higher levels of activity under high-fat dietary conditions.

Objective To observe the effects of restricted and high-fat diets on behavioral changes of wild-type(Adrb1+/+)and transgenic mice carrying Adrb1-A187V mutation(Adrb1+/m)with short sleep durations.Methods Adrb1+/+and Adrb1+/m C57BL/6 mice were randomized into normal chow group(25 Adrb1+/+and 26 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring),odor retention fasting group(17 Adrb1+/+and 19 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring;6 Adrb1+/+mice and 6 Adrb1+/m mice for EEG/EMG monitoring),absolute fasting group(6 Adrb1+/+and 4-5 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring;6 Adrb1+/+and 6 Adrb1+/m mice for EEG/EMG monitoring),and high-fat diet group(6 Adrb1+/+and 7 Adrb1+/m mice for behavioral monitoring;6 Adrb1+/+and 6 Adrb1+/m mice for EEG/EMG monitoring).Electrodes for EEG and muscle activity monitoring were implanted on the skulls of the mice.After 24 h of odor retention fasting,absolute fasting,or high-fat feeding,the mice were observed for behavioral changes adapted to diet changes.Results In odor retention fasting experiment,Adrb1+/m mice exhibited more stable fluctuations of activities with mildly reduced movement and prolonged sleep duration,indicating enhanced starvation resistance.In absolute fasting experiment,Adrb1+/m mice showed significantly increased nighttime water intake,improved rhythmicity in water intake(frequent intakes in small amounts),and increased duration of non-rapid eye movement sleep(NREM).In the high-fat diet experiment,Adrb1+/m mice showed higher levels of activity with increased instances of nighttime rearing,longer movement distances,and increased rapid eye movement sleep during daytime.Conclusion Adrb1+/m mice can quickly respond to environmental changes and under restricted dietary conditions,they can conserve energy by increasing sleep to maintain energy homeostasis but show higher levels of activity under high-fat dietary conditions.

To analyze the effects of tooth brushing frequency on blood indicators among adolescents and to preliminarily explore the effects of tooth brushing frequency on general health.

Exposure to ionizing radiation intervenes in genomic stability and gene expression,resulting in the disruption of normal metabolic processes in cells and organs by causing complex biolog-ical responses.Altered genomic variations,gene expression and metabolite concentrations in blood or tissue samples reflect systemic radiation damage.With the application of new techniques and exten-sive study on the mechanisms for ionizing radiation damage,related indicators such as chromosomal variation,gene expression,lipid and metabolism are being recognized and promise to be the markers for early diagnosis and prognosis of radiation exposure.Therefore,this article reviews recent progress in and potential applications of biomarkers related to ionizing radiation injury.