Objective To explore the expression of coagulation indexes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dry syndrome (pSS) and their relationships with inflammation and immune function. Methods A total of 61 patients with RA who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 12 to September 9, 2024 were selected as the RA group. And 61 patients with pSS who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of the same hospital September 4, 2023, to August 17, 2024, were selected as the pSS group. 61 healthy individuals who underwent routine medical checkups at the Physical Examination Center of Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the same period were included as the control group. Baseline clinical indexes before treatment were collected from patients in each group, including prothrombin time(PT), international normalized ratio(INR), thrombia time(TT), fibrinogen(FBG), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), fibrin (ogen) degradation products(FDP) and D-Dimer(D-D). Results The expression levels of PT, FBG, TT, FDP, and D-D in the RA group, the pSS group, and the normal group were significantly different. The expression levels of PT, FBG, FDP, and D-D in the RA group were all higher than those in the pSS group and the control group, respectively. And the expression level of TT in the pSS group was lower than that in control group. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of PT was 0.638, the AUC of FBG was 0.899, the AUC of FDP was 0.866, and the AUC of D-D was 0.919 in the RA group compared with the normal group. And the AUC of coagulation indexes for joint diagnosis of RA was higher than that of the indexes detected individually. pSS group had an AUC of PT of 0.618 compared with that of the normal group. The AUC of TT was 0.645, and the AUC of coagulation indexes for the joint diagnosis of pSS was higher than the AUC of each index detected separately. Association rule analysis showed that elevated D-D in RA patients had a significant correlation with elevated hs-CRP, CCP and RF, and elevated FBG had a significant correlation with elevated hs-CRP, ESR, RF and CCP. Elevated D-D in pSS patients had a correlation with elevated hs-CRP and anti-SSA, and elevated INR has correlation with elevated hs-CRP, anti-SSA and anti-SSB. Correlation analysis showed that PT, INR, FBG, FDP, and D-D were positively correlated with CRP and ESR, and TT was negatively correlated with CRP and ESR in the RA group. FBG, FDP, and D-D were positively correlated with CRP and ESR in the pSS group. Moreover, coagulation indexes were positively correlated with immune indexes in RA group and pSS group which were all significant. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that FBG was a positive correlate of hs-CRP and ESR in RA patients. For PSS patients, FBG and FDP were positive correlates of hs-CRP. APTT and FBG were positive correlates of ESR. Conclusion Compared with pSS, coagulation indexes (especially PT, FBG, FDP and D-D) are more informative for the early diagnosis of RA and the judgment of the degree of the disease, and can be used as an important predictor for the confirmation of the diagnosis of RA.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnosis* ; Middle Aged ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis* ; Blood Coagulation ; Adult ; Fibrinogen/metabolism* ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Prothrombin Time ; Aged ; Inflammation/immunology* ; ROC Curve

BACKGROUND:Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective and even the only way to cure various hematological diseases,but the short-term mortality rate is relatively high after transplantation. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with hematological diseases in the short term(within 100 days)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,so as to reduce mortality and effectively prevent related risks in the short term(within 100 days)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS:Clinical data of 585 patients with hematological diseases who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1,2018 to June 30,2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The risk factors that affected overall survival within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were explored. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 585 patients with hematologic diseases underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.92 patients died within 100 days after transplantation,with a mortality rate of 15.7%(92/585).The median age of death cases was 26.5 years old(1-56 years),and the median survival time of death cases was 48 days(0-97 days).Univariate analysis exhibited that age≥14 years old,acute graft-versus-host disease,grade IV acute graft-versus-host disease,bacterial bloodstream infection,as well as carbapenem-resistant organism bloodstream infection,were risk factors for overall survival within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that age≥14 years old,grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ acute graft-versus-host disease,bacterial bloodstream infection,and carbapenem-resistant organism bloodstream infections were independent risk factors for overall survival(within 100 days)in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Hazard ratios were 1.77(95%CI 1.047-2.991),7.926(95%CI 3.763-16.695),2.039(95%CI 1.117-3.722),and 3.389(95%CI 1.563-7.347),respectively.In conclusion,all-cause mortality rate after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is relatively high in the short term.A timely diagnosis and effective treatment of bacterial bloodstream infection and acute graft-versus-host disease are essential to improving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Bone is a remarkable natural material possessing piezoelectric properties.By harnessing the biomimetic piezoelectric effect,tissue engineering materials can be employed to effectively address bone tissue defects and facilitate their repair. OBJECTIVE:Using a solid-phase force chemistry technique,a piezoelectric scaffold with inherent osteogenic properties was meticulously fabricated.This unique scaffold was then assessed for its impact on osteoblast adhesion,proliferation,and osteogenic differentiation. METHODS:Polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)powders,along with commercially available NaCl(mass ratios are 60:40,50:50,40:60,and 30:70,respectively),were subjected to solid-phase shear milling technology,resulting in a homogenous mixture.Through a melting process,a substantial material was formed,and subsequent treatment with a pure water solution effectively eliminated the NaCl.Consequently,PVDF piezoelectric foam scaffolds with varying pore sizes were successfully prepared.These materials were categorized as PVDF-40,PVDF-50,PVDF-60,and PVDF-70,denoting the respective mass percentages of NaCl during preparation.The surface morphology,crystal phase composition,thermodynamic behavior,mechanical properties,and piezoelectric properties of each group were meticulously characterized.The four kinds of piezoelectric foam scaffolds were co-cultured with the MG63 osteoblast cell line to evaluate its biocompatibility and potential to promote bone differentiation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The scanning electron microscopy,four groups of scaffolds had multi-level pores.As the NaCl mass fraction in the mixed powder increased,the porosity of the scaffolds increased.X-ray energy dispersion spectrum,X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and thermogravimetric analysis collectively revealed the scaffold predominantly comprised the α phase,which inherently lacked piezoelectric properties.However,the application of solid-phase force chemistry successfully stimulated the formation of the β phase,thereby enhancing the scaffold's piezoelectric properties.Notably,the PVDF-60 group exhibited the highest proportion of the β phase among all the tested groups.The results of cyclic compression testing and piezoelectric performance assessment demonstrated that the PVDF-60 group exhibited superior compressive strength and piezoelectric performance compared to the other groups.(2)The findings from scanning electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy exhibited that MG63 cells adhered well to the surface of the four groups of scaffolds,with good morphology,extended more pseudopods,and secreted a large amount of extracellular matrix.CCK-8 assay revealed that the proliferative absorbance of PVDF-60 cells cultured for 4 days was higher than that of the other three groups(P<0.000 1).Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining showed that the expression of alkaline phosphatase and the number of calcified nodules in the PVDF-60 group were higher than those in the other three groups(P<0.01,P<0.000 1).(3)The piezoelectric PVDF foam-based scaffolds demonstrated favorable cytocompatibility.Notably,the PVDF-60 group showed superior mechanical properties,piezoelectric performance,and bone-inducing capabilities.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of letermovir in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) .Method:From September 2022 to September 2023, retrospective analysis was conducted for the relevant clinical data of 50 recipients of allo-HSCT at First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Hospital. Letermovir prophylaxis was offered for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation post-transplantation. They were historically compared with previous patients at the same center without letermovir prophylaxis. The incidence of CMV reactivation, overall survival rate, engraftment status and other adverse events within 100 days post-transplant were compared between two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized for controlling confounding factors. Univariate analyses were performed with t and chi-square tests while survival analysis conducted with Kaplan-Meier method.Result:In letermovir group, CMV reactivation was detected in 3 cases (6%) versus 23 cases (46%) in control group. Letermovir significantly reduced the incidence of post-transplant CMV reactivation ( P<0.01). Within Day 100 post-transplant, there was one death in letermovir group with an overall survival rate of 98%. In control group, three deaths occurred with an overall survival rate of 94%. The median survival time of deceased cases was 64 (58-81) day. No statistically significant inter-group difference existed in overall survival rate ( P=0.617). In letermovir group, secondary implantation failure was observed in 3 cases (6%) and it was lower than 12 cases (24%) in control group. Statistically significant inter-group difference existed in secondary implantation failure rate ( P=0.023). However, regarding timing of neutrophil engraftment ( P=0.054) and platelet engraftment ( P=0.649), there were no significant inter-group statistical differences. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) occurred in letermovir group (17 cses, 34%) and control group (27cases, 54%). The incidence of HC was significantly lower in letermovir group than that in control group ( P=0.044). However, no statistically significant inter-group difference existed in the incidence of post-transplant EBV infection or acute graft-versus-host disease. Conclusion:Letermovir may significantly lower the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after allo-HSCT. It is both effective and safe for preventing CMV disease and improving early outcomes.

With the rapid development of industry and economy,the emergence of a large number of chemicals has made of risk management more difficult.Traditional risk assessment relies on animal experiments for toxicity testing.However,animal experiments are time-consuming,costly,and unable to meet the practical needs of risk assessment.The increasing maturity of toxicity testing alternative technologies signifies the possibility of rapid,sensitive,and accurate identification of chemical toxicity.This article focuses on the research and applications of alternative toxicity testing by reviewing the background,developments,and current research at home and abroad.It also discusses the progress in alternative testing methods in such areas as cosmetics and food safety risk assessment and explores the problems with the development of alternative testing technologies and risk assessment in China.This review aims to provide a reference for the system construction of cosmetics health risk assess-ment in China.

Objective:The causal relationship between eczema and autoimmune diseases has not been previously reported.This study aims to evaluate the causal relationship between eczema and autoimmune diseases. Methods:The two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)method was used to assess the causal effect of eczema on autoimmune diseases.Summary data from the Genome-Wide Association Study Catalog(GWAS)were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)database.For eczema and autoimmune diseases,genetic instrument variants(GIVs)were identified according to the significant difference(P＜5×10-8).Causal effect estimates were generated using the inverse-variance weighted(IVW)method.MR Egger,maximum likelihood,MR-PRESSO,and MR-RAPS methods were used for alternative analyses.Sensitivity tests,including heterogeneity,horizontal pleiotropy,and leave-one-out analyses,were performed.Finally,reverse causality was assessed. Results:Genetic susceptibility to eczema was associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease(OR=1.444,95％CI 1.199 to 1.738,P＜0.001)and ulcerative colitis(OR=1.002,95％CI 1.001 to 1.003,P=0.002).However,no causal relationship was found for the other 6 autoimmune diseases,including systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)(OR=0.932,P=0.401),bullous pemphigoid(BP)(OR=1.191,P=0.642),vitiligo(OR=1.000,P=0.327),multiple sclerosis(MS)(OR=1.000,P=0.965),ankylosing spondylitis(AS)(OR=1.001,P=0.121),rheumatoid arthritis(RA)(OR=1.000,P=0.460).Additionally,no reverse causal relationship was found between autoimmune diseases and eczema. Conclusion:Eczema is associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.No causal relationship is found between eczema and SLE,MS,AS,RA,BP,or vitiligo.

Objective To observe the diagnostic value of four serum inflammatory biomarkers,including interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 12P70(IL-12P70),serum amyloid A(SAA),and procalcitonin(PCT),in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and to analyze their relationship with the disease activity.Methods The study included 60 RA patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology at Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between December 2022 and December 2023.Thirty healthy individuals from the hospital's physical examination center served as the control group.Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-12P70 were detected using flow cytometry.SAA levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry,and PCT levels were assessed by chemiluminescence.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and anticyclic citrullinated peptide(ACCP)were detected using an automated biochemical analyzer.The 28-joint disease activity scores(DAS28-ESR)based on ESR were observed.Statistical analysis included t-tests,rank-sum tests,and Kruskal-Wallis H tests to compare the expression differences of the biomarkers among different groups.The diagnostic value of these biomarkers for RA was analyzed by ROC curve analysis.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationships between the four inflammatory biomarkers and CRP,ESR,RF,ACCP,and DAS28-ESR.Results 1)The expression levels of SAA,IL-6,and IL-12P70 in the RA group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.01).2)ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for PCT was 0.611(95%confidence interval[CI]:0.488-0.735,P＞0.05),for SAA,it was 0.819(95%CI:0.733-0.906,P＜0.01),for IL-6,it was 0.875(95%CI:0.803-0.946,P＜0.01),and for IL-12P70,it was 0.832(95%CI:0.746-0.917,P＜0.01).The combined index of IL-6,IL-12P70,SAA,and PCT had an AUC of 0.973(95%CI:0.942-1.000,P＜0.01).This indicates that the four inflammatory biomarkers can assist in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.3)The expression levels of PCT and SAA varied significantly among the high,moderate,and low activity RA groups(P＜0.01).4)In RA patients,CRP was positively correlated with SAA(rs=0.75,P＜0.01),and IL-6(rs=0.52,P＜0.01).ESR was positively correlated with SAA(rs=0.36,P＜0.01).DAS28-ESR was positively correlated with PCT(rs=0.34,P=0.01),SAA(rs=0.51,P＜0.01)and IL-6(rs=0.33,P=0.01).Conclusion The four inflammatory biomarkers(PCT,SAA,IL-6,and IL-12P70)are closely related to rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and can serve as serum indicators to assist in the diagnosis and assessment of RA.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of speech imagery therapy combined with traditional dysarthria training on dysarthria in children with cerebral palsy. MethodsFrom August to December, 2022, 21 children with cerebral palsy combined with dysarthria in Wuhu Fifth People's Hospital were randomly divided into three groups A, B and C. Group A was given traditional dysarthria training for 30 minutes everytime, group B was given implantable speech imagery combined with traditional dysarthria training for 40 minutes everytime, and group C was given additional speech imagery combined with traditional dysarthria training for 40 minutes everytime, five days a week, for three weeks. Articulation and Phonology Assessment Scale, Mouth Sensory-Motor Assessment Scale, and mandibular distance, tongue distance and vowel space area (VSA) were evaluated before and after treatment. ResultsThere was no significant difference in all the indexes among three groups before treatment (F < 1.247, P > 0.05). After treatment, the scores of phonological function and sensory-motor assessment scale increased (|t| > 2.575, P < 0.05), and the mandibular distance and VSA increased in groups A and B (|t| > 2.632, P < 0.05). The d-value of phonological function before and after treatment was more in groups B and C than in group A (P < 0.05), and no difference was found in the d-value of other indexes before and after treatment among three groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionBoth speech imagery therapies are effective in improving diction clarity, oral range of motion, and motion control ability in children with cerebral palsy, and are more effective in improving articulatory clarity than traditional speech-language training.

To explore the incidence and grade of acute gastrointestinal injury（AGI）in patients with acute stroke，and the influence of gastrointestinal disorders on the mortality of stroke. Methods A total of 103 patients were recruited. According to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale（NIHSS）scores，they were divided into two groups：severe stroke patients（n=52）and mild to moderate stroke patients（n=51）.The incidence of gastrointestinal complications in the two groups are calculated. AGI classification was performed according to gastrointestinal symptoms. Binary logistic analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of gastrointestinal failure in stroke patients，and KM curve was used to evaluate the effect of AGI classification on 28-day mortality in stroke patients. Results The incidence of gastrointestinal complications was 91.3%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders in the mild to moderate stroke and severe stroke groups（74.5% vs 75.0%，P>0.05）；The severe stroke group showed a higher incidence of gastrointestinal failure（7.8% vs 25.0%，P<0.05）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed：elevated NIHSS score was a risk factor for gastrointestinal failure after stroke（P<0.05）.Combining gastrointestinal failure significantly increased the 28-day mortality of stroke patients（χ2=53.08，P<0.001）. Conclusion Gastrointestinal complications are common in patients with acute stroke. NIHSS score is positively correlated with gastrointestinal failure. And patients with gastrointestinal failure have a worse prognosis.

Objective To measure the expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase(IDO)in condy-loma acuminatum (CA) lesions, and to evaluate its ability to locally metabolize tryptophan. Methods Immunohistochemical study was performed to observe the protein expression of IDO in skin lesions of patients with CA, and count the number of IDO-positive cells. Immunofluorescence assay was conducted to estimate the relationship between IDO-positive cells and dendritic cells. Epidermal cells and keratinocytes were isolated from warts of 30 patients with CA and prepuces of 11 healthy controls respectively, and both in vitro incubated with tryptophan solution for 4 hours. Then, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)was performed to detect the level of tryptophan metabolite, kynurenine, in the culture supernatant of the above cells, which could reflect the ability of epidermal cells to metabolize tryptophan. Results Rare IDO-positive cells were found in the normal skin, but a lot of IDO-positive cells gathered in the epidermis of the wart tissues. The IDO-positive cell/total cell ratio was significantly higher in the wart tissues than in the normal skin(48.3%± 15.4%vs. 5.2%± 2.4%, P<0.05). The fluorescence signals of IDO-positive cells and CD1a-positive Langerhans cells were not overlapped with each other, suggesting that IDO-positive cells were derived from epidermal cells of the wart tissues. Compared with the keratinocytes from the healthy skin, the epidermal cells from warts had a stronger ability to metabolize tryptophan in vitro. Conclusion A large number of IDO-positive cells exist in CA warts, and may be involved in occurrence of CA.