Objective To assess the therapeutic efficacy of low-intensity focused ultrasound(LIFU)on knee arthrofibrosis in rats and explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods Fifteen male SD rats(8 weeks old,weighing 250～300 g)were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,and an ultrasound treatment group,with 5 animals in each group.Rat model of knee joint stiffness was established in the model and ultrasound treatment group.The rats in the ultrasound group received LIFU intervention(frequency:1 MHz,power:1.5 W,20 min per session,5 times/week)for 4 weeks.The knee ranges of motion(ROM,flexion and extension)were measured in all 3 groups at 0,14 and 28 d after intervention.Histological analysis was conducted for the morphological changes in the posterior capsular area of the knee.After the synovial fibroblasts were primary isolated from rat knee joints,the cells were divided into blank control,LIFU,TGF-β(10 ng/mL),and TGF-β+LIFU groups.Changes in fibrosis-related indicators and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway were assessed in each group.Results In the animal experiments,LIFU intervention for 14 d resulted in significantly improved flexion-extension ROM in knee joints when compared with the rats in the model group(P<0.05),and the improvement was more obvious at 28 d after intervention(P<0.05).After 28 d of LIFU intervention,the fibrosis of the posterior capsule of the knee joint was notably improved in the ultrasound group than the model group,and the expression levels of fibrosis-related indicators(α-SMA,TGF-β)were decreased(P<0.05).In the cellular experiments,the TGF-β group exhibited remarkable up-regulation of fibrosis-related molecules(α-SMA,COL1A1,COL3A1)at both protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05),and activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway when compared to the blank control group.While LIFU intervention inhibited the expression of TGF-β-induced upregulation of fibrotic indicators(α-SMA,COL1A1,COL3A1)and the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway(P<0.05).Conclusion LIFU can effectively improve knee arthrofibrosis in rats,which potentially through the inhibition of fibroblast activation and modulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Iron overload is strongly associated with heart disease. Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death indicated in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the specific molecular mechanism of myocardial injury caused by iron overload in the heart is still unclear, and the involvement of ferroptosis in iron overload-induced myocardial injury is not fully understood. In this study, we observed that ferroptosis participated in developing of iron overload and I/R-induced cardiomyopathy. Mechanistically, we discovered that Parkin inhibited iron overload-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes by promoting the ubiquitination of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), a crucial protein involved in ferroptosis-related lipid metabolism pathways. Additionally, we identified p53 as a transcription factor that transcriptionally suppressed Parkin expression in iron-overloaded cardiomyocytes, thereby regulating iron overload-induced ferroptosis. In animal studies, cardiac-specific Parkin knockout mice (Myh6-CreER ^T2 /Parkin ^fl/fl ) fed a high-iron diet presented more severe myocardial damage, and the high iron levels exacerbated myocardial I/R injury. However, the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 significantly suppressed iron overload-induced ferroptosis and myocardial I/R injury. Moreover, Parkin effectively protected against impaired mitochondrial function and prevented iron overload-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. These findings unveil a novel regulatory pathway involving p53-Parkin-ACSL4 in heart disease by inhibiting of ferroptosis.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the primary cause of drug-induced acute liver failure. Ovarian tumor deubiquitinase 6A (OTUD6A), a recently discovered deubiquitinase of the OTU family, has been primarily studied in tumor contexts. However, its role in APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the involvement of OTUD6A in the pathogenesis of AILI. Our findings demonstrated a substantial upregulation of OTUD6A in both the liver tissue and isolated hepatocytes of mice following APAP stimulation. OTUD6A knockout exacerbated APAP-induced inflammation, hepatocyte necrosis, and liver injury, whereas OTUD6A overexpression alleviated these pathologies. Mechanistically, OTUD6A directly interacted with the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and selectively removed K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from EZH2, enhancing its stability. This resulted in increased protein levels of EZH2 and H3K27me3, as well as reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell death in hepatocytes. Collectively, our research uncovers a novel role for OTUD6A in mitigating APAP-induced liver injury by promoting EZH2 stabilization.

This article introduces the novel conceptual framework of small vulnerable newborns (SVN) and delineates three classification approaches. It further analyzes regional disparities in SVN prevalence and examines complex contributing factors encompassing environmental influences, maternal health status, and socioeconomic determinants. Finally, the discussion focuses on SVN management and preventive strategies, emphasizing the critical importance of preconception/prenatal care, nutritional supplementation, and targeted disease interventions in reducing SVN incidence.

Objective Based on the SWOT analysis method,the temporary medical order dispensing service model of pharmacy intravenous admixture service(PIVAS)of M Hospital was constructed and its implementation effect was evaluated,so as to provide reference for other medical institutions to carry out PIVAS temporary dispensing services.Methods SWOT analysis was used to analyze the advantages,disadvantages,opportunities and threats of PIVAS in M Hospital,and targeted operation strategies and practices were proposed.The safety of intravenous medication,the level of pharmacy service and the cost-effectiveness of the department were used to evaluate the implementation effect of PIVAS temporary medical order dispensing service.Results After the operation strategy of PIVAS temporary medical order dispensing service was constructed and implemented based on SWOT analysis,the time of a single medical order for PIVAS labeling in M Hospital was significantly decreased from(7.19±0.06)s/bag to(6.06±0.09)s/bag(P＜0.05);and the number of errors was significantly reduced from(32.50±2.54)pieces/quarter to(19.75±0.59)pieces/quarter(P＜0.05);The qualified rate of temporary prescription increased from(60.52±1.17)％to(90.63±1.72)％(P＜0.05);The qualified rate of finished infusion delivery time increased from(80.63±1.66)％to(90.80±2.98)％(P＜0.05);The satisfaction rate of PIVAS service in the ward increased from 50％to 90％(P＜0.05);the cost of blending decreased from(3.50±0.05)yuan/bag to(3.00±0.12)yuan/bag(P＜0.05).Conclusion The operation strategy of PIVAS temporary medical order dispensing service of M Hospital based on SWOT analysis gives full play to its own advantages,provides more comprehensive and high-quality services for clinicians and patients,ensures the safety and timeliness of patients' medication,and improves the economic efficiency of the department,which is worthy of reference and promotion.

Objective:To compare the sustained virological response (SVR) and viral recurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) after antiviral treatment, and to further analyze the influencing factors of liver-related events (LRE).Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 1 844 CHC patients who visited the Department of Infectious Diseases of Hainan General Hospital from January 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2022 were included. After screening, 891 patients were selected and divided into direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment group, interferon treatment group and non-antiviral treatment group based on different intervention measures. Propensity score matching was performed, and SVR and viral recurrence were compared among the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for LRE.Results:The confirmed CHC patients showed an increasing trend year by year (average annual change percentage=19.97%, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 10.46% to 30.30%, t=4.32, P<0.001). After propensity score matching, the total sample size of 891 CHC patients was 451, including 100 in the interferon treatment group, 311 in the DAA treatment group, and 40 in the non-antiviral treatment group. In the interferon treatment group, 89 cases (89.00%) achieved SVR and nine cases (9.00%) had recurrence. In the DAA treatment group, 306 cases (98.39%) achieved SVR and 10 cases (3.22%) had recurrence. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2=17.84 and 6.22, respectively, both P<0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that age (hazard ratio ( HR)=1.065, 95% CI 1.028 to 1.104, P<0.001), alcohol consumption ( HR=3.034, 95% CI 1.302 to 7.071, P=0.010) were independent risk factors for LRE in CHC patients, while albumin ( HR=0.858, 95% CI 0.802 to 0.917, P<0.001), DAA treatment ( HR=0.267, 95% CI 0.103 to 0.692, P=0.007) were protective factors. In CHC patients receiving antiviral treatment, diabetes ( HR=6.719, 95% CI 2.242 to 20.137, P<0.001), total bilirubin ( HR=1.111, 95% CI 1.054 to 1.171, P<0.001) and viral recurrence ( HR=4.646, 95% CI 1.322 to 16.321, P=0.017) were independent risk factors for LRE. Conclusions:Compared with interferon treatment, DAA treatment has a significantly higher SVR rate and a lower recurrence rate. Age and alcohol consumption are independent risk factors for LRE, while higher albumin levels and DAA treatment are protective factors. In CHC patients receiving antiviral treatment, diabetes, viral recurrence, and total bilirubin are independent risk factors for LRE.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and immunization history of pertussis cases in Yichang City, Hubei Province from 2018 to 2023. Methods Data on the incidence and immunization history of pertussis cases were collected in Yichang City from 2018 to 2023, and the epidemiological characteristics was analyzed and described. Results A total of 109 cases of pertussis were reported in Yichang from 2018 to 2023, and the annual average reported incidence rate was 0.45/100,000. The incidence rate reported in each year was between 0～1.58/100,000. The area with the highest annual reported incidence rate was Xiling District (1.19/100,000). There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence rate between different years (χ²=208.26, P < 0.001). The annual reported incidence rate showed a significant increasing trend (χ² trend =125.71, P < 0.001). The ratio of male to female cases was 1.22. There was no significant difference in the annual reported incidence rates between males and females (χ²=0.85, P=0.36). Children aged 3-9 years accounted for 60.55%. Students and scattered children accounted for 45.87% and 36.70%, respectively. Before the onset of the disease, 72.48% had a history of immunization with pertussis-containing vaccine, and 27.52% had no history of immunization. The shortest interval between the last dose of pertussis-containing vaccine and the onset of the disease was 8 days, the longest was 4057 days, and the median was 1882 days. Conclusion From 2018 to 2023, the reported incidence of pertussis in Yichang City has been on the rise, with the majority of cases occurring in children and students under the age of 9. It is recommended to strengthen pertussis disease monitoring.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Coronavirus Dis-ease 2019 in immunocompromised hosts.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 230 hospitalized patients diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019 at Nanjing Yimin Hospital from December 2022 to November 2023.The patients were divided into three groups based on their immune status:immunocompromised group(n=59),relatively immunocompromised group(n=129),and immunocompetent group(n=42).The clinical characteristics(such as clinical manifesta-tions,imaging features,and laboratory examinations)and outcomes(such as length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality)were compared among three groups.Results Compared with there latively immunocompromised and immunocompetent groups,the immunocompromised group showed no obvious specific clinical manifestations.However,the proportions of patients with symptoms such as cough and expectoration were lower,and the occurrences of symptoms such as myalgia and fatigue were less fre-quent in the immunocompromised group(P＜0.05).The chest CT findings in the immunocompro-mised group also lacked specific changes,mainly presenting as subpleural ground-glass opacities and consolidations with multilobar distribution,but fibrotic changes were more common(P＜0.05).The proportion of patients with decreased absolute lymphocyte counts in the immunocompromised group was higher than that in the immunocompetent group,and the proportion of patients with elevated procalcitonin levels was higher than that in the other two groups(P＜0.05).The proportion of severe case sand the length of hospital stay in the immunocompromised group were higher and longer than those in the relatively immunocompromised and immunocompetent groups(P＜0.05).The in-hospital mortality rates in the immunocompromised,relatively immunocompromised,and immunocompetent groups were 10.17％,6.98％,and 2.38％,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion After Coronavirus Disease 2019,immunocompromised hosts do not show obvi-ous clinical and imaging features.However,they have a prolonged length of hospital stay,a signifi-cantly higher proportion of severe cases,and a tendency towards increased in-hospital mortality,which should be given high clinical attention.

Objective:To explore the potential profile characteristics and influencing factors of rehabilitation motivation in elderly patients with first stroke, so as to provide reference for promoting precise rehabilitation mode.Methods:A convenience sampling method was employed to conduct a cross-sectional survey of elderly patients with first stroke admitted to the Huanhu Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin Medical University from October 2024 to March 2025. The survey utilized a general information questionnaire, the Motivation in Stroke Patients for Rehabilitation Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Exercise Adherence Questionnaire (EAQ), and the Stroke Stigma Scale (SSS). Potential categories of rehabilitation motivation among elderly patients with first stroke were identified using latent profile analysis, and the influencing factors of these potential categories were explored using the ordered multinomial Logistic regression.Results:A total of 290 survey questionnaires were distributed, and 281 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 96.9%(281/290). Among 281 elderly patients with first stroke, there were 152 males and 129 females, with an age of (68.68 ± 6.89) years. The score of the Motivation in Stroke Patients for Rehabilitation Scale was 56.00 (36.00, 68.00) points. Rehabilitation motivation among elderly patients with first stroke could be categorized into three groups: low motivation-lack of family support and unclear goals group (44.1%, 124/281), moderate motivation-social reintegration driven but insufficient behavior group (41.3%, 116/281), and high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group (14.6%, 41/281). The ordered multinomial Logistic regression analysis showed that compared to patients aged ≥80 years, patients aged 60-69 years were less likely to belong to the high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group ( OR=0.231, P<0.05). Compared to patients with a per capita monthly income of ≥5 001 yuan, patients with a per capita monthly income of 3 001-5 000 yuan were more likely to belong to the high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group ( OR=2.340, P<0.05). Compared to heavily dependent patients, patients who were completely independent ( OR=0.160, P<0.05), mildly dependent ( OR=0.155, P<0.01), and moderately dependent ( OR=0.211, P<0.05) were less likely to belong to the high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group. The higher the EAQ score, the more likely patients were to belong to the high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group ( OR=1.139, P<0.01). The higher the PSSS score, the more likely patients were to belong to the high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group ( OR=1.108, P<0.01). The higher the SSS score, the less likely patients were to belong to the high motivation autonomous planning adaptation and value internalization group ( OR=0.787, P<0.01). Conclusions:Healthcare professionals can develop targeted intervention strategies based on the characteristics and influencing factors of patients' different rehabilitation motivations, thereby enhancing their rehabilitation motivation and promoting patient recovery.

Objective:To explore the potential categories of internal ability of elderly patients with ischemic stroke, identify the influencing factors and propose corresponding nursing interventions.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. From January 2025 to May 2025, the elderly patients with ischemic stroke in Tianjin Huanhu Hospital were selected by convenient sampling method. The general information questionnaire, the Internal Capacity Assessment Scale for the Older People, the Health Literacy Scale for stroke patients and the Perceived Social Support Scale were used to investigate. To determine latent categories of patients' intrinsic capacity, potential profile analysis was employed. Subsequently, multivariable Logistic regression examined factors associated with these categories.Results:A total of 260 survey questionnaires were distributed, and 256 valid questionnaires were finally collected, with an effective response rate of 98.46% (256/260). Among of them, there were 166 males and 90 females, aged 68.00 (63.00, 74.00) years.The intrinsic ability of elderly patients with ischemic stroke could be divided into three potential categories: low sensation-low exercise group (27.0%, 69/256), relatively stable intrinsic ability group (37.5%, 96/256) and low cognition-low psychology group (35.5%, 91/256). Multivariable Logistic regression showed that advanced age (compared to the low sensation-low exercise group, OR=0.902; compared to the relatively stable intrinsic ability group, OR=0.813), smoking (compared to the low sensation-low exercise group, OR=0.459; compared to the relatively stable intrinsic ability group, OR=0.442), the lower the Barthel index (compared to the low sensation-low exercise group, ≤40 points with OR=0.157; 41-60 points with OR=0.285) were more likely to enter the low cognition-low psychology group (all P<0.05); other chronic disease types ≤1 (compared to the low cognition-low psychology group, OR=2.630), higher health literacy scores (compared to the low cognition-low psychology group, OR=1.033) were more likely to enter the relatively stable intrinsic ability group (both P<0.05); and stroke frequency was the first occurrence (compared to the low cognition-low psychology group, OR=2.725) was more likely to enter the low sensation-low exercise group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In older adults with ischemic stroke, the characteristics of intrinsic ability are clearly categorized. To enhance patient outcomes, healthcare professionals are advised to tailor nursing interventions based on the unique features and specific influencing factors associated with each potential category.