Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-and med-term clinical efficacy of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)for the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency(ACLD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients aged over 75 years old with primary medial knee OA and ACLD who underwent UKA between January 2018 and December 2022. The cohort included 12 males and 19 females, aged from 75 to 91 years with an average age of (79.56±4.54) years, with 13 left knee, 16 right knee, and 2 bilateral knees. Clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS) score, range of motion (ROM), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), and tibial component posterior slope angle (TCPSA). Complications such as infection, prosthesis wear, prosthesis loosening, and dislocation were also recorded. RESULTS: All 31 patients were followed up from 12 to 63 months with an average of (28.34±10.56) months. The average postoperative TCPSA was (4.83±1.31)° ranged from 2.5° to 6.8°. At the final follow-up, there was significant improvement in VAS (3.24±0.53) vs. (6.59±0.69), HSS score (85.19±4.45) vs. (64.38±5.94), ROM (118.83±5.38)° vs. (98.85±4.08)°, and HKA (176.83±5.16)° vs. (169.57±6.28)° compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). No cases of infection, prosthesis loosening, or dislocation were reported. CONCLUSION UKA provides favorable short-and mid-term outcomes for elderly patients with medial knee OA and ACLD . However, long-term clinical efficacy needs further investigation through extended follow-up.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods* ; Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

The number of type 2 diabetes(T2DM)accounts for more than 90％of all Diabetes mellitus(DM).The decrease of islet β cell mass and dysfunction are the core links of T2DM.With the prolongation of the course of disease,the number and function of β cells are gradually attenuated,and the damage mechanism has not been elucidated.At present,it is believed that it is closely related to metabolic stress,abnormal regulation of insulin secretion,changes in islet microenvironment,mitochondrial damage,glycolipid toxicity and dedifferentiation of islet β cells.Therefore,the mechanism of islet β cell damage in T2DM is summarized and elaborated in order to provide some reference for the precise intervention of T2DM.

Objective::Severe tricuspid regurgitation frequently leads to increased mortality and a poor prognosis. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for tricuspid valve regurgitation has been reported as a safe alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. This study endeavors to assess the efficacy and safety of a newly designed Neoblazar TEER system in this high-risk population.Methods::This investigation was structured as a prospective, single-arm, first-in-man trial in China (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT05497141). From August 2022 to October 2022, patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation were enrolled from 3 centers (Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital, and Wuhan Union Hospital). The primary endpoint was achieving a minimum 1-grade reduction in tricuspid regurgitation at the 6-month post-TEER intervention, in addition to the pertinent New York Heart Association class. Scheduled echocardiographic evaluations were conducted at the following distinct intervals: baseline, discharge, 1 month, and 6 months post-TEER intervention.Results::A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study. Immediately after the TEER procedure with the Neoblazar system, massive tricuspid regurgitation (grade 5+) at baseline decreased to moderate-severe tricuspid regurgitation (grade 3+) in 2 patients and the optimal tricuspid regurgitation reduction (severe tricuspid regurgitation (grade 4+) to mild tricuspid regurgitation (grade 1+)) were achieved in 6 patients. After 6 months of follow-up, tricuspid regurgitation reduction was found to be durable in all enrolled patients, among whom at least 1 grade of tricuspid regurgitation reduction was sustained, even without reintervention. Consistently, the New York Heart Association class among these subjects significantly improved, with the percentage of patients categorized as class I-II increasing from 0/10 at baseline to 5/10 after 1 month ( P = 0.015) and 8/10 after 6 months ( P < 0.001). Conclusion::Tricuspid TEER with the newly designed Neoblazar system appears to be a feasible and safe alternative in treating patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. However, the implementation of larger and more robust randomized trials is still necessary for further verification of the potential benefits.

Objective::Severe tricuspid regurgitation frequently leads to increased mortality and a poor prognosis. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for tricuspid valve regurgitation has been reported as a safe alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. This study endeavors to assess the efficacy and safety of a newly designed Neoblazar TEER system in this high-risk population.Methods::This investigation was structured as a prospective, single-arm, first-in-man trial in China (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT05497141). From August 2022 to October 2022, patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation were enrolled from 3 centers (Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital, and Wuhan Union Hospital). The primary endpoint was achieving a minimum 1-grade reduction in tricuspid regurgitation at the 6-month post-TEER intervention, in addition to the pertinent New York Heart Association class. Scheduled echocardiographic evaluations were conducted at the following distinct intervals: baseline, discharge, 1 month, and 6 months post-TEER intervention.Results::A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study. Immediately after the TEER procedure with the Neoblazar system, massive tricuspid regurgitation (grade 5+) at baseline decreased to moderate-severe tricuspid regurgitation (grade 3+) in 2 patients and the optimal tricuspid regurgitation reduction (severe tricuspid regurgitation (grade 4+) to mild tricuspid regurgitation (grade 1+)) were achieved in 6 patients. After 6 months of follow-up, tricuspid regurgitation reduction was found to be durable in all enrolled patients, among whom at least 1 grade of tricuspid regurgitation reduction was sustained, even without reintervention. Consistently, the New York Heart Association class among these subjects significantly improved, with the percentage of patients categorized as class I-II increasing from 0/10 at baseline to 5/10 after 1 month ( P = 0.015) and 8/10 after 6 months ( P < 0.001). Conclusion::Tricuspid TEER with the newly designed Neoblazar system appears to be a feasible and safe alternative in treating patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. However, the implementation of larger and more robust randomized trials is still necessary for further verification of the potential benefits.

Aim To investigate the effect of Dahuang Tangluo pills(DHTL)on NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate proteolytic enzyme-1(caspase-1)/apodermic D(GSDMD)pathway-media-ted pyroptosis in db/db mice with diabetic kidney dis-ease(DKD)and the underlying mechanism.Methods Eight db/m mice were selected as control group,and forty db/db mice were randomly divided into mod-el group,low dose group,medium dose group,high dose group and dapagliflozin group,with eight mice in each group.The control group and model group were given equal volume normal saline intragastric adminis-tration,the low,medium and high dose groups were given DHTL solution of 0.9,1.8 and 3.6 mg·kg-1,respectively,and the dapagliflozin group was given dapagliflozin tablet solution of 1.5 mg·kg-1,and the six groups were given intragastric administration once a day for 10 weeks.The body weight of mice was meas-ured daily and the dose was adjusted during adminis-tration.Fasting blood glucose(FBG)and body weight were measured after administration.The levels of 24-hour urinary total protein(24h-UTP),blood creatinine(Scr)and urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured by au-tomatic biochemical analyzer.The levels of interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-18(IL-18)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in re-nal tissue of mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The DNA damage in mouse kid-ney tissue was observed using in situ end labeling(TUNEL)staining.The mRNA and protein expres-sions of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD in mouse kid-ney tissues were detected by Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,FBG,body weight,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-18 and TNF-α in the model group significantly increased(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD in mouse kidney tis-sues significantly increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the levels of FBG,body weight,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-18 and TNF-α in each administration group significantly decreased(P＜0.05).The patho-logical morphology of renal tissue was improved in dif-ferent degrees,and the number of positive cells in re-nal tissue was significantly reduced(P＜0.05).The mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD in renal tissue of mice in high and medi-um dose of DHTL and dapagliflozin group significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusions DHTL can im-prove the renal injury of DKD,and its mechanism may be through the regulation of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSD-MD pathway to inhibit pyroptosis and relieve the in-flammatory response of DKD mice.

Background In mainland China, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) have approximately an 40% prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages, and severe vision loss. China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes, regarding opinions on inactive PCV, choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy or combined therapy, patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF) after loading dose anti-VEGF, and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage. An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews, which informed the recommendations that address these questions. This guideline used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations. Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices. (1) For patients with inactive PCV, we suggest observation over treatment. (2) For treatment-na?ve PCV patients, we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy. (3) For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment, we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT. (4) For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy, we suggest the treat and extend (T&E) regimen rather than the pro re nata (PRN) regimen following three monthly loading doses. (5) For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments, we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation. (6) For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage (equal to or more than four optic disc areas) involving the central macula, we suggest surgery (vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) intraocular injection and gas tamponade) rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy. Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients' management.

This article uses the "behavioural and social drivers of vaccination" model released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 to analyze influenza vaccine policy documents issued by the state and governments. This indicates that the current influenza vaccination policy in China has paid some attention to "publicity and mobilization", but it still pays insufficient attention to "vaccination convenience". It is recommended to continue to strengthen publicity and mobilization, explore ways to improve the convenience of vaccination, formulate corresponding plans to improve the convenience of vaccination, scientifically set vaccination rate targets, and encourage areas with conditions to carry out free vaccination projects for key populations.