The superficial zone (SFZ) of articular cartilage is an important interface that isolates deeper zones from the microenvironment of the articular cavity and is directly exposed to various biological and mechanical stimuli. The SFZ is not only a crucial structure for maintaining the normal physiological function of articular cartilage but also the earliest site of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage degeneration and a major site of cartilage progenitor cells, suggesting that the SFZ might represent a key target for the early diagnosis and treatment of OA. However, to date, SFZ research has not received sufficient attention, accounting for only about 0.58% of cartilage tissue research. The structure, biological composition, function, and related mechanisms of the SFZ in the physiological and pathological processes of articular cartilage remain unclear. This article reviews the key role of the SFZ in articular cartilage physiology and pathology and focuses on the characteristics of SFZ in articular cartilage degeneration and regeneration in OA, aiming to provide researchers with a systematic understanding of the current research status of the SFZ of articular cartilage, hoping that scholars will give more attention to the SFZ of articular cartilage in the future.
Cartilage, Articular/pathology* ; Humans ; Regeneration/physiology* ; Animals ; Osteoarthritis/physiopathology*

Objective To study the distribution and trend of HIV-1 drug resistance mutation in Dalian blood donors be-tween 2011 and 2020.Methods The protease-reverse transcriptase(PR-RT)region was sequenced in Dalian blood donors tested HIV-1 positive between 2011 and 2020.Drug resistance mutation(DRM)rate and level of resistance to selected drugs were analyzed by the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database.Results DRM were detected in 17.2%(30/174)of samples,while transmitted drug resistance(TDR)was5.7%(10/174).Between2011 and2020,DRM and TDR rates in-creased significantly in 2019 and reached their highest levels in 2020(44.4%and 22.2%,respectively).DRM carriage was associated with people with college degree or above and with local residents(P<0.05).NNRTI DRMs were the most fre-quently detected(12.6%,22/174),followed by PIs(5.7%,10/174),with V179D/E/T and M46I being the main DRMs detected.Only one HIV-1strain(0.57%,1/174)carried a NRTI DRM(L74I).The overall rate of predicted high level re-sistance to antiretroviral drugs was 6.9%(12/174),with the highest proportion of NNRTI resistance(83.3%,10/12).Two samples were classified as highly resistant to EFV and NVP,accounting for 1.1%(2/174).CRF55_01B strains showed a significantly higher DRM rate than strains of other HIV-1 genotypes(P<0.05).Conclusion Between 2011 and 2020,the rate of HIV-1 DRMs in blood donors in Dalian showed a significant upward trend,particularly in 2019-2020,with NNRTI resistance being the most common.The combination of DRMs detection before and after implementation of ART un-der the latest national ART treatment plan would improve the effectiveness of HIV-1 prevention and control locally.

Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata and its active components rehmannioside D and catalpol on γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in the brain based on the xylosy-transferase I(xylt-1)signaling pathway.Methods(1)SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group and treatment group(Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata group,30 g·kg-1),with eight rats in each group,half male and half female.The rat model of yin deficiency was established by intragastric administration of traditional Chinese medicine compound(30 g·kg-1)with acrid-warm nature and dampness-drying and dampness-draining,once in the morning and once in the evening,for 10 consecutive days.After modeling,the treatment group was given Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata decoction by gavage,once in the morning and once in the evening,for 10 consecutive days.The body mass of rats was measured and recorded,and the activity,crossing times and total distance were detected by open field behavior experiment.The levels of serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH),thyrotropin-releasing hormone(TRH),corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in rats were detected by ELISA.The mRNA and protein expression levels of xylt-1,multiligand proteoglycan 1(SDC-1),early growth response factor 1(EGR1)and glutamate decarboxylase 1(GAD67)in rat brain tissue were detected by qPCR and automatic capillary Western Blot.The content of GABA in brain tissue was detected by HPLC.(2)The xylt-1 gene of rat well-differentiated adrenal pheochromocytoma cells(PC12)was silenced by siRNA.The cells were divided into normal group,negative control group,silencing group,silencing+rehmannioside D(10 μmol·L-1)group,silencing+catalpol(10 μmol·L-1)group.The expression levels of xylt-1,SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 mRNA in cells were detected by qPCR.The content of GABA in intracellular and extracellular fluid was detected by HPLC.The expression level of SDC-1 in cells was detected by immunofluorescence.(3)PC12 cells were transfected with lentivirus to overexpress xylt-1 gene.The cells were divided into normal group,negative control group(empty vector group)and overexpression group.The mRNA expression levels of xylt-1,SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 in cells were detected by qPCR.Results(1)Compared with the normal group,the body mass of the rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P＜0.01),the activity was significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the number of crossings and the total distance were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The levels of serum LH,FSH,GnRH,CRH and TRH were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The content of GABA in hippocampus and cerebral cortex was significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The expression of xylt-1,SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 mRNA(hippocampus,cerebral cortex)and protein(hypothalamus,cerebral cortex)in brain tissue were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass of the rats in the treatment group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),the activity was significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the total distance was significantly shortened(P＜0.05).The levels of serum LH,FSH,GnRH,CRH and TRH were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The content of GABA in hippocampus and cerebral cortex was significantly increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The content of GABA in hippocampus and cerebral cortex was significantly increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The expressions of xylt-1,SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 mRNA(hippocampus,cerebral cortex)and protein(hypothalamus,cerebral cortex)in brain tissue were significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the negative control group,the mRNA expressions of xylt-1,SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 in the silencing group was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).The content of GABA in intracellular and extracellular fluid was significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The expression of SDC-1 in cells was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01).Compared with the silencing group,the expression of xylt-1 mRNA in the silencing+rehmannioside D group was up-regulated,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The mRNA expression of xylt-1 in the silencing+catalpol group was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05).The mRNA expressions of SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 in the silencing+rehmannioside D group and the silencing+catalpol group was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),the content of GABA in the intracellular and extracellular fluid was significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the expression of SDC-1 in the cells was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(3)Compared with the normal group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of xylt-1 in the overexpression group was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01).Compared with the negative control group,the mRNA expressions of SDC-1,EGR1 and GAD67 in the overexpression group was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),and the GABA content in the intracellular and extracellular fluid was significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusion There may be a xylt-1/SDC-1/EGR1/GAD67 pathway that regulates GABA synthesis in the brain.Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata may increase GABA levels in the brain by up-regulating this pathway.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of age factor on the potency of cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block in the obese patients.Methods:American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ obese patients, with a body mass index of 30-35 kg/m 2 and waist circumference (female ≥ 80 cm, male ≥ 90 cm), 40 elderly patients (age 65-75 yr) and 40 young and middle-aged patients (age 18-64 yr), scheduled for elective surgery with general anesthesia, were included in this study. Based on the random number table method, the patients were assigned into dosage groups of 40, 50, 60 and 70 μg/kg, served as OF1-4 groups and YF1-4 groups, with 10 patients in each group. The consumption of cisatracurium was calculated based on fat-free mass using a single-dose method. The neuromuscular block of cisatracurium was monitored by recording the response of the adductor pollicis muscle to TOF stimulation, the maximum suppression degree of T 1 and onset time were recorded using the Mindray BeneVision N17 monitor, and the dose-response relationship regression equation was developed to calculate the median effective dose. Results:There was no significant difference in the onset time among groups ( P>0.05). The median effective dose in elderly obese patients and young and middle-aged obese patients were 50.01 and 48.71 μg/kg, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:There is no significant difference in the potency of cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block between elderly obese patients and young and middle-aged obese patients, suggesting that age factor has no significant effect on it.

Objective:To explore the expression of endosialin, i.e., CD248 in human hypertrophic scars (HSs) and its regulatory effect on the phenotype of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs).Methods:The method of experimental research was used. From March to May, 2023, 3 pediatric patients with HS were admitted to the Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 2 females and 1 male, aged one year ten months to two years. The HS tissue resected during the surgery and the remaining full-thickness skin graft, i.e., normal skin tissue after full-thickness skin grafting were collected from the aforementioned pediatric patients for subsequent experiments. Using the aforementioned two types of tissue, the histological structures were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, collagen distribution was observed by Masson staining, and the expression of CD248 was observed and measured by immunohistochemical staining. The primary HSFs were isolated from HS tissue using explant culture technique, and the 3 rd to 5 th passages of HSFs were used in subsequent experiments. According to the random number table, HSFs were divided into immunoglobulin G78 (IgG78)-treated group and IgG control group, which were treated with 200 nmol/L human CD248 monoclonal antibody IgG78 and human IgG control antibody for 24 h, respectively. The mRNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in HSFs were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA in HSFs were detected by Western blotting, and the intracellular location and protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected by immunofluorescence method. The number of samples in each experiment was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test and independent sample t test. Results:Compared with those in normal skin tissue, the epidermis and dermis in HS tissue were significantly thicker, with massive accumulation and disordered arrangement of collagen in the dermis. The expression of CD248 in HS tissue was significantly upregulated compared with that in normal skin tissue ( t=5.29, P<0.05). At post treatment hour 24, the mRNA expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were 0.39±0.05 and 0.56±0.09, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.00±0.07 and 1.00±0.08 in IgG control group, respectively (with t values of 11.87 and 6.49, respectively, P values all <0.05). The protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were 0.617±0.011 and 0.67±0.14, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.259±0.052 and 1.23±0.16 in IgG control group, respectively (with t values of 20.92 and 4.52, respectively, P values all <0.05). At post treatment hour 24, immunofluorescence staining showed that Col Ⅰ and α-SMA mainly located in the cytoplasm of HSFs in the two groups, and the protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were obviously downregulated compared with those in IgG control group. Conclusions:The expression of CD248 is significantly upregulated in human HS. Targeted blockade of CD248 can significantly inhibit the collagen synthesis by HSFs and the transdifferentiation of HSFs into myofibroblasts.

【Objective】 To analyze the results, characteristics and clinical value of video urodynamic study (VUD) of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in young male. 【Methods】 A total of 106 young male LUTS patients (18-45 years old) who received VUD in our hospital during Jan.2016 and Sep.2021 were collected to analyze the clinical and imaging urodynamic characteristics. 【Results】 Of the 106 patients, 55 (52.44%) had neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD)with clear neurological etiology, and 51 (48%) had non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NNLUTD). In NLUTD patients, dysuria was the most common symptom (76.74%); lumbosacral lesions were the main cause (76.36%); imaging urodynamics indicated weakening of detrusor muscle in different degrees. In NNLUTD patients,the main symptoms were frequent urination (48.72%) and dysuria (48.72%); about 58.97% of patients had two or more LUTS, and the main diagnosis was detrusor underactivity (DU)(35.90%). 【Conclusion】 NLUTD in young male is characterized by varying degrees of detrusor muscle weakness, detrusor sphincter dyscoordination, and decreased bladder compliance. NNLUTD is mostly caused by detrusor overactivity (DO) and DU.

【Objective】 To investigate the serological and molecular characteristics of HBsAg+ /HBV DNA non-reactive (NR) infections. 【Methods】 Samples tested as HBsAg+ and HBV DNA NR were confirmed by individual NAT repeat testing, viral particle concentration by PEG precipitation combined with in-house nested PCR and real-time quantitative PCR, anti-HBc testing, and HBsAg quantification. HBV sequences were compared with those from donors with chronic and occult infection as controls. 【Results】 A total of 792 195 samples were screened between January 2011 and December 2020, of which 53 (1: 14 947) were confirmed HBsAg+ /HBV DNA NR. HBV DNA was detected further in five (9.4%) samples; three S sequences and four Pre Core/Core sequences were obtained. Unique amino acid substitutions (P130T, P135Q/S, R151Q, G153S and S155F) were found in the Core protein that may affect virus packaging and replication. 【Conclusion】 Extremely low HBV DNA level was detected in plasmas of HBsAg+ /HBV DNA NR donors. Barely detectable HBV DNA might be associated with unusual mutations in the Pre Core/Core protein affecting viral replication. More sensitive HBV DNA and/or HBsAg assays may be considered to further reduce the potential HBV transfusion-transmission residual risk.

【Objective】 To investigate HIV-1 subtype distribution and trend among Dalian blood donors between 2011 and 2020, in order to provide information to improve blood safety and HIV prevention. 【Methods】 HIV RNA was purified from plasma samples of Dalian blood donors with confirmed HIV infection, which were collected between 2011 and 2020. The HIV pol gene was amplified and sequenced. HIV-1 subtypes were determined by phylogenetic analysis. 【Results】 HIV RNA was successfully genotyped in 174 samples from HIV-infected donors. The main subtypes among Dalian blood donors were CRF01_AE(69.5%), CRF07_BC(17.2%), B(5.2%), CRF02_AG(2.9%), C(1.1%), CRF55_01B(1.1%), CRF08_BC(0.6%), CRF59_01B(0.6%) and CRF79_0107(0.6%). There were still 2 cases (1.1%) unclassified. Significant difference was observed when comparing with the published national data. The prevalence of CRF01_AE strains decreased over the years, while CRF07_BC increased significantly. CRF02_AG carriers differed from donors infected with other HIV subtypes by being mostly females (40.0% vs. 2.4%), aged (median: 35y vs. 26y) and lower educational background(junior school degree or below). And 96.7% of local CRF01_AE cases were related to HIV strains, which were reported to circulate in Northeast China and in the MSM population. 【Conclusion】 HIV-1 among Dalian blood donors had unique molecular epidemiology and the trends of 07_BC increasing and 01_AE decreasing lagged behind the overall national data. Donor education on blood safety and consultation services to high risk group before donation still need improvement.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) interventions are under rapid development. The K-Clip? system is the first domestic transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty system with unique clamping procedure to achieve annular reduction.Intraoperative echocardiographic monitoring procedures for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty have not been reported yet in China. Thus, this review aimed to propose the standard two-dimensional and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic workplanes and procedures to guide and monitor the implantation of K-Clip system based on our experience in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University to provide a reference point for the intraoperative echocardiographic monitoring of future transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty devices in China.

【Objective】 To improve the efficiency and screening strategy by evaluating the performance of HBsAg screening before blood donation in Dalian. 【Methods】 The confirmed HBsAg positive samples were detected qualitatively and quantitatively, and retested with HBsAg rapid testing kit pre-donational used parallelly. Efficiency of HBsAg screening before donation was calculated, and compared between first-time and repeated donors. 【Results】 The pre-donation HBsAg screening was conducted for 199 553 cases, including 95 321 first-time donors (63.2%) and 55 396 repeated donors(36.8%).1 015 donors (first-time/repeated: 999/16) were reactive in HBsAg rapid testing. 113 samples (first-time/repeated: 108/5), initially negative in HBsAg rapid testing, were confirmed HBsAg positive by laboratory testing. The efficiency of pre-donation HBsAg screening for first-time donors(10.9‰) was significantly higher than that of repeated donors(0.3‰)(P<0.05). The positive rate of retesting was 41.1% (39/95), among which 70% were classified as median or strong positive.Significant difference was observed among HBsAg values(IU/mL) [median(range)] of negative, weak positive, median positive and strong positive samples (P<0.05) which were 0.41 (<0.05-11.35), 6.71 (2.49-23.15), 36.48 (7.01->130) and 92.44 (18.7->130), respectively. 【Conclusion】 The HBsAg rapid testing kit used in Dalian Blood Center could meet requirements for blood donor screening before donation, while good efficiency of HBsAg pre-donation screening could be achieved only in first-time blood donors.