OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of amentoflavone (AF) for alleviating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and inhibiting NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 axis-mediated pyroptosis. METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, LPS group, and AF treatment groups at low, moderate and high doses (n=12). ALI models were established by tracheal LPS instillation, and in AF treatment groups, AF was administered by gavage 30 min before LPS instillation. Six hours after LPS instillation, the mice were euthanized for examining lung tissue histopathological changes, protein levels in BALF, and MPO levels in the lung tissue. In the in vitro experiment, RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with AF, AC (a pyroptosis inhibitor), or their combination for 2 h before stimulation with LPS and ATP. The changes in cell proliferation and viability were detected using CCK-8 assay, and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α levels were determined with ELISA. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, and immunoblotting were used to detect the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD N in rat lung tissues and the treated cells. RESULTS: In mice with LPS exposure, AF treatment significantly improved lung pathologies and edema, reduced protein levels in BALF and pulmonary MPO level, inhibited the high expression of NLRP3/ASC/Aspase-1 axis, reduced the expression of GSDMD N, and lowered the release of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF‑α. In RAW264.7 cells with LPS and ATP stimulation, AF pretreatment effectively reduced cell death, inhibited activation of the NLRP3/ASC/Aspase-1 axis, and reduced GSDMD N expression and the inflammatory factors. The pyroptosis inhibitor showed a similar effect to AF, and their combination produced more pronounced effects in RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS Amentoflavone can alleviate ALI in mice possibly by inhibiting NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 axis-mediated cell pyroptosis.
Animals ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Acute Lung Injury/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Female ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Biflavonoids/pharmacology* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Lung

Due to the limited reliability of traditional self-completed questionnaire, the accuracy of measurement of physical behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep) is not high. With the development of technology, wearable devices (e.g. accelerometer) can be used for more accurate measurement of physical behaviors and have great application potential in large-scale research. However, the data of objective measurement of physical behaviors from large-scale cohort research in Asian populations is still limited. Between August 2020 and December 2021, the 3 rd resurvey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) project used Axivity AX3 wrist triaxial accelerometer to collect the data of participants' daily activity and sleep status. A total of 20 370 participants from 10 study areas were included in the study, in whom 65.2% were women, and the age was (65.4±9.1) years. The participants' physical activity level varied greatly in different study areas. The objective measurement of participants' physical behaviors in CKB project has provided valuable resources for the description of 24-hour patterns of physical behaviors and evaluation of the health effect of physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep as well as their association with diseases in the elderly in China.

Objective:To describe the distribution of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in non-arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) population in China and explore its influencing factors.Methods:This study was based on a nested case-control study in the CKB study measured plasma biomarkers. Lp(a) levels was measured using a polyclonal antibody-based turbidimetric assay certified by the reference laboratory and ≥75.0 nmol/L defined as high Lp(a). Multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the factors related to Lp(a) levels.Results:Among the 5 870 non-ASCVD population included in the analysis, Lp(a) levels showed a right-skewed distribution, with a M ( Q1, Q3) of 17.5 (8.8, 43.5) nmol/L. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that female was associated with high Lp(a) ( OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.43). The risk of increased Lp(a) levels in subjects with abdominal obesity was significantly reduced ( OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.89). As TC, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A1(Apo A1), and apolipoprotein B(Apo B) levels increased, the risk of high Lp(a) increased, with OR (95% CI) for each elevated group was 2.40 (1.76-3.24), 2.68 (1.36-4.93), 1.29 (1.03-1.61), and 1.65 (1.27-2.13), respectively. The risk of high Lp(a) was reduced in the HDL-C lowering group with an OR (95% CI) of 0.76 (0.61-0.94). In contrast, an increase in TG levels and the ratio of Apo A1/Apo B(Apo A1/B) was negatively correlated with the risk of high Lp(a), with OR (95% CI) of 0.73 (0.60-0.89) for elevated triglyceride group, and OR (95% CI) of 0.60 (0.50-0.72) for the Apo A1/B ratio increase group (linear trend test P≤0.001 except for Apo A1). However, no correlation was found between Lp(a) levels and lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and physical activity. Conclusions:Lp(a) levels were associated with sex and abdominal obesity, but less with lifestyle behaviors.

Objective:To explore the outcome of sponge forceps assisted threading with Speedbridge technique for the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 20 patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture treated in Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from December 2019 to December 2021. There were 18 males and 2 females, with age range of 24-43 years [(29.5±7.6)years]. All patients were with unilateral injury, involving the left side in 13 patients and right side in 7. Examinations revealed a palpable defect in the Achilles tendon and positive Thompson test. A longitudinal incision was made at the medial edge of the ruptured tendon. Three nonabsorbable sutures were passed through the proximal stump with sponge forceps, bypassed the rupture site and fixed directly into the calcaneal bone. The disrupted tendon ends were aligned by the tendon-bundle technique using 4-0 absorbable sutures. The operation time and incision length were documented. The ankle joint range of motion (dorsiflexion/plantar flexion), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) in the affected and healthy side were compared at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The wound healing and complications were observed.Results:All patients were followed up for 12-16 months [(13.2±2.5)months]. The operation time was 40-66 minutes [(52.0±10.3)minutes], with the incision length of 3-4 cm [(3.3±0.7)cm]. In the affected side at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the ankle joint dorsiflexion [(5.6±1.5)°, (10.5±0.2)°] and plantar flexion [(28.4±3.2)°, (33.5±1.5)°] showed statistically significant difference compared with the healthy side (all P<0.05). The ankle joint dorsiflexion [(13.9±0.7)°] and plantar flexion [(38.3±4.4)°] in the affected side were not statistically different from that of the healthy side at 12 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was (58.3±5.4)points, (84.9±7.1)points and (91.8±6.3)points at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, showing a gradual rise (all P<0.05). The ATRS was (60.5±4.9)points, (85.5±9.0)points and (93.1±5.7)points at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, showing a gradual rise (all P<0.05). All incisions were healed primarily. No patients had wound infection, nerve injury or re-rupture. Pain at the anchor insertion site occurred in 2 patients at 1 month after operation and relieved after active functional rehabilitation at 4 months after operation. Transient pain at the Achilles tendon insertion occurred in 1 patient at 6 months after operation, and relieved after 2 weeks of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treatment. Conclusion:For acute closed Achilles tendon rupture, sponge forceps assisted threading with Speedbridge technique can attain short operation time, small incision and good functional recovery, with few complications.

This article reported a case of fetal testicular torsion diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound. Ultrasound examination at 38 weeks of gestation showed a slightly enhanced echo in the left testicle of the fetus and fluid accumulation within the testicular sheath cavity and between the sheath and fascia, presenting a 'double-ring' sign. An emergency cesarean section was performed considering the risk of acute fetal testicular torsion. Postnatal ultrasound images revealed abnormalities in the left testicle of the neonate and peripheral effusion with a 'double-ring' echo. The patient was considered to have congenital testicular torsion (with a high possibility of extravaginal type) and received an emergency treatment of left testicular torsion reduction combined with testicular fixation surgery and right testicular fixation surgery. Six months after surgery, reexamination by ultrasound showed the testicles of the newborn were normal.

Objective:To explore the differences of physical activity levels between Chinese and British patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its influencing factors.Methods:Based on the baseline survey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and United Kingdom Biobank (UKB), we identified the case and control group according to the self-reported disease history in the questionnaire. Metabolic equivalent of task, as the assessment of physical activity level, was graded according to the tertiles of specific ages and genders. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation between CVD status and physical activity levels.Results:We included 509 170 Chinese adults and 360 360 British adults in the analysis. After adjusting for multiple factors, we found a positive correlation between CVD patients and low physical activity levels in both CKB and UKB populations (CKB: OR=1.21, 95% CI:1.17-1.25; UKB: OR=1.24, 95% CI:1.20-1.28). There was a high correlation between the prevalence of CVD and low physical activity levels in males with CKB ( OR=1.33, 95% CI:1.27-1.40).Unlike the UKB population, as the length of CVD increased, the physical activity levels of CKB patients gradually approached that of the non-CVD population, and stroke was positively correlated with low physical activity levels ( OR=1.46, 95% CI:1.38-1.53). The decline in physical activity was more pronounced among CKB and UKB CVD patients with lower educational levels, current or former smokers or drinkers, and those with other chronic diseases. In CKB, there showed a high correlation between CVD disease and low physical activity levels in rural areas and non-retired populations. In UKB, there appeared a higher correlation between CVD disease and low physical activity levels in urban and non-working populations. Conclusions:The physical activity levels of CVD patients in both China and the UK were lower than that in non-CVD population. In addition to low-educated individuals, current or former smokers or drinkers, and those with other chronic diseases, it is critical to pay attention to the physical activity levels of rural, male, and non-retirees among Chinese patients.

Objective:To summarize the clinical and pathological features of intravascular NK and T cell lymphoma for better understanding of such disease to reduce misdiagnosis and miss-diagnosis.Methods:Clinical and pathological features were analyzed retrospectively in one case of intravascular peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (IVPTCL, NOS) , with literatures review.Results:The case presented in this study was a 66-year-old man. PET/CT scan showed multiple lymph nodes enlargement throughout the body. Normal lymph node structure could not be observed by tissue biopsy, while lymph follicles were partially disrupted. High-power light microscope revealed a large number of blood vessels with diffuse proliferation and dilation, where atypical lymphoid cell mass was restricted in the lumen and partially infiltrated the large blood vessel wall. These tumor cells were medium to large with moderate cytoplasm. The nucleus was irregular, single or multiple nucleoli could be seen, chromatin was condensed, some were empty and bright, and mitotic figures could be seen. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for expression of CD3, CD43, CD8, GrB, TIA-1 and perforin. EBER in situ hybridization result was negative. Polymerase chain reaction test identified a clonal gene rearrangement of T-cell receptor γ. The patient was treated with CHOP in combination with chidamide, but died of infection and cardiopulmonary failure within 2 months. 56 cases of intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma with definite classification were collected from relevant literatures, including 47 cases with nasal type of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (27 were male and 20 were female) , 8 cases with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3 males and 5 females) , and only one case with de nova IVPTCL, NOS in brain. We report the second case of IVPTCL,NOS, and notably originated from lymph node for the first time.Conclusions:Intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma is a highly aggressive disease with no effective treatment at present. Involvement of Lymph node has rarely been reported, and further studies on more cases are necessary.

Objective To evaluate Evans lateral lengthening calcaneal osteotomy(E-LLCOT) in the treatment oftalocalcaneal coalitions (TCCs) with forefoot abduction deformity in the teenagers.Methods From February 2014 to August 2018,11 teenaged patients (14 feet) were treated at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery,Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital for TCCs with severe forefoot abduction deformity.They were 6 males (8 feet) and 5 females (6 feet),aged from 13 to 17 years (average,15 years).Their diseases involved bilateral feet in 3 cases and unilateral foot in 8,the left foot in 7 cases and the right in 7.All patients underwent TCCs resection followed by E-LLCOT.Their talonavicular coverage angles (TCA) and talar-second metatarsal angles (T2-MT) on the anteroposterior film and talar horizontal angles (TH) and talar-first metatarsal angles (T1-MT) on the lateral film were measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up.The foot functions were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up using the ankle-hindfoot scores of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS).Results All the 11 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (average,16.5 months).The mean preoperative TCA (22.3°,from 20° to 26°) was improved to 10.5° (from 8° to 13°) at the last follow-up;the mean T-2MT was improved from preoperative 17.6° (from 16° to 20°) to 6.5° (from 5° to 11°) at the last follow-up;the mean TH on the lateral view was improved from preoperative 35° (from 25° to 40°) to 17.5° (from 16° to 21°) at the last follow-up;the mean T-1MT was improved from preoperative 15.5° (from 10° to 22°) to 3.5° (from 2° to 6°) at the last follow-up;the mean AOFAS score was improved from 56.5 (from 50 to 62) preoperatively to 90.6 (from 75 to 95) at the last follow-up;the mean VAS score was improved from 6.0 (from 5 to 7) preoperatively to 2 (from 0 to 3) at the last follow-up.Conclusion For TCCs with severe forefoot abduction deformity in the geenagers,E-LLCOT after TCCs resection can effectively correct deformity,relieve pain and achieve significant functional and radiographic improvements.

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of ankle arthrodesis with reverse proximal humerus internal locking system plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthrosis.Methods:From April 2014 to January 2018, 19 patients (19 ankles) with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis were treated at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital by ankle arthrodesis with reverse PHILOS plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach for multi-plane fixation. They were 9 men and 10 women, aged from 36 to 65 years (average, 46.7 years). The disorder was further diagnosed as traumatic arthritis in 9 cases, as osteoarthritis in 6, as talar necrosis in 2 and as equinovarus in 2, and affected the left ankle in 11 cases and the right in 8. All cases belonged to stage Ⅲ osteoarthritis according to the Morrey-Wiedeman imaging classification. Their American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS), joint fusion and complications were observed preoperatively and at the last follow-up.Results:All the 19 patients were followed up for 18 to 62 months (average, 31.5 months). Their AOFAS scores were improved from preoperative 46.3±2.1 to 81.6±0.9 at the last follow-up, and their VAS was reduced from preoperative 7.1±0.2 to 2.0±0.2 at the last follow-up, showing significant differences ( P<0.001). All their ankle joints obtained bony fusion after 9 to 14 weeks (mean, 11.5 weeks). No implant loosening or breakage was observed. All the patients were satisfied with their operative results at the last follow-up. Dorsal lateral foot numbness was observed in one patient who became asymptomatic after neurotrophic medication for 3 months. Lateral distal wound dehiscence happened during removal of stitches at 2 weeks after operation in another patient but healed after debridement. The last follow-up found subtalar joint degeneration in 2 cases and talonavicular joint degeneration in one but no clinical symptoms in the 3. Conclusion:Ankle arthrodesis with reverse PHILOS plating plus cannulated screwing via the transfibular approach is a fine treatment for end-stage ankle arthrosis, because it leads to reliable fixation, short fusion time, alleviated pain and improved ankle function.

Objective: To detect the expression of SVEP1, PKHD1 and P53 in primary liver cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry for predicting the recurrence of liver cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 103 patients with primary liver cancer who underwent surgical resection at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were gathered from January 2013 to January 2014 and analyzed retrospectively. Expression values of three different proteins were used to develop separate immunohistochemical scores for the prog-nosis of recurrence in patients. The patients were classified into either a high-risk or a low-risk group based on their immunohisto-chemical scores through ROC curve analysis. The difference in recurrence ratio between the two groups was then compared using the common research index of disease-free survival (DFS). Results: The median age of the total patients was 55 years (range 21-88 years), the median AFP level was 70.6 (range 1.03-718840.0) μg/L, the median CA19-9 level was 22.89 (range 0.6-1000.0) kU/L, and the medi-an tumor size was 4.5 (1.0-27.0) cm. The expression levels of SVEP1, PKHD1, and P53 in primary liver tumors were detected by immu-nohistochemistry and assigned separate immunohistochemical scores. The areas under the ROC curves of the immunohistochemical scores of SVEP1, PKHD1, and P53 were 0.861, 0.829, and 0.716, respectively. The critical values of SVEP1, PKHD1, and P53 were 4, 4, and 1 point, respectively (P<0.001). The three-year DFS rates among the SVEP1 high-risk (expression≤4 points) and low-risk groups (expression>4 points) were 4.1% and 51.7%, respectively. Similarly, the three-year survival rates among the PKHD1 high-risk (expres-sion≤4 points) and low-risk groups (expression>4 points) were 5.3% and 51.9%, respectively. The three-year DFS rates among the P53 high-risk (expression>1 point) and the low-risk group (expression≤1 point) were 6.3% and 27.3%, respectively. The survival differenc-es between all the pairs were statistically significant (P<0.001,<0.001, and 0.003 respectively). When PKHD1 was used in combination with SVEP1, the ROC curve had an area of 0.897 (P<0.001) with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 94.4%. Conclusions: The accu-racy of P53 data for predicting primary liver cancer recurrence is insufficient and therefore it is not recommended for use. SVEP1 and PKHD1 data achieve sufficient accuracy for predicting the recurrence of primary liver cancer. Since SVEP1 data impart a higher specifici-ty and PKHD1 data impart a higher sensitivity to the prognosis scores, the combined use of the two markers is better than being used individually.