ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of long COVID and to investigate its main influencing factors by examining individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March and June 2022 in two communities in Shanghai, to lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism and clinical treatment of long COVID, and to provide the basis for the development of inexpensive, convenient, and feasible prevention and intervention strategies. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 6 410 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The incidence and common symptoms of long COVID were analyzed, along with their associations with demographic characteristics, medical history, and behavioral factors. A logistic regression model was used to identify the major factors associated with the development of long COVID symptoms. ResultsThe overall incidence rate of long COVID among the study population was 13.9%. The most commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (65.1%), attention disorders (23.1%), and cough (16.9%). The analysis showed that having underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.580, 95%CI: 2.165‒3.074), a history of allergies (OR=1.418, 95%CI: 1.003‒1.971), current smoking (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.013‒2.079), ever smoking (OR=2.462, 95%CI: 1.687‒3.551), a greater number of symptoms during the acute phase [1 symptom (OR=1.778, 95%CI: 1.459‒2.162), 2 symptoms (OR=2.749, 95%CI: 2.209‒3.409), ≥3 symptoms (OR=7.792, 95%CI: 6.333‒9.593)] and aggravated symptoms during the acute phase (OR=1.082, 95%CI: 1.070‒1.094) were factors associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID symptoms. Additionally, individuals who had consumed alcohol in the past year (OR=1.914, 95%CI: 1.344‒2.684) were more prone to objective long COVID symptoms. Among individuals under 50 years of age, females (OR=1.427, 95%CI: 1.052‒1.943) were more likely to develop objective long COVID symptoms. ConclusionThis study has identified the diversity of long COVID symptoms, which involve multiple organs and systems, including fatigue, attention disorders, cough, and joint pain. It has also revealed associations between long COVID and various demographic factors (e.g., age, gender), personal medical history (e.g., underlying chronic diseases, history of allergies), acute-phase characteristics (e.g., number and severity of symptoms), and behavioral factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption). These findings highlight the need for further research and ongoing surveillance of long COVID and may inform the development of more targeted health management strategies for specific populations.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection by conducting follow-up investigations among community residents who experienced their first SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and June 2022, so as to provide a scientific basis for predicting future epidemic trends and adjusting prevention and control strategies. MethodsA cohort study was conducted in Xuhui District, Shanghai. A total of 1 208 individuals with a documented primary SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and June 2022 were enrolled and followed-up longitudinally. Data were collected using structured questionnaire surveys to assess the reinfection rate, incidence density, and clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. ResultsA total of 497 SARS-CoV-2 reinfection cases were observed among the 1 208 research subjects, with a reinfection rate of 41.14% and an incidence density of 0.63 cases per 1 000 person-days. The cumulative reinfection rates at 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months following the initial infection were 0.08%, 15.31%, 19.04%, 33.53%, and 38.25%, respectively. Compared with the primary infection, reinfection was more likely to be symptomatic, with a greater severity of fever, dry cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Being female, younger age, and symptom duration ≥7 days during the primary infection were identified as influencing factors for SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, while a higher socioeconomic status can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 reinfection is relatively common and often symptomatic. Age, gender, income level, and the duration of symptoms during the primary infection are identified as infuencing factors for SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Continuous monitoring of reinfection in the population is recommended, along with the development of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of reinfection.

Objective To observe the effects of a stepped early activity program combined with lower limb joint rehabilitation devices in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit(ICU).Methods Sixty mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU of Tianjin First Central Hospital from October 2022 to June 2023 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into an intervention group(n=30)and a control group(n=30)using a random number table.The control group received routine rehabilitation nursing combined with lower limb joint rehabilitation devices,while the intervention group was additionally treated with the stepped early activity program.The duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,incidence of delirium,Medical Research Council(MRC)muscle strength scores,phase angle(PA),and skeletal muscle mass index(SMI)were compared between the two groups.Results The intervention group showed significantly shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay compared to the control group[mechanical ventilation time(days):9.20±4.51 vs.11.73±4.59,the length of ICU stay(days):10.73±5.37 vs.14.00±6.03,both P<0.05].Post-intervention MRC muscle strength scores,PA,and SMI significantly increased in both groups,with greater improvements observed in the intervention group[MRC muscle strength score:54.17±2.10 vs.50.17±3.51;PA(°):5.80±0.60 vs.5.49±0.54;SMI(kg/m2):6.87±0.46 vs.6.62±0.45,all P<0.05].No statistically significant difference was found in delirium incidence between the two groups[26.7%(8/30)vs.33.3%(10/30),P>0.05].Conclusion The combination of a stepped early activity program and lower limb joint rehabilitation devices effectively shortens mechanical ventilation time and the length of ICU stay,restores muscle strength,and promotes recovery in mechanically ventilated ICU patients,demonstrating significant clinical value.

Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in alveolar bone repair induced by periodontitis.Methods A rat periodontitis model was established and divided into four groups:Control group(n=6);Periodontitis model group(n=6);Periodontitis+lentivirus empty vector group(n=6);Periodontitis+NFE2L2 overexpression plasmid group(n=6).Histopathological changes in each group were observed using HE staining.TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast positivity,while ELISA was employed to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in tissues.Immunofluorescence and qPCR were used to detect NFE2L2 expression,and western blot was used to assess the expression of osteogenic proteins ALPL2,RUNX2,and COL1.Primary periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)were cultured,and cells were transfected to overexpress NFE2L2 and KEAP1.The cells were divided into six groups:Normal group;Model group;pcDNA-NC group;pcDNA-NFE2L2 group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-NC group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-KEAP1 group.A cellular model was established,and the morphology of primary hPDLCs was observed under a microscope.Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8.Osteogenic mineralization was observed using alizarin red staining,and western blot was used to detect osteogenic proteins and autophagy markers.Cell migration was observed using a scratch assay.Results(1)After model induction,redness,swelling of the gums,extensive inflammatory infiltration,and alveolar bone resorption were observed,confirming successful model establishment.Partial tissue recovery occurred after NFE2L2 overexpression via lentivirus.(2)After model induction,osteoclast positivity increased,confirming successful model establishment.Overexpression of NFE2L2 reduced osteoclast positivity(P<0.001).(3)After model induction,levels of IL-1β,IL-10,and TNF-α were significantly higher than in the normal group(P<0.05),confirming successful model establishment.Transfection with NFE2L2 lentivirus reduced inflammatory cytokine levels(P<0.0001).After model induction,osteogenic protein expression decreased compared to the normal group,but overexpression of NFE2L2 increased osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(5)LPS treatment significantly reduced cell viability,while NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(6)LPS treatment reduced calcified nodules,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased them.Addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced mineralized nodules.(7)LPS treatment decreased osteogenic protein expression,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased it.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(8)LPS treatment reduced cell migration,whereas NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(9)Expression of autophagy markers decreased after LPS treatment,but increased after transfection with NFE2L2 plasmid.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced the expression of autophagy markers(P<0.05).Conclusion This study identified the regulatory role of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in periodontitis,providing a scientific basis for the treatment of periodontitis.

Objective To observe the effects of a stepped early activity program combined with lower limb joint rehabilitation devices in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit(ICU).Methods Sixty mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU of Tianjin First Central Hospital from October 2022 to June 2023 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into an intervention group(n=30)and a control group(n=30)using a random number table.The control group received routine rehabilitation nursing combined with lower limb joint rehabilitation devices,while the intervention group was additionally treated with the stepped early activity program.The duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,incidence of delirium,Medical Research Council(MRC)muscle strength scores,phase angle(PA),and skeletal muscle mass index(SMI)were compared between the two groups.Results The intervention group showed significantly shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay compared to the control group[mechanical ventilation time(days):9.20±4.51 vs.11.73±4.59,the length of ICU stay(days):10.73±5.37 vs.14.00±6.03,both P<0.05].Post-intervention MRC muscle strength scores,PA,and SMI significantly increased in both groups,with greater improvements observed in the intervention group[MRC muscle strength score:54.17±2.10 vs.50.17±3.51;PA(°):5.80±0.60 vs.5.49±0.54;SMI(kg/m2):6.87±0.46 vs.6.62±0.45,all P<0.05].No statistically significant difference was found in delirium incidence between the two groups[26.7%(8/30)vs.33.3%(10/30),P>0.05].Conclusion The combination of a stepped early activity program and lower limb joint rehabilitation devices effectively shortens mechanical ventilation time and the length of ICU stay,restores muscle strength,and promotes recovery in mechanically ventilated ICU patients,demonstrating significant clinical value.

Objective To investigate the clinical diagnostic value of extra-spindle pole-like protein 1(ESPL1)in the progression of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related liver fibrosis.Methods A total of 228 patients with HBV infection who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from June 2017 to August 2023 were enrolled.The transient elastography system FibroScan was used to determine liver stiffness measurement(LSM)for all patients,and according to the LSM value,they were divided into non-liver fibrosis group with 80 patients,mild liver fibrosis group with 83 patients,advanced liver fibrosis group with 30 patients,and liver cirrhosis group with 35 patients.ELISA was used to measure the serum level of ESPL1.The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of the serum level of ESPL1 between the four groups;the Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between ESPL1 and LSM;the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the value of serum ESPL1 in predicting the progression of liver fibrosis.Results The liver cirrhosis group had a significantly higher serum level of ESPL1 than the non-liver fibrosis group and the mild liver fibrosis group(both P<0.05),and the advanced liver fibrosis group and the mild liver fibrosis group had a significantly higher serum level of ESPL1 than the non-liver fibrosis group(both P<0.05).The correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between serum ESPL1 and LSM in the patients with HBV infection and varying degrees of liver fibrosis(r=0.515,P<0.001).Serum ESPL1 had an area under the ROC curve(AUC)of 0.809 in predicting liver cirrhosis and an AUC of 0.638 in predicting advanced liver fibrosis,with a sensitivity of 87.5%and 100%,respectively,and a specificity of 59.7%and 31.3%,respectively.Conclusion There is a certain correlation between serum ESPL1 and HBV-related liver fibrosis,and higher serum ESPL1 may indicate a higher degree of liver fibrosis.Serum ESPL1 is expected to become one of the serum markers for assisting in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and an important clinical method for dynamically monitoring the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with HBV infection.

Objective:To analyze and summarize the key points of design and implementation of new drug clinical trials for ankylosing spondylitis.Methods:The platform for drug clinical trial registration and information published on the official website of center for drug review and evaluation of national medical products administration (CDE) was searched to obtain data and classified statistics was conducted then. The Mean±SD and M ( Q1, Q3) were used for quantitative data for statistical description, and the rate, composition or relative ratio of qualitative data were used for statistical description. Results:A total of 23 clinical trials meeting the requirements were screened, among which 19 were biological products included in nine phase Ⅲ clinical trials. Among the four chemical drugs, two were phase Ⅱ clinical trials. One of the clinical trials on AS adopted the 1966 New York classification criteria, accounting for 4%. Nineteen of the trials adopted the1984 New York classification criteria, accounting for 83%. Three other trials adopted unspecified classification criteria, accounting for 13%. In one of these clinical trials, the age of patients included was older than 16 years old, 9 trials were 18 to 65 years old, 6 were 18 years old but without upper limit. In the definition of active AS, 19 trials took BASDAI≥4 as the cut-off value for active disease, and BASDAI, total back pain, spinal pain and morning stiffness were regarded as active disease in 4.Conclusion:The number of dosestic AS clinical trial projects continnes to rise. The 1984 classification criteria is adopted as the classification criteria in clinical trials. The minimum age in the inclusion criteria is 18 years old, there is no upper limit in age for inclusion. Disease activity can be evaluated by BASDAI score, combined with comprehensive indicators such as night-time back pain, global spinal pain and morning stiffness.

Objectives:To explore the impact of inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)signaling pathway on autophagy flux and cardiac function in mice with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury. Methods:H9c2 cells were divided into control group,IRE1 group,oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)group,OGD/R+IRE1 group,chloroquine group,IRE1+chloroquine group,OGD/R+IRE1+chloroquine group,OGD/R+chloroquine group,OGD group,OGD+chloroquine group,OGD+IRE1+RNAi X-box binding protein 1(si-XBP1)group and OGD+IRE1+XBP1 overexpression(XBP1-OE)group.Autophagy flux of cells in each group was evaluated by autophagy double-labeled adenovirus(Adv-RFP-GFP-LC3).The nuclear translocation of X-box binding protein 1(XBP1)was analyzed by immunofluorescence and western blot.Adult male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,I/R group,IRE1 group and I/R+IRE1 group(n=8 each).Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography.Quantitative western blot analysis was used to detect protein expression of autophagy-related molecules. Results:(1)Compared with OGD/R group,the expression level of IRE1 protein was significantly upregulated(P<0.001),and the expressions of microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3B(LC3Ⅱ)and sequestosome 1(p62)proteins were significantly decreased in IRE1+OGD/R group(all P<0.05).Compared with OGD/R+chloroquine group,the expression of LC3Ⅱ and p62 protein was significantly increased in OGD/R+IRE1+chloroquine group(all P<0.05).Compared with control group,the fluorescence intensity ratio of IRE1 nucleus/cytoplasm was significantly increased in OGD/R group(P<0.001),and further increased in IRE1+OGD/R group(P<0.001).The level of XBP1 in the nuclear protein was significantly higher in IRE1+OGD/R group than in OGD/R group(P<0.01).Compared with OGD/R+IRE1 group,the yellow punctures was significantly decreased in OGD/R+IRE1+si-XBP1 group(P<0.01),and significantly increased in OGD/R+IRE1+XBP1-OE group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with Sham group,the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and fractional shortening(FS)were significantly decreased in I/R group(both P<0.05),LVEF and FS reduction could be partly reversed in I/R+IRE1 group.Compared with Sham group,the number of autophagic vacuoles and the expressions of IRE1,LC3Ⅱ and p62 were significantly increased in I/R group(P<0.05).The number of autophagic vacuoles and the expression of p62 were significantly downregulated(both P<0.05),and the expressions of IRE1 and LC3Ⅱ in myocardial tissue were further increased in I/R+IRE1 group as compared to the I/R group(all P<0.05). Conclusions:IRE1 restores the blocked autophagy flux induced by OGD/R and I/R by promoting the nuclear translocation of XBP1,and the recovery of autophagy flux is associated with cardiac function improvement post I/R injury in mice.

Objective:This study investigated the changes of cortical thickness in patients with Parkinson's cognitive dysfunction.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, general clinical data and head magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from Parkinson's disease(PD)patients and healthy controls who were hospitalized or outpatient in the Department of Geriatric Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2019 to December 2020.We observed the changes of cortical thickness in each group, and analyzed the correlation between cortical thickness and cognitive dysfunction in PD.Results:Compared with PD normal cognitive group, the cortical thickness of the left superiortemporal gyrus[(2.7±0.1)mm, (2.4±0.1)mm, t=-4.194], left supramarginal[(2.4±0.1)mm, (2.2±0.1)mm, t=-4.845], right insula[(3.0±0.1)mm, (2.7±0.1)mm, t=-4.170], left parahippocampal[(2.8±0.3)mm, (2.4±0.3)mm, t=-4.164]decreased in PD cognitive impairment group(all P<0.05), and cortical thickness of the right parsorbitalis[(2.5±0.2)mm, (2.4±0.2)mm, t=-4.226], left entorhinal[(3.5±0.3)mm, (3.1±0.4)mm, t=-4.583], left inferiortemporal[(2.7±0.2)mm, (2.5±0.1)mm, t=-6.229], left supramarginal[(2.4±0.1)mm, (2.1±0.1)mm, t=-3.236], right fusiform[(2.8±0.1)mm, (2.5±0.1)mm, t=-5.364], right lingual[(2.0±0.1)mm, (1.9±0.1)mm, t=-3.887], right insula[(3.0±0.1)mm, (2.7±0.2)mm, t=-5.326], right isthmuscingulate[(2.6±0.2)mm, (2.3±0.2)mm, t=-3.743]decreased in PD severe cognitive impairment group, the statistical difference was significant(all P<0.05). The cerebral cortex thickness was positively correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination and different cognitive areas, and negatively correlated with Hoehn-Yahrr grading. Conclusions:Local cortical thinning was observed in PD patients with cognitive impairment, whereas cortical involvement was more extensive in PD patients with severe cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of Kangfuxin liquid on repairing cartilage defect model of knee osteoarthritis （KOA） in rabbits and its mechanism. METHODS： Totally 72 male New Zealand rabbits were selected and randomly divided into model control group and Kangfuxin low-dose， medium-dose， high-dose groups， with 18 rabbits in each group. A cartilage defect model of the medial femoral condyle of the right knee joint in rabbits was established by drilling after anesthesia surgery. Then the rabbits in each group were given medicine via articular cavity immediately. Kangfuxin low-dose， middle-dose and high-dose groups were given 20％， 40％， 80％ Kangfuxin liquid； model control group was given constant volume of normal saline consecutively， 0.2 mL/kg， once every 3 days. At 4th， 8th， 12th week after medication， the wound repair of cartilage defect in rabbits was observed. Immediately after medication and at 4th， 8th， 12th week after medication， repaired tissue of cartilage defect in rabbits was scored histologically with Wakitani scoring standard under light microscope. At 12th week after medication， pathological changes of repaired tissue of cartilage defect in rabbits were observed by Masson staining. The levels of NO， SOD and LPO in joint fluid and PYD in urine of rabbits were detected by ELISA. RESULTS： At 4th， 8th， 12th week after medication， compared with model control group， cartilage defects in rabbits were repaired well in Kangfuxin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups. At 4th， 8th， 12th week after medication， compared with immediately after medication and model control group at same time point， histomorphological score of repairing cartilage defect of knee joint in rabbits decreased significantly in Kangfuxin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （P＜0.05）. At 12th week after medication， compared with model control group， the histopathology degree of cartilage defect of knee joint in rabbits was significantly alleviated in Kangfuxin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups. At 4th， 8th， 12th week after medication， compared with model control group， the levels of NO and LPO in joint fluid and PYD level in urine were decreased to different extent in Kangfuxin low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups， while SOD level was increased to different extent； at 12th week after medication， the difference of each index has statistical significance （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS： Kangangxin liquid can significantly repair cartilage defect of KOA cartilage defect model rabbits， the mechanism of which may be associated with increasing the expression of SOD and mediating NO-inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis.