Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that share similar inflammatory mechanisms and characteristics. Programmed cell death (PCD) has recently garnered attention for its crucial role in regulating inflammation and maintaining tissue homeostasis, as well as for its potential to link these two diseases. The various forms of PCD--including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis--are closely controlled by signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) /NF-κB and MAPK. These pathways determine cell fate and influence inflammatory responses, tissue destruction, and repair, and they both play important roles in the pathogenesis of RA and periodontitis. In periodontitis, periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and its virulence factors, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induce pyroptosis and necroptosis in immune cells such as macrophages via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which leads to an excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Concurrently, these pathogens inhibit the normal apoptotic process of immune cells, such as neutrophils, prolonging their survival, exacerbating immune imbalance, and aggravating periodontal tissue destruction. Similarly, in RA synovial tissue, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) acquire apoptosis resistance through signaling pathways such as the Bcl-2 family, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, allowing for the consistent proliferation and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, the continuous activation of pyroptotic pathways in neutrophils and macrophages results in the sustained release of IL-1β, further exacerbating synovial inflammation and bone destruction. Notably, dysregulated PCD fosters inter-organ crosstalk through shared inflammatory mediators and metabolic networks. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and cytokines that originate from periodontal lesions can spread systemically, influencing cell death processes in synovial and immune cells, thereby aggravating joint inflammation and bone erosion. By contrast, systemic inflammation in RA can upregulate osteoclastic activity or interfere with the normal apoptosis of periodontal cells via TNF-α and IL-6, ultimately intensifying periodontal immune imbalance. This review highlights the pivotal bridging role of PCD in the pathogenesis of both periodontitis and RA, providing a reference for therapeutic strategies that target cell death pathways to manage and potentially mitigate these diseases.

Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterized by hyperuricemia, gout, impaired urinary concentration, and progressive renal failure. It is primarily caused by mutations in uromodulin (UMOD) gene. This study reports a family with ADTKD in which whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified a missense mutation in the UMOD gene, c.761A>C (p.H254P), present in both the proband and affected relatives. According to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, this variant is classified as likely pathogenic. The mutation results in an amino acid substitution that may impair UMOD protein folding and intracellular trafficking. UMOD gene mutations are associated with ADTKD, and genetic testing plays a vital role in the early diagnosis and treatment of this condition, highlighting its importance in the diagnosis of rare kidney diseases.
Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Exome Sequencing ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense ; Nephritis, Interstitial/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Uromodulin/genetics*

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of intratumoral area(ITA)and peritumoral area(PTA)ultrasound image-based bioin-formatics models for small breast cancer.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed data of 305 breast lesions from 292 patients with small breast nodules(diameter≤2 cm)who were treated at People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between January 2021 and January 2025.The lesions were randomly assigned into the training(214 lesions)and validation sets(91 lesions)in a 7:3 ratio.Radiomics fea-tures were extracted from the intertumoral area(ITA)and peritumoral area(PTA)regions at 2,4,6,and 8 mm,followed by feature selection and dimensionality reduction.A Logistic regression(LR)algorithm was used to construct a model.The performance of the models were eval-uated via receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:In the training set,the areas under the ROC curves(AUC)for the ITA,2 mm PTA,and 2 mm fusion models were 0.869,0.897,and 0.909,respect-ively.In the test set,these respective AUC values were 0.813,0.825,and 0.840.For breast lesions≤2 cm,<1 cm,and 1-2 cm,the overall ac-curacies of the 2 mm fusion model were 81.0%,82.7%,and 80.1%,respectively,whereas the respective overall accuracies of BI-RADS were 76.4%,81.7%,and 73.6%.Conclusions:ITA and PTA ultrasound imaging-based radiomics models had a high diagnostic value for small breast cancers.The fusion model can effectively improve predictive performance,outperforming the BI-RADS classification in diagnosing small breast lesions of different diameters.Thus,these models have the potential to serve as an auxiliary diagnostic tool in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism through which ginsenoside Re enhances lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in H9C2 cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose and high fat, specifically by modulating AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and specificity protein 1(Sp1).Methods:The H9C2 cardiomyocyte model was cultured in a high-glucose and high-lipid(HGHL)environment.Six groups were established: a control group(CON group), a model group(HGHL group), a ginsenoside Re 60 μmol/L group(Re 60 μmol/L), a model+ ginsenoside Re 20 μmol/L group(HGHL+ Re 20 μmol/L), a model+ ginsenoside Re 40 μmol/L group(HGHL+ Re 40 μmol/L), and a model+ ginsenoside Re 60 μmol/L group(HGHL+ Re 60 μmol/L).Cell morphology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining, while intracellular oil and triglyceride content were evaluated using oil red O staining.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were measured with a fluorescence kit, apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining, and the expressions of phosphorylated AMPK, Sp1, nuclear respiratory factor 1(Nrf1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha(PGC1α)were analyzed via Western blotting.Results:Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited significant increases in cell hypertrophy, ROS levels, apoptosis, and intracellular TG.Conversely, the expressions of pAMPK, Nrf1, and PGC1α were significantly decreased, while the expression of Sp1 was significantly increased( P<0.05).Compared to the model group, treatment with Ginsenoside Re at concentrations of 20 μmol/L, 40 μmol/L, and 60 μmol/L significantly improved cell hypertrophy, reduced ROS levels, alleviated apoptosis, and decreased intracellular TG levels.Additionally, the expressions of pAMPK, Nrf1, and PGC1α were significantly increased, while Sp1 expression was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner( P<0.05). Conclusions:Ginsenoside Re enhances lipid metabolism, mitigates mitochondrial oxidative stress, and reduces apoptosis in H9C2 cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose and high lipid conditions.This effect is associated with the regulation of AMPK and Sp1 proteins, leading to increased expressions of pAMPK, Nrf1, and PGC-1α, and decreased expression of Sp1.

Objective To investigate the effect of Mcart1 knockout on acute inflammation of macrophages in vitro and in vivo.Methods The Mcart1 knockout mice were used to establish a sepsis model induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and the survival period was measured.Bone marrow derived macrophages(BMDM)of LPS-induced inflam-mation mice were cultured in DMEM high-glucose medium.The mRNA levels of M1 and M2 related cytokines of BM-DM after LPS stimulation were detected by RT-qPCR.The expression level of inflammation-related cytokines in serum of sepsis mice was detected by ELISA.Results Compared with wild type mice(Mcart1flox/flox),the survival time length of sepsis in Mcart1 knockout mice(Mcart1Lyz2-Cre)was significantly shortened(P＜0.001).After inflammation,the mRNA level of M1-related cytokines was up-regulated in BMDM cells of Mcart1Lyz2-Cre mice(P＜0.05);The mRNA level of M1-related cytokines was down-regulated(P＜0.05);The expression of M1-related mediators in serum of sep-sis Mcart1Lyz2-Cre mice was up-regulated(P＜0.01).Conclusions Mcart1 knockout can significantly raise the inflam-matory response of macrophages and aggravate the pathological symptoms of sepsis mice.

Paclitaxel (PTX), a valuable natural product derived from Taxus species, exhibits remarkable anti-cancer properties. It penetrates nanopores in microtubule walls, interacting with tubulin on the lumen surface and disrupting microtubule dynamics, thereby inducing cytotoxic effects in cancer cells. PTX and its derivatives have gained approval for treating various diseases due to their low toxicity, high efficiency, and broad-spectrum application. The widespread success and expanding applications of PTX have led to increased demand, raising concerns about accessibility. Consequently, researchers globally have focused on developing alternative production methods and applying nanocarriers in PTX delivery systems to enhance bioavailability. This review examines the challenges and advancements in PTX sourcing, production, physicochemical properties, anti-cancer mechanisms, clinical applications, trials, and chemo-immunotherapy. It aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the rational development and effective utilization of PTX.
Humans ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology* ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Taxus/chemistry*

Objective:To analyze inpatients preferences for an unaccompanied ward and its influencing factors, for references for the implementation of unaccompanied ward management.Methods:Based on a convergent mixed research design, a convenience sampling method was used to select inpatients who visited a tertiary hospital from June to August 2024 as the survey subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted on their willingness to choose the unaccompanied ward (provided by medical nursing staff). Meanwhile, using purposive sampling method, 10 inpatients and 11 accompanying family members were selected for semi-structured interviews about unaccompanied ward prference, and the interview topics were summarized and extracted. The results of quantitative and qualitative were compared and integrated.Results:The quantitative research results showed that among the 805 inpatients included, 125 patients (13.03%) chose medical caregivers, 382 patients (39.83%) chose their spouses, and 272 patients (28.36%) chose their children; 411 patients (24.54%) did not choose medical caregivers due to financial burden; 509 patients (63.23%) believed that the cost of an unaccompanied ward should be less than 120 yuan/day. The qualitative research results showed that the interview data formed three themes, including the driving factors of caregiving form selection intention, the emotional tendency of caregiving form selection intention, and the assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of caregiving form selection intention. The mixed research results showed that the majority of inpatients choose their spouse or children accompany them, and their willingness to choose medical caregivers is mainly influenced by service costs and family labor. However, its did not affect patients who are young or have difficulty caring for them; Influenced by traditional Chinese culture, patients tended to choose relatives to accompany them; The main reasons why patients did not choose unaccompanied wards were the economic burden and the mismatch between medical nursing staff services and their expectations.Conclusions:Inpatients tended to choose family members to accompany them. Their willingness to choose unaccompanied ward was influenced by economic burden, family labor, patient age, caregiving difficulty, and filial piety culture.

OBJECTIVE To explore the time windows for postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing different surgeries,providing evidence-based references for optimizing infection monitoring and prevention and control strategies.METHODS Sociodemographic characteristics,clinical information and surgical details of 263 patients with postoperative pneumonia from four different types of medical institutions between Jan.2019 and Dec.2024 were retrospectively collected.The time windows for postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing different surgeries were analyzed.RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the time windows for post-operative pneumonia among groups in terms of sociodemographic factors and underlying diseases.However,sta-tistically significant differences were observed in the time windows for postoperative pneumonia based on surgery type,incision type,surgical approach and surgery duration(P＜0.05).The average time for the onset of postop-erative pneumonia in 263 patients was 2.00(1.00,7.00)days.The postoperative time windows varied for sur-geries involving different systems.The peak incidence occurred on day 0(16 cases)and day 1(17 cases)af-ter neurological surgery,while the peak incidence for digestive system and orthopedic surgeries was on day 1.The time span for the onset of pneumonia after skin surgeries was wider(0-53 days postoperatively)without a clear peak.In addition,33.33％of cardiovascular system surgery cases developed pneumonia 10 days postoperatively.There were also significant time differences in the diagnostic elements of postoperative pneumonia,with fever and abnormal white blood cell counts appearing earlier(median appearance time length:4.00 days)than lung imaging changes(median appearance time length:7.00 days).CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates significant time differences in the on-set of postoperative pneumonia and confirms the significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the diagnostic elements of postoperative pneumonia.These findings provide a quantitative basis for developing dynamic,surgery-type-spe-cific monitoring protocols and prevention and control measures for postoperative pneumonia.

Objective:To develop a method of employing flow cytometry to directly detect the γ-H2AX expression levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes of mice through fixation and lysis and to evaluate the feasibility of applying this method to research on the radiation-related biological effects and the efficacy evaluation of radioprotective drugs.Methods:A total of 41 male C57BL/6J mice were used. First, 21 mice were randomly divided into 7 groups according to different radiation doses (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Gy) with 3 mice in each group. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein of mice at 1, 4, 8, and 24 h after irradiation and immediately fixed with formaldehyde. Red blood cells (RBC) were lysed with Triton X-100, and γ-H2AX was labeled with specific antibodies. DRAQ5 dye was used to further exclude debris and anucleate cells. The mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX in lymphocyte populations was directly analyzed by flow cytometry through forward and side scatter, and dose-effect curves after irradiation were established. Then, the other 20 mice were divided into radiation alone groups and radiation combined with WR-2721 administration groups at 4 and 6 Gy, respectively, with 5 mice in each group. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein of mice at 1, 4, 8, and 24 h after irradiation to detect the average fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX in lymphocytes, which was used to evaluate the degree of DNA damage in mice and the therapeutic effect of WR-2721.Results:The expression of γ-H2AX in peripheral blood lymphocytes of mice significantly increased with the increase of radiation doses, and reached a peak at 1-2 h and then decreased. The dose-effect relationship was significant ( R2 = 0.9914). At 24 h after 4 and 6 Gy irradiation, compared with the radiation alone groups, the average fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX in the radiation combined with WR-2721 administration groups was lower (144.8 ± 8.0 and 109.5 ± 9.7, vs. 178.0 ± 18.5 and 136.6 ± 5.4), with statistically significant difference ( t = 3.78, 5.48, P < 0.05). The average fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX at 24 h after irradiation was consistent with the lowest values of the three blood cell lines at 7 or 14 d after irradiation. Conclusions:The application of flow cytometry with a fixation/dissolution protocol to directly detect the mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX in peripheral blood lymphocytes of mice has significant application value in radiation biology effect research, radiation protection drug screening, and efficacy evaluation.

Objective:To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of optic disc changes in children and adolescents with high myopia.Methods:A clinical cross-sectional study. A total of 162 children and adolescents with high myopia (162 eyes) who visited Department of Ophthalmology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from January to April 2025 were included in this study. Myopia refractive error ≥6.00 D and/or axial length (AL) ≥26 mm. All participants underwent best-corrected visual acuity, refraction, fundus color photography, swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and AL measurement. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (ChT) was measured within 1 mm using SS-OCT. Optic disc changes assessed included tilt, rotation, peripapillary atrophy (PPA), and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS). The patients were divided into the children group (4-11 years old) and the adolescents group (12-18 years old) based on age, with 63 (38.9%, 63/162) and 99 (61.1%, 99/162) cases respectively. The incidence of ocular features and optic disc morphology changes in the two groups was compared and observed. According to the myopia diopter, the patients were divided into the high diopter long axial group (myopia diopter ≥6.00 D, AL≥26 mm) and the low diopter long axial group (myopia diopter <6.00 D, AL≥26 mm), with 85 (52.5%, 85/162) and 77 (47.5%, 77/162) eyes respectively. The incidence of optic disc morphological changes in the two groups was compared and observed. The comparison of quantitative data between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlations between PPA, optic disc tilt, PHOMS occurrence and gender, age, diopter, AL, and ChT. Results:Among the 162 patients, 103 were male and 59 were female. Age was 12 (10.5, 13.5) years old. Among the 162 eyes, the optic disc morphology changed in 152 eyes (93.8%, 152/162). Among them, the PPA, optic disc tilt, PHOMS, and optic disc rotation were 148 (91.4%, 148/162), 95 (58.6%, 95/162), 62 (38.3%, 62/162), and 35 (21.6%, 35/162) eyes respectively. Myopic macular degeneration in 137 eyes. There were 56 eyes with peripheral retinopathy. There was no statistically significant difference in myopia diopter, AL and ChT between the children group and the adolescent group ( Z=-1.201, -1.934, ?0.761; P=0.230, 0.053, 0.447). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidences of PPA, optic disc tilt and optic disc rotation ( χ2=0.293, 2.618, 0.398; P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of optic disc morphological changes between the low diopter long axial group and the high diopter long axial group ( χ2=0.000, P>0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the thinner the ChT, the higher the risk of PPA [odds ratio (OR) =0.98, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.97-0.99, P<0.001]. Female ( OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.04-5.07, P=0.039), older age ( OR=1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.37, P=0.043), thinner ChT ( OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.00, P=0.012), the higher the risk of optic disc tilt. The older the age, the higher the risk of developing PHOMS ( OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.40, P=0.006). Conclusions:Optic disc morphology changes may be the most common fundus alterations in children and adolescents with high myopia. The influencing factors of optic disc morphological changes (including PPA, optic disc tilt, and PHOMS) are female sex, advanced age, and ChT thinning.