Objective To observe the difference of iron deposition in brain deep nuclei of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)patients with different disease activity levels using quantitative susceptibility mapping(QSM).Methods Fifty-four SLE patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into moderate to severe activity group(score＞9,n=25)and mild activity group(score≤9,n=29)according to SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI)score.Patients' general clinical data,as well as the mean QSM of bilateral head of caudate nuclei,putamina,globi pallidi,red nuclei,substantiae nigrae,dentate nuclei and thalami were compared between groups.Pearson or Spearman coefficients were performed to analyze correlations of the mean QSM of nuclei being significant different between groups and conventional clinical indicators.Then receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of the mean QSM for distinguishing moderate to severe and mild activity SLE.Results Compared with mild activity group,moderate to severe activity group had higher serum ferritin,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C reactive protein(CRP),anti-double stranded DNA(anti-dsDNA)antibody levels,also higher proportion of positive anti-ribosomal P protein(anti-P)antibodies,but lower complement C3 and C4 levels(all P＜0.05).The mean QSM of bilateral putamina and thalami were significantly higher in moderate to severe activity group than in mild activity group(both P＜0.05).The mean QSM of bilateral putamina was positively correlated with SLEDAI scores,ferritin levels and positivity of anti-P antibodies in SLE patients(with r or rs of 0.447,0.526 and 0.473,respectively,and all P＜0.05).The AUC for distinguishing moderate to severe SLE and mild activity SLE based on the mean bilateral putamina QSM was 0.810.Conclusion There were significant differences of iron deposition in deep brain nuclei of SLE patients with moderate to severe and mild activity.The mean QSM of bilateral putamina could be used to distinguish SLE with moderate to severe activity and mild activity.

Objective To explore the diagnostic and prognostic values of procalcitonin(PCT),interleukin 6(IL-6)and cystatin C(CysC)combined detection in sepsis acute kidney injury(AKI).Methods A total of 100 patients with sepsis were divided into the AKI group(n=56)and the non AKI group(n=44)according to the occurrence of AKI.The prognosis of AKI patients was followed up,and patients were divided into the survival group(n=32)and the death group(n=24)according to the presence or absence of death.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect PCT,IL-6 and CysC in different groups of patients.The Acute Physiological Function and Chronic Health Status Score(APACHEⅡ)was used to assess the condition of illness.ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive values of PCT,IL-6 and CysC in the diagnosis and death of sepsis combined with AKI.Results The male ratio,age,hypertension with diabetes ratio,APACHE Ⅱ score,serum creatinine(Scr),PCT,IL-6 and CysC levels were higher in the AKI group than those in the non AKI group,and the ratio of complications and onset time were lower in the AKI group than those in the non AKI group(P＜0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of PCT,IL-6,and CysC combined for the diagnosis of sepsis complicated with AKI was 0.859,with a sensitivity of 91.07%and a specificity of 90.91%.The combined diagnostic efficacy was better than that of a single indicator.The APACHE Ⅱ score,PCT,IL-6 and CysC levels were higher in the death group than those in the survival group(P＜0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the AUC,sensitivity and specificity of PCT,IL-6 and CysC combined in predicting mortality in sepsis patients with AKI were 0.847,91.67%and 87.50%,respectively.The combined predictive efficacy was better than that of single indicator.Conclusion The combination of PCT,CysC and IL-6 indicators is more valuable in diagnosing and predicting prognosis of sepsis with AKI.

Objective To observe the value of dual-energy CT(DECT)for diagnosing knee gouty arthritis(GA)complicated with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Forty-eight cases of GA(GA group),30 cases of KOA(KOA group)and 60 cases of GA complicated with KOA(GA+KOA group)were retrospectively enrolled.Clinical and imaging data were compared among 3 groups and between each 2 groups,and the efficacy of DECT for diagnosing knee GA complicated with KOA was analyzed.Results Significant differences of detection rate and CT value of bone marrow edema(BME)were found among 3 groups and between each 2 groups(all P＜0.05),also of the course of disease,serum uric acid(SUA),monosodium urate(MSU)volume,bone erosion score and CT value between GA group and GA+KOA group(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of bone erosion score and CT value for diagnosing knee GA complicated with KOA was 0.779 and 0.824,respectively,and of the combination of the above 5 indexes was 0.898,higher than that of each parameter alone(all P＜0.05).Conclusion DECT was helpful for diagnosing knee GA complicated with KOA,and further combining with clinical parameters could improve its diagnostic efficacy.

Objective To observe the value of dual-energy CT(DECT)for diagnosing knee gouty arthritis(GA)complicated with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Forty-eight cases of GA(GA group),30 cases of KOA(KOA group)and 60 cases of GA complicated with KOA(GA+KOA group)were retrospectively enrolled.Clinical and imaging data were compared among 3 groups and between each 2 groups,and the efficacy of DECT for diagnosing knee GA complicated with KOA was analyzed.Results Significant differences of detection rate and CT value of bone marrow edema(BME)were found among 3 groups and between each 2 groups(all P＜0.05),also of the course of disease,serum uric acid(SUA),monosodium urate(MSU)volume,bone erosion score and CT value between GA group and GA+KOA group(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of bone erosion score and CT value for diagnosing knee GA complicated with KOA was 0.779 and 0.824,respectively,and of the combination of the above 5 indexes was 0.898,higher than that of each parameter alone(all P＜0.05).Conclusion DECT was helpful for diagnosing knee GA complicated with KOA,and further combining with clinical parameters could improve its diagnostic efficacy.

Objective To observe the difference of iron deposition in brain deep nuclei of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)patients with different disease activity levels using quantitative susceptibility mapping(QSM).Methods Fifty-four SLE patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into moderate to severe activity group(score＞9,n=25)and mild activity group(score≤9,n=29)according to SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI)score.Patients' general clinical data,as well as the mean QSM of bilateral head of caudate nuclei,putamina,globi pallidi,red nuclei,substantiae nigrae,dentate nuclei and thalami were compared between groups.Pearson or Spearman coefficients were performed to analyze correlations of the mean QSM of nuclei being significant different between groups and conventional clinical indicators.Then receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of the mean QSM for distinguishing moderate to severe and mild activity SLE.Results Compared with mild activity group,moderate to severe activity group had higher serum ferritin,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C reactive protein(CRP),anti-double stranded DNA(anti-dsDNA)antibody levels,also higher proportion of positive anti-ribosomal P protein(anti-P)antibodies,but lower complement C3 and C4 levels(all P＜0.05).The mean QSM of bilateral putamina and thalami were significantly higher in moderate to severe activity group than in mild activity group(both P＜0.05).The mean QSM of bilateral putamina was positively correlated with SLEDAI scores,ferritin levels and positivity of anti-P antibodies in SLE patients(with r or rs of 0.447,0.526 and 0.473,respectively,and all P＜0.05).The AUC for distinguishing moderate to severe SLE and mild activity SLE based on the mean bilateral putamina QSM was 0.810.Conclusion There were significant differences of iron deposition in deep brain nuclei of SLE patients with moderate to severe and mild activity.The mean QSM of bilateral putamina could be used to distinguish SLE with moderate to severe activity and mild activity.

Objective To explore the diagnostic and prognostic values of procalcitonin(PCT),interleukin 6(IL-6)and cystatin C(CysC)combined detection in sepsis acute kidney injury(AKI).Methods A total of 100 patients with sepsis were divided into the AKI group(n=56)and the non AKI group(n=44)according to the occurrence of AKI.The prognosis of AKI patients was followed up,and patients were divided into the survival group(n=32)and the death group(n=24)according to the presence or absence of death.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect PCT,IL-6 and CysC in different groups of patients.The Acute Physiological Function and Chronic Health Status Score(APACHEⅡ)was used to assess the condition of illness.ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive values of PCT,IL-6 and CysC in the diagnosis and death of sepsis combined with AKI.Results The male ratio,age,hypertension with diabetes ratio,APACHE Ⅱ score,serum creatinine(Scr),PCT,IL-6 and CysC levels were higher in the AKI group than those in the non AKI group,and the ratio of complications and onset time were lower in the AKI group than those in the non AKI group(P＜0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of PCT,IL-6,and CysC combined for the diagnosis of sepsis complicated with AKI was 0.859,with a sensitivity of 91.07%and a specificity of 90.91%.The combined diagnostic efficacy was better than that of a single indicator.The APACHE Ⅱ score,PCT,IL-6 and CysC levels were higher in the death group than those in the survival group(P＜0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the AUC,sensitivity and specificity of PCT,IL-6 and CysC combined in predicting mortality in sepsis patients with AKI were 0.847,91.67%and 87.50%,respectively.The combined predictive efficacy was better than that of single indicator.Conclusion The combination of PCT,CysC and IL-6 indicators is more valuable in diagnosing and predicting prognosis of sepsis with AKI.

Objective:To explore the non-bacterial pathogen distribution, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical features of acute respiratory infections in children in Sichuan Province.Methods:Using a retrospective cohort study method, this study selected hospitalized children diagnosed with acute respiratory infections at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from February 2019 to January 2021, and tested 13 pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fragment analysis. The children were divided into infant group (<1 year old), toddler group (1 year old ≤ age <3 years old), preschool group (3 years old ≤ age <6 years old) and school-age group (6 years old ≤ age <18 years old). The distribution of pathogen positive rates, seasonal epidemic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and some laboratory test indicators were analyzed in children. Statistical analysis was performed on the results using SPSS 22.0 software, with count data expressed as percentages and inter group comparisons using SPSS 22.0 software χ2 Inspection. Results:A total of 2 922 pediatric patients were included in this study, with 1 748 (59.8%) positive for pathogens detected. Among them, 1 391 (79.6%) were detected as a single pathogen, and 357 (20.4%) were detected as a mixture of two or more pathogens. The most commonly detected pathogens were rhinovirus (HRV) (39.7%), syncytial virus (RSV) (22.8%), and parainfluenza virus (PIV) (12.5%). Pathogen positivity is more common in children under 6 years old ( χ2=146.59, P<0.001), with a slightly higher positivity rate in male children (61.3%, 1 047/1 707) than in female children (57.7%, 701/1 215) ( χ2=3.91, P=0.048), and compared with pathogen negative children, positive children are more prone to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath ( χ2=259.15, 366.06, 12.48, P<0.001). The distribution of different pathogens varies among children of different age groups, and HRV is more common in children aged 1-3 and 3-6 years old ( χ2=9.74, P<0.001), while RSV is more common in children under 1 year old ( χ2=178.63, P<0.001), while mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and influenza virus (InfA/B) are less common in children under 1 year old ( χ2=92.54, 12.90,22.21, P<0.01). The prevalence of multiple pathogens showed seasonal changes. HRV showed a high prevalence trend in spring and autumn, while the prevalence of RSV infection was mainly seen in autumn and winter festivals. The positive rate of different pathogens after the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia was significantly lower than that before the outbreak ( χ2=252.68, P<0.001). Conclusion:The detection rate of non-bacterial respiratory pathogens in children in Sichuan Province from 2019 to 2021 is high, which is prone to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, with HRV and RSV being the main types. The positive rate of respiratory pathogens varies among different age groups, genders, and seasons.

Objective:To explore the non-bacterial pathogen distribution, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical features of acute respiratory infections in children in Sichuan Province.Methods:Using a retrospective cohort study method, this study selected hospitalized children diagnosed with acute respiratory infections at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from February 2019 to January 2021, and tested 13 pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fragment analysis. The children were divided into infant group (<1 year old), toddler group (1 year old ≤ age <3 years old), preschool group (3 years old ≤ age <6 years old) and school-age group (6 years old ≤ age <18 years old). The distribution of pathogen positive rates, seasonal epidemic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and some laboratory test indicators were analyzed in children. Statistical analysis was performed on the results using SPSS 22.0 software, with count data expressed as percentages and inter group comparisons using SPSS 22.0 software χ2 Inspection. Results:A total of 2 922 pediatric patients were included in this study, with 1 748 (59.8%) positive for pathogens detected. Among them, 1 391 (79.6%) were detected as a single pathogen, and 357 (20.4%) were detected as a mixture of two or more pathogens. The most commonly detected pathogens were rhinovirus (HRV) (39.7%), syncytial virus (RSV) (22.8%), and parainfluenza virus (PIV) (12.5%). Pathogen positivity is more common in children under 6 years old ( χ2=146.59, P<0.001), with a slightly higher positivity rate in male children (61.3%, 1 047/1 707) than in female children (57.7%, 701/1 215) ( χ2=3.91, P=0.048), and compared with pathogen negative children, positive children are more prone to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath ( χ2=259.15, 366.06, 12.48, P<0.001). The distribution of different pathogens varies among children of different age groups, and HRV is more common in children aged 1-3 and 3-6 years old ( χ2=9.74, P<0.001), while RSV is more common in children under 1 year old ( χ2=178.63, P<0.001), while mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and influenza virus (InfA/B) are less common in children under 1 year old ( χ2=92.54, 12.90,22.21, P<0.01). The prevalence of multiple pathogens showed seasonal changes. HRV showed a high prevalence trend in spring and autumn, while the prevalence of RSV infection was mainly seen in autumn and winter festivals. The positive rate of different pathogens after the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia was significantly lower than that before the outbreak ( χ2=252.68, P<0.001). Conclusion:The detection rate of non-bacterial respiratory pathogens in children in Sichuan Province from 2019 to 2021 is high, which is prone to symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, with HRV and RSV being the main types. The positive rate of respiratory pathogens varies among different age groups, genders, and seasons.

Background::Limited information exists regarding the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on psoriasis patients. The objective of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with the prognosis of psoriasis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods::A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between March and May 2023. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related psoriasis outcomes. The study included 2371 psoriasis patients from 12 clinical centers, with 2049 of them having been infected with SARS-CoV-2.Results::Among the infected groups, lower exacerbation rates were observed in individuals treated with biologics compared to those receiving traditional systemic or nonsystemic treatments (22.3% [236/1058] vs. 39.8% [92/231] vs. 37.5% [140/373], P <0.001). Psoriasis progression with lesions (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.197, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.685–11.820, compared to no lesions), hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.582, 95% CI = 1.068–2.343), traditional systemic (adjusted OR = 1.887, 95% CI= 1.263–2.818), and nonsystemic treatment (adjusted OR= 1.602, 95% CI= 1.117–2.297) were found to be associated with exacerbation of psoriasis after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not biologics (adjusted OR = 0.931, 95% CI = 0.680–1.274, compared to no treatment), according to multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusions::A reduced risk of psoriasis exacerbation after SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed with biologics compared to traditional systemic and nonsystemic treatments. Significant risk factors for exacerbation after infection were identified as existing psoriatic lesions and hypertension.

The morbidity and mortality of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are primarily caused by arterial and venous complications, progression to myelofibrosis, and transformation to acute leukemia. However, identifying molecular-based biomarkers for risk stratification of patients with MPNs remains a challenge. We have previously shown that interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF8) and IRF4 serve as tumor suppressors in myeloid cells. In this study, we evaluated the expression of IRF4 and IRF8 and the JAK2V617F mutant allele burden in patients with MPNs. Patients with decreased IRF4 expression were correlated with a more developed MPN phenotype in myelofibrosis (MF) and secondary AML (sAML) transformed from MPNs versus essential thrombocythemia (ET). Negative correlations between the JAK2V617F allele burden and the expression of IRF8 (P < 0.05) and IRF4 (P < 0.001) and between white blood cell (WBC) count and IRF4 expression (P < 0.05) were found in ET patients. IRF8 expression was negatively correlated with the JAK2V617F allele burden (P < 0.05) in polycythemia vera patients. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and no response (NR) were observed in 67.5%,10%, and 22.5% of ET patients treated with hydroxyurea (HU), respectively, in 12 months. At 3 months, patients in the CR group showed high IRF4 and IRF8 expression compared with patients in the PR and NR groups. In the 12-month therapy period, low IRF4 and IRF8 expression were independently associated with the unfavorable response to HU and high WBC count. Our data indicate that the expression of IRF4 and IRF8 was associated with the MPN phenotype, which may serve as biomarkers for the response to HU in ET.
Biomarkers ; Humans ; Hydroxyurea/therapeutic use* ; Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics* ; Janus Kinase 2/genetics* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Primary Myelofibrosis/genetics* ; Thrombocythemia, Essential/genetics*