Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune condition distinguished by a multifaceted etiology that encompasses both genetic and environmental factors. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms behind RA pathogenesis has delved into the critical role of epigenetic regulatory processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings provide new insights into the intricate nature of RA and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates the latest developments in the epigenetic regulation of RA, concentrating on how these mechanisms affect the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with the disease. We analyze the roles of specific proteins that function as 'writers', 'erasers', and 'readers' in epigenetic modifications, highlighting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, in view of the significance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA, we deliberate on their involvement in disease progression and explore miRNA-based treatment strategies. By integrating these diverse epigenetic dimensions, this review offers a comprehensive epigenetic perspective on RA pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

This report presents two cases of penicillium marneffei infection occurring after kidney transplantation. Both recipients presented initially with gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed early by metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). Treatment included amphotericin B combined with voriconazole, adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy, and nutritional support, resulting in favorable outcomes. This study aims to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and individualized treatment strategies for penicillium marneffei infection in kidney transplant recipients, providing valuable insights for clinical management.

Objective To explore the effects of the Otago Exercise Program(OEP)on activities of daily living,muscle strength,balance,and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia,to compare OEP with conventional exercise training,and to provide a basis for clinical rehabilitation programs for older adults with sarcopenia.Methods In this randomized controlled trial,120 older adults clinically diagnosed with sarcopenia were enrolled.The participants were randomly assigned to the OEP intervention group(experimental group)and the conventional exercise intervention group(control group),with 60 in each group.The experimental group underwent 12 weeks of OEP training,three times a week,with each session lasting 45 minutes.The control group underwent conventional exercise training following the same schedule.The Modified Barthel Index was used as the primary outcome measure to assess activities of daily living.Secondary outcome measures included muscle strength,gait stability,dynamic balance,and physical function status,evaluated using grip strength,6-meter walking speed,the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT),and the Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB).Results A total of 120 older adults with sarcopenia were included.The mean age of the participants was(80.17±8.48)years.Baseline data before treatment showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups.Both groups completed the treatment within 12 weeks without experiencing any adverse events.The baseline data for the experimental group were as follows,MBI at(67.00±22.76)points,hand grip strength at(15.29±4.94)kg,gait speed at(0.61±0.26)m/s,TUGT time at(15.05±6.74)s,and SPPB score at(6.17±1.40)points,while the corresponding post-intervention findings were as follows,(78.72±15.83)points,(17.67±5.83)kg,(0.77±0.28)m/s,(13.49±6.16)s,and(9.25±1.71)points,respectively.The experimental group showed improvements in all measures from baseline to post-intervention(P＜0.05 for all measures).As for the control group,the baseline data for the corresponding measures were as follows,(67.20±22.12)points,(15.00±5.35)kg,(0.58±0.23)m/s,(17.29±6.90)s,and(6.00±1.24)points,respectively.The post-intervention findings increased to(71.13±20.28)points,(15.47±5.72)kg,(0.64±0.28)m/s,(16.50±6.99)s,and(6.73±1.61)points,respectively,but the changes were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Furthermore,an intergroup comparison of intervention effects(post-intervention minus preintervention)revealed significant differences in mean changes from baseline.The experimental group demonstrated improvements of(+11.72±6.32)points in modified Barthel Index,(+11.72±6.32)kg in grip strength,(+0.16±0.09)m/s in gait speed,(—1.56±1.32)s in TUGT time,and(—1.56±1.32)points in SPPB score.In contrast,the control group showed smaller changes of(+3.93±5.65)points,(+0.47±1.37)kg,(+0.06±0.07)m/s,(—0.79±1.54)s,and(+0.73±1.12)points,respectively(all P＜0.05).Intergroup comparisons revealed superior outcomes in the experimental group across all measures.Conclusion OEP significantly enhances activities of daily living,improves muscle strength,balance,and physical function in older adults,and is more effective than conventional rehabilitation exercise programs,making it suitable for extensive clinical application.

Objective To investigate the comprehensive intervention effects of transfer energy capacitive and resistive(TECAR)therapy combined with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate(HMB)nutritional supplementation in older patients with sarcopenic obesity(SO).Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial,enrolling 140 older patients who met the Asian diagnostic criteria for SO.Participants were randomly assigned to 4 groups,including a double-placebo group(Group A),TECAR+placebo group(Group B),sham TECAR+HMB group(Group C),and TECAR+HMB group(Group D),with 35 patients in each group.The intervention lasted 12 weeks.The primary outcome measure was the total score of the Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB).Secondary outcome indicators included the modified Barthel Index(MBI),scores of the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form(MNA-SF),handgrip strength,body mass,and body mass index(BMI).A two-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to assess the interaction effects between TECAR and HMB.Results After the intervention,Group D(TECAR+HMB)demonstrated significant improvements across all metrics.The SPPB total score increased from 6.29±1.34 to 8.06±1.51(P<0.001),with notable enhancements in walking speed(2.71±0.86 vs.1.97±0.82),chair stand(2.60±0.55 vs.2.11±0.47),and balance(2.74±0.74 vs.2.20±0.76).MBI improved from 71.74±14.41 to 79.91±10.52(P<0.001).Handgrip strength increased from(13.65±5.05)kg to(15.72±4.89)kg(P=0.001).Body mass decreased from(81.78±9.02)kg to(76.95±9.89)kg(P<0.001),and BMI reduced from(30.14±1.68)kg/m2 to(28.34±2.33)kg/m2(P<0.001).Interaction analysis revealed significant synergistic effects between TECAR and HMB in improving the SPPB total scores(F=16.374,P<0.001,η2=0.107)and reducing BMI(F=14.328,P<0.001,η2=0.095).Conclusion TECAR therapy combined with HMB supplementation significantly enhances physical function,activities of daily living,and body composition in elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity,demonstrating a synergistic effect.

Objective This study aimed to observe the effects of Yin-Yang balancing acupotomy intervention on knee-joint function and lower limb biomechanics in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to explore the mechanisms of acupotomy when treating KOA.Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,an acupotomy group,and a medication group.Except for the blank group,KOA models were established by injecting a mixed solution of 4%papain and 0.03 mol/L L-cysteine into the left knee-joint cavity.The acupotomy group received Yin-Yang balancing acupotomy interventions targeting the medial/lateral collateral ligaments and patellar ligament.The medication group received daily oral celecoxib(10 mg/(kg·d)).Interventions began on day 7 post-modeling,and occurred once weekly for 4 weeks.All rats were assessed pre-and post-intervention using the modified Lequesne MG knee-joint grading system and rotarod fatigue test.Post-intervention,in vivo DR imaging was used to measure joint space width.Cartilage morphology was evaluated via HE and safranin O-fast green staining.Ligament biomechanical tensile testing was performed.Serum and cartilage tissues were analyzed by ELISA and Western Blot for matrix metalloproteinase-13(MMP-13)expression.Results(1)Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased modified Lequesne MG scores,reduced rotarod endurance time,and narrowed joint space(P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the model and medication groups,the acupotomy group exhibited lower Lequesne MG scores,prolonged rotarod endurance time(P＜0.05),and expanded joint space(P＜0.05).(3)The elastic modulus of ligaments in the acupotomy group showed no significant difference from those in the model group but was higher than those in the medication group.Yield strength,maximum strain,and yield-to-tensile strength ratio in the acupotomy group were higher than those in the model and medication groups(P＜0.05).(4)HE and Safranin O-Fast green staining revealed minimal inflammatory infiltration in the acupotomy group compared with the model group.Cartilage surfaces in the acupotomy group were smoother than those in the medication group.(5)ELISA showed reduced serum MMP-13 levels in the acupotomy group versus the model group(P＜0.01),and no significant differences between levels in the drug and acupotomy groups.(6)Cartilage MMP-13 expression in the acupotomy group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P＜0.01)and lower than that in the medication group(P＜0.05).Conclusions Acupotomy intervention enhances knee joint stability,improves lower limb mechanical alignment,and suppresses MMP-13 expression in KOA rats.

Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease.However,post transplantation diabetes mellitus(PTDM)is a common complication after kidney transplantation,affecting 10%to 40%of recipients and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease,infections,sepsis and other conditions.The pathogenesis of PTDM is complex,including pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.Tacrolimus,a commonly used immunosuppressive drug,is an independent risk factor for PTDM.Its mechanisms include damaging pancreatic β-cells,mediating impaired mitochondrial autophagy,etc.In addition,tacrolimus also raises blood glucose levels through various pathways,such as affecting gut microbiota metabolism and activating bile acid signaling pathways.In recent years,some new anti-diabetic drugs have shown certain application prospects in kidney transplant recipients,but the evidence-based medical evidence for their combined use still needs further exploration.In the future,it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the multiple sites of action of tacrolimus to reduce the occurrence of PTDM and improve the prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.

Objective This study aimed to observe the effects of Yin-Yang balancing acupotomy intervention on knee-joint function and lower limb biomechanics in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to explore the mechanisms of acupotomy when treating KOA.Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,an acupotomy group,and a medication group.Except for the blank group,KOA models were established by injecting a mixed solution of 4%papain and 0.03 mol/L L-cysteine into the left knee-joint cavity.The acupotomy group received Yin-Yang balancing acupotomy interventions targeting the medial/lateral collateral ligaments and patellar ligament.The medication group received daily oral celecoxib(10 mg/(kg·d)).Interventions began on day 7 post-modeling,and occurred once weekly for 4 weeks.All rats were assessed pre-and post-intervention using the modified Lequesne MG knee-joint grading system and rotarod fatigue test.Post-intervention,in vivo DR imaging was used to measure joint space width.Cartilage morphology was evaluated via HE and safranin O-fast green staining.Ligament biomechanical tensile testing was performed.Serum and cartilage tissues were analyzed by ELISA and Western Blot for matrix metalloproteinase-13(MMP-13)expression.Results(1)Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased modified Lequesne MG scores,reduced rotarod endurance time,and narrowed joint space(P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the model and medication groups,the acupotomy group exhibited lower Lequesne MG scores,prolonged rotarod endurance time(P＜0.05),and expanded joint space(P＜0.05).(3)The elastic modulus of ligaments in the acupotomy group showed no significant difference from those in the model group but was higher than those in the medication group.Yield strength,maximum strain,and yield-to-tensile strength ratio in the acupotomy group were higher than those in the model and medication groups(P＜0.05).(4)HE and Safranin O-Fast green staining revealed minimal inflammatory infiltration in the acupotomy group compared with the model group.Cartilage surfaces in the acupotomy group were smoother than those in the medication group.(5)ELISA showed reduced serum MMP-13 levels in the acupotomy group versus the model group(P＜0.01),and no significant differences between levels in the drug and acupotomy groups.(6)Cartilage MMP-13 expression in the acupotomy group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P＜0.01)and lower than that in the medication group(P＜0.05).Conclusions Acupotomy intervention enhances knee joint stability,improves lower limb mechanical alignment,and suppresses MMP-13 expression in KOA rats.

Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease.However,post transplantation diabetes mellitus(PTDM)is a common complication after kidney transplantation,affecting 10%to 40%of recipients and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease,infections,sepsis and other conditions.The pathogenesis of PTDM is complex,including pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.Tacrolimus,a commonly used immunosuppressive drug,is an independent risk factor for PTDM.Its mechanisms include damaging pancreatic β-cells,mediating impaired mitochondrial autophagy,etc.In addition,tacrolimus also raises blood glucose levels through various pathways,such as affecting gut microbiota metabolism and activating bile acid signaling pathways.In recent years,some new anti-diabetic drugs have shown certain application prospects in kidney transplant recipients,but the evidence-based medical evidence for their combined use still needs further exploration.In the future,it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the multiple sites of action of tacrolimus to reduce the occurrence of PTDM and improve the prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.

This report presents two cases of penicillium marneffei infection occurring after kidney transplantation. Both recipients presented initially with gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed early by metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). Treatment included amphotericin B combined with voriconazole, adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy, and nutritional support, resulting in favorable outcomes. This study aims to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and individualized treatment strategies for penicillium marneffei infection in kidney transplant recipients, providing valuable insights for clinical management.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect and safety of extended debridement combined with BAM bone-induced artificial bone repair in the treatment of Cierny-Mader type IV osteomyelitis.Methods:From January 2021 to December 2022, 106 patients with Cierny-Mader type IV osteomyelitis who were treated with allogeneic bone mixed with autologous bone in department of orthopedics of Sichuan Orthopedic Hospital were retrospectively selected as the study subjects. Among them, 54 patients who were combined with BAM bone-induced artificial bone mixed with autologous bone repair were included in observation group, and 52 patients who only received allogeneic bone mixed with autologous bone repair were enrolled as control group. The clinical related indicators (bone healing time, fracture healing time), clinical efficacy (Johner-Wruh tibial shaft fracture evaluation standard) at 1 year after surgery, inflammatory factors (white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin), limb function (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS-AH)) and bone healing degree before surgery and at 1 year after surgery were compared between both groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the enumeration data between groups, and the independent sample t test was performed to compare the measurement data with normal distribution between groups.Results:At 1 year after surgery, the clinical healing indicators of bone healing time and fracture healing time and inflammatory factors such as WBC, ESR, CRP and procalcitonin with (21.19±2.16) weeks, (11.35±1.01) weeks, (6.15±0.73)×10 9/L, (9.10±1.05) mm/h, (8.09±1.11) mg/L and (0.05±0.01) μg/L in observation group were significantly shorter or lower than (24.32±2.39) weeks, (12.29±1.27) weeks, (7.86±0.89)×10 9/L, (10.10±1.32) mm/h, (9.26±1.23) mg/L and (0.08±0.01) μg/L in control group,and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 7.08, 4.23, 10.83, 4.33, 5.15, and 15.44, respectively; all P<0.001). The clinical effective rate (85.19%(46/54)), AOFAS-AH score((84.83±12.17) points) and bone healing probability (94.44%(51/54)) were higher than (67.31%(35/52)), (79.17±11.25) points and 80.77% (42/52) in control group,with statistically significant differences (statistical values were χ2=4.70, t=2.48, and χ2=4.60, respectively; P values were 0.030, 0.015, and 0.032, respectively). Conclusion:Expanded debridement combined with BAM bone-induced artificial bone repair can effectively promote the bone tissue healing in patients with Cierny-Mader type IV osteomyelitis, relieve the inflammatory response, and improve the limb function, and it has good clinical efficacy and high safety.