Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The positive group included 18 children with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive JDM who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Capital Center for Children′s Health with Capital Medical University between January 2016 and January 2023. Another 36 children with anti-MDA5 antibody-negative JDM hospitalized during the same period were enrolled as the negative group. Based on the extent of pulmonary involvement and pulmonary CT scores, the MDA5-positive group was further divided into severe pulmonary involvement and non-severe pulmonary involvement subgroups. Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare clinical features, laboratory test results between groups.Results:Among the 18 patients in the MDA5-positive group, 7 were male and 11 were female, with an age of onset of 5.0 (2.6, 9.4) years and disease duration of 6.0 (4.0, 9.3) months. The MDA5-negative group included 36 cases (14 male, 22 female), with an age of onset of 4.9 (2.0, 7.0) years and disease duration of 5.0 (1.8, 7.0) months. The MDA5-positive group exhibited significantly higher rates of arthritis, skin ulcers, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), along with elevated serum ferritin (SF) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels compared to the MDA5-negative group (9/18 vs. 11% (4/36), 6/18 vs. 3% (1/36), 16/18 vs. 33% (12/36), 327 (141, 518) vs. 131 (68, 257) μg/L, 17.5 (12.5, 26.8) vs. 11.0 (5.0, 13.0) mm/1 h, χ2=7.92, 7.41, 14.84, Z=2.50, 2.87, all P<0.05). Conversely, the MDA5-positive group had lower rates of muscle weakness and lower creatine kinase levels (5/18 vs. 75% (27/36), 58.5 (49.3, 97.5) vs. 225.0 (68.0, 695.5) U/L, χ2=11.08, Z=-2.94, both P<0.05). Severe pulmonary involvement 6 cases and non-severe pulmonary involvement subgroups 12 cases. Among the MDA5-positive patients, those in the severe pulmonary involvement subgroup had an older age at onset and higher rates of muscle weakness as well as hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), SF, and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) compared to the non-severe subgroup (all P<0.05). In the MDA5-positive group, 17 patients improved after treatment with glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, while One died due to rapidly progressive ILD. Conclusions:Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive JDM is characterized by typical skin rashes, a high incidence of arthritis and skin ulcers, relatively mild muscle involvement, but is prone to ILD. Among MDA5-positive patients, those with older age at onset, muscle involvement (manifested as muscle weakness and elevated muscle enzymes (LDH, HBDH)), or significantly elevated KL-6 and SF levels are more likely to develop severe pulmonary complications.

Objective:To investigate the changes in accommodative facility after implantation of V4c implantable collamer lens (ICL) using the intelligent flipper (iFLIP).Methods:A serial case-control study was conducted.Forty patients (80 eyes) who underwent ICL implantation of V4c for myopia correction and completed the follow-up were enrolled at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from April 2022 to April 2023.Monocular and binocular accommodative facility, adjustment time, and relaxation time were measured with iFLIP before operation and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University (No.2023-983).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Monocular and binocular uncorrected visual acuity at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery were significantly improved compared with before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).Monocular and binocular postoperative accommodative facility gradually increased over time, and the increase gradually decreased and gradually stabilized.Before operation and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, the monocular accommodative facility was (7.99±3.42), (10.19±4.25), (12.03±4.24), (13.10±4.66) and (13.64±4.40)cpm, and the binocular accommodative facility was (9.01±3.63), (9.56±3.38), (11.58±4.00), (13.31±3.64), and (14.03±3.72)cpm, respectively, with statistically significant overall differences ( F=24.02, 14.46; both P<0.001).Monocular accommodative facility was higher than before surgery at each time point after surgery, and was higher than 1 week after surgery at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).Binocular accommodative facility was higher at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery than that before surgery and 1 week after surgery, and higher at 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 month after surgery, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).With the extension of postoperative time, the monocular and binocular adjustment time and relaxation time gradually shortened, and the shortening gradually decreased and stabilized.Monocular adjustment time and relaxation time were shorter than before surgery at all time points after surgery.The monocular adjustment time was shorter at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 week after surgery and shorter at 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 month after surgery, and the monocular relaxation time was shorter at 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 week after surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).The binocular adjustment time was shorter at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery than before surgery and at 1 week after surgery, shorter at 3 and 6 months after surgery than at 1 month after surgery and the binocular relaxation time was shorter at all time points after surgery than that before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Conclusions:After ICL implantation, uncorrected visual acuity, accommodative facility, adjustment time and relaxation time all improve throughout the preoperative period and eventually stabilize.

Objective:To investigate the changes in accommodative facility after implantation of V4c implantable collamer lens (ICL) using the intelligent flipper (iFLIP).Methods:A serial case-control study was conducted.Forty patients (80 eyes) who underwent ICL implantation of V4c for myopia correction and completed the follow-up were enrolled at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from April 2022 to April 2023.Monocular and binocular accommodative facility, adjustment time, and relaxation time were measured with iFLIP before operation and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University (No.2023-983).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Monocular and binocular uncorrected visual acuity at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery were significantly improved compared with before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).Monocular and binocular postoperative accommodative facility gradually increased over time, and the increase gradually decreased and gradually stabilized.Before operation and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, the monocular accommodative facility was (7.99±3.42), (10.19±4.25), (12.03±4.24), (13.10±4.66) and (13.64±4.40)cpm, and the binocular accommodative facility was (9.01±3.63), (9.56±3.38), (11.58±4.00), (13.31±3.64), and (14.03±3.72)cpm, respectively, with statistically significant overall differences ( F=24.02, 14.46; both P<0.001).Monocular accommodative facility was higher than before surgery at each time point after surgery, and was higher than 1 week after surgery at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).Binocular accommodative facility was higher at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery than that before surgery and 1 week after surgery, and higher at 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 month after surgery, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).With the extension of postoperative time, the monocular and binocular adjustment time and relaxation time gradually shortened, and the shortening gradually decreased and stabilized.Monocular adjustment time and relaxation time were shorter than before surgery at all time points after surgery.The monocular adjustment time was shorter at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 week after surgery and shorter at 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 month after surgery, and the monocular relaxation time was shorter at 3 and 6 months after surgery than that at 1 week after surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).The binocular adjustment time was shorter at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery than before surgery and at 1 week after surgery, shorter at 3 and 6 months after surgery than at 1 month after surgery and the binocular relaxation time was shorter at all time points after surgery than that before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Conclusions:After ICL implantation, uncorrected visual acuity, accommodative facility, adjustment time and relaxation time all improve throughout the preoperative period and eventually stabilize.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. The positive group included 18 children with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive JDM who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Capital Center for Children′s Health with Capital Medical University between January 2016 and January 2023. Another 36 children with anti-MDA5 antibody-negative JDM hospitalized during the same period were enrolled as the negative group. Based on the extent of pulmonary involvement and pulmonary CT scores, the MDA5-positive group was further divided into severe pulmonary involvement and non-severe pulmonary involvement subgroups. Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare clinical features, laboratory test results between groups.Results:Among the 18 patients in the MDA5-positive group, 7 were male and 11 were female, with an age of onset of 5.0 (2.6, 9.4) years and disease duration of 6.0 (4.0, 9.3) months. The MDA5-negative group included 36 cases (14 male, 22 female), with an age of onset of 4.9 (2.0, 7.0) years and disease duration of 5.0 (1.8, 7.0) months. The MDA5-positive group exhibited significantly higher rates of arthritis, skin ulcers, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), along with elevated serum ferritin (SF) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels compared to the MDA5-negative group (9/18 vs. 11% (4/36), 6/18 vs. 3% (1/36), 16/18 vs. 33% (12/36), 327 (141, 518) vs. 131 (68, 257) μg/L, 17.5 (12.5, 26.8) vs. 11.0 (5.0, 13.0) mm/1 h, χ2=7.92, 7.41, 14.84, Z=2.50, 2.87, all P<0.05). Conversely, the MDA5-positive group had lower rates of muscle weakness and lower creatine kinase levels (5/18 vs. 75% (27/36), 58.5 (49.3, 97.5) vs. 225.0 (68.0, 695.5) U/L, χ2=11.08, Z=-2.94, both P<0.05). Severe pulmonary involvement 6 cases and non-severe pulmonary involvement subgroups 12 cases. Among the MDA5-positive patients, those in the severe pulmonary involvement subgroup had an older age at onset and higher rates of muscle weakness as well as hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), SF, and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) compared to the non-severe subgroup (all P<0.05). In the MDA5-positive group, 17 patients improved after treatment with glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, while One died due to rapidly progressive ILD. Conclusions:Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive JDM is characterized by typical skin rashes, a high incidence of arthritis and skin ulcers, relatively mild muscle involvement, but is prone to ILD. Among MDA5-positive patients, those with older age at onset, muscle involvement (manifested as muscle weakness and elevated muscle enzymes (LDH, HBDH)), or significantly elevated KL-6 and SF levels are more likely to develop severe pulmonary complications.

Objective:To investigate the value of CT radiomic model based on analysis of primary gastric cancer and the adipose tissue outside the gastric wall beside cancer in differentiating stage T1-2 from stage T3-4 gastric cancer.Methods:This study was a case-control study. Totally 465 patients with gastric cancer treated in Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University from December 2011 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. According to postoperative pathology, they were divided into 2 groups, one with 150 cases of T1-2 tumors and another with 315 cases of T3-4 tumors. The cases were divided into a training set (326 cases) and a test set (139 cases) by stratified sampling method at 7∶3. There were 104 cases of T1-2 stage and 222 cases of T3-4 stage in the training set, 46 cases of T1-2 stage and 93 cases of T3-4 stage in the test set. The axial CT images in the venous phase during one week before surgery were selected to delineate the region of interest (ROI) at the primary lesion and the extramural gastric adipose tissue adjacent to the cancer areas. The radiomic features of the ROIs were extracted by Pyradiomics software. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used to screen features related to T stage to establish the radiomic models of primary gastric cancer and the adipose tissue outside the gastric wall beside cancer. Independent sample t test or χ2 test were used to compare the differences in clinical features between T1-2 and T3-4 patients in the training set, and the features with statistical significance were combined to establish a clinical model. Two radiomic signatures and clinical features were combined to construct a clinical-radiomics model and generate a nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of each model in differentiating stage T1-2 from stage T3-4 gastric cancer. The calibration curve was used to evaluate the consistency between the T stage predicted by the nomogram and the actual T stage of gastric cancer. And the decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical net benefit of treatment guided by the nomogram and by the clinical model. Results:There were significant differences in CT-T stage and CT-N stage between T1-2 and T3-4 patients in the training set ( χ2=10.59, 15.92, P=0.014, 0.001) and the clinical model was established. After screening and dimensionality reduction, the 5 features from primary gastric cancer and the 6 features from the adipose tissue outside the gastric wall beside cancer established the radiomic models respectively. In the training set and the test set, the AUC values of the primary gastric cancer radiomic model were 0.864 (95% CI 0.820-0.908) and 0.836 (95% CI 0.762-0.910), and the adipose tissue outside the gastric wall beside cancer radiomic model were 0.782 (95% CI 0.731-0.833) and 0.784 (95% CI 0.702-0.866). The AUC values of the clinical model were 0.761 (95% CI 0.705-0.817) and 0.758 (95% CI 0.671-0.845), and the nomogram were 0.876 (95% CI 0.835-0.917) and 0.851 (95% CI 0.781-0.921). The calibration curve reflected that there was a high consistency between the T stage predicted by the nomogram and the actual T stage in the training set ( χ2=1.70, P=0.989). And the decision curve showed that at the risk threshold 0.01-0.74, a higher clinical net benefit could be obtained by using a nomogram to guide treatment. Conclusions:The CT radiomics features of primary gastric cancer lesions and the adipose tissue outside the gastric wall beside cancer can effectively distinguish T1-2 from T3-4 gastric cancer, and the combination of CT radiomic features and clinical features can further improve the prediction accuracy.

Objective To establish diagnostic criteria for dampness syndrome through scientific and normative research methods.Methods The basis for syndrome differentiation of dampness syndrome was comprehensively integrated through literature research and structured tools,and in-depth investigation was carried out on the connotation and extension of dampness syndrome,judgment basis and criteria construction through questionnaire surveys and consensus conference method.Results Thirty-six items for syndrome differentiation of dampness syndrome were obtained through literature research.Through the questionnaire surveys,some experts suggested that the diagnosis mode of dampness syndrome should be in line with the clinical practice requirements.Accordingly,we were deep in thought about the key issue of"how to establish accurate diagnostic criteria".After in-depth investigation,we found that the dampness syndrome had specific and sensitive indicators.And 11 specific and 19 sensitive indicators were determined.Furthermore,according to the experts'suggestions,the specific indicators were classified into three categories based on dampness characteristics.Meanwhile,we investigated the diagnosis attributes of Chinese medicine syndromes and summarized them into four corresponding modes.Based on this,specificity mode and similarity/consistency mode should be adopted for diagnostic criteria for dampness syndrome.In addition,the judgment form in accord with the diagnostic attributes of dampness syndrome was determined.Conclusion This diagnostic criteria can provide a basis for the clinical diagnosis of dampness syndrome.Besides,this study explored the diagnostic attributes of Chinese medicine syndromes,which could provide reference for the development of other Chinese medicine syndrome criteria.

BACKGROUND: Ever-growing tissue regeneration causes pressing need for large population of stem cells. However, extensive cell expansion eventually leads to impaired regenerative potentials. In this study, chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7) was overexpressed to rejuvenate late passage dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs-P9). METHODS: The recruitment of copper ions (Cu2+ )-activated hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a) to the CBX7 gene promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Functions subsequent to Cu2+ -induced or recombinant overexpression of CBX7 on proliferation, multipotency, odontoblastic differentiation and angiogenesis were investigated in vitro, while murine subcutaneous transplantation model was used to further detect the effects of Cu2+ -induced CBX7 overexpression in vivo. RESULTS: Our data displayed that CBX7 overexpression maintain proliferation and multipotency of DPSCs-P9 almost as strong as those of DPSCs-P3. Both gene level of odontoblast-lineage markers and calcium precipitation were nearly the same between CBX7 overexpressed DPSCs-P9 and normal DPSCs-P3. Moreover, we also found upregulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in DPSCs-P9 with CBX7 overexpression, which increased the number of capillary-like structures and migrating co-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells as well. These findings indicate CBX7 as an effective factor to rejuvenate late passage stem cells insusceptible to cell expansion. Cu2+ has been proved to achieve CBX7 overexpression in DPSCs through the initiation of HIF-1a-CBX7 cascade. Under Cu2+ stimulation since P3, DPSCs-P9 exhibited ameliorated regenerative potential both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Long-term stimulation of Cu2+ to overexpress CBX7 could be a new strategy to manufacture large population of self-renewing stem cells.

Objective:To clarity the clinical features of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) with positive anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody.Methods:Retrospective study.Clinical data of 11 anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM patients in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2016 to January 2019 were retrospectively recruited for analyzing their clinical characteristics, pulmonary imaging and pulmonary function, thus summarizing treatment experiences.Results:A total of 11 children with anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM were recruited, involving 2 males and 9 females, with the average onset age of 1-13 (5.8±4.2) years.Clinical manifestations included rash in 11 cases (100.0%), arthritis in 5 cases (45.5%), and myasthenia in 4 cases (36.4%). Muscle enzyme elevated in 10 cases (90.9%) and serum ferritin (SF) elevated in 9 patients (81.8%). Ten cases (90.9%) showed interstitial lung disease (ILD), manifesting as ground glass opacity at subpleural area on CT scans, restrictive ventilation and decreased diffusion function on lung function test, while respiratory symptoms were absent.All patients were treated with glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressor.Case 2 developed into rapid progressive pulmonary interstitial disease (RPILD), and died of respiratory failure 2 months later.The remaining was followed up for 1-2 years, and the ILD was relieved.Conclusions:All recruited children with anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM presented typical rash, and mild muscle weakness with a greater tendency to arthritis.Chinese pediatric patients are prone to complicate with ILD with no respiratory symptoms, but ground glass opacity at subpleural area on CT, and restrictive ventilation and decreased diffusion function on lung function test can be detected.Elevated SF is associated with the development of ILD.Glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressive therapy is effective to JDM with ILD, but ineffective for RPILD.The mortality of anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive JDM is high without an effective treatment.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of intra-articular injection with Triamcinolone acetonide on the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods:The clinical data of 26 children diagnosed with JIA undergoing the intra-articular injection of Triamcinolone acetonide for the joints with obvious swelling and pain at the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from October 2018 to December 2019 who were retrospectively analyzed.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein(CRP) were tested before and after the application of Triamcinolone acetonide.Detailed clinical manifestations were recorded.The nonparametric Kruskal- Wallis test was used to compare the differences in clinical evaluation indicators and changes in laboratory tests at diffe-rent treatment times. Results:Among the 26 children, 8 were boys and 18 were girls.After the intra-articular injection of Triamcinolone acetonide, 9 cases (34.62%) achieved complete remission, 15 cases(57.69%) achieved partial remission, and 2 cases (7.69%) were not responsive to the intra-articular injection.The overall therapeutic efficacy was 92.31%.Compared with pre-treatment period, from 4 weeks after treatment, assessment of disease activity by the physicians and parents of the children was significantly improved after 4-week treatment, and the number of active joints, ESR and CRP and the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score with 27 joints (JADAS 27) gradually decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). No adverse drug reactions were seen during the treatment and follow-up period. Conclusions:Intra-articular injection of Triamcinolone acetonide is effective in contro-lling joint symptoms of JIA with less adverse events.

Objective:To improve the understanding of Takayasu′s arteritis (TA) and its diagnosis and treatment by analyzing and summarizing the clinical characteristics of TA in children at different ages.Methods:Clinical and follow-up data of 41 children with TA admitted in Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics between January 2010 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the cut-off age of 3 years, children with TA were divided into older group and younger group.Clinical characteristics, involvement of the coronary artery, blood pressure control and growth restriction between 2 groups were analyzed.Counting data were expressed as percentage and case, and compared by the Chi- square test. Results:Among the 17 children with TA in younger group, there were 8 males and 9 females.There were 6 males and 18 females in older group.The general type was most common in younger group, with 10 cases (58.8%). In older group, thoracic and abdominal aortic type was the most common, with 13 cases (54.2%). The most common clinical manifestation in younger group was fever, with 13 cases (76.5%). In older group, 19 patients (79.2%) had hypertension.Lower hemoglobin (Hb) was detected in younger group.Leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased in all patients (100.0%). In older group, leukocyte count increased in 6 cases (25.0%), ESR increased in 13 cases (54.2%), and CRP increased in 11 cases (45.8%). The coronary artery and its branches (anterior descending branch and circumvolute branch) were the mostly affected in younger group, with 16 cases (94.1%). The subclavian artery was the most commonly involved in older group (15 cases, 62.5%). All TA children in younger group were in the active stage.Among them, 8 cases were treated with biological agents alone, 3 cases were treated with glucocorticoid alone, 5 cases were treated with the combination of glucocorticoid and biological agents, and 1 case was treated with glucocorticoid first, and then transferred to biological agents due to the poor effect.In older group, there were 18 active-stage patients (75.0%), and 2 refused treatment.Sixteen active patients and 6 inactive patients were treated with glucocorticoid, involving 19 cases treated with glucocorticoid combined with Cyclophosphamide, and 3 cases treated with glucocorticoid combined with biologics.There were 16 cases of coronary artery involvement in younger group and only 1 case in older group ( P<0.01). In younger group, 9 patients had growth restriction, while none was detected in older group ( P<0.01). The blood pressure of younger group was all controlled, which was not satisfactorily controlled in 16 cases of older age ( P<0.01). The incidence of general type and active stage in younger group was higher than that of older group without significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The clinical characteristics of TA vary at different ages.TA progresses more rapidly in younger children, which are more prone to the involvement of extensive vessels, the coronary arteries and other vessels, and the effects of drugs on growth and development should be well concerned.Older TA patients can be alleviated into the inactive phase by themselves, which is mainly characterized as the involvement of large vessels and hypertension sequelae.