OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of bone mass and volume of low-density zones beneath the tibial plateau on the maximum von Mises stresses experienced by the cartilage and meniscus in the knee joint. METHODS: The study included one healthy adult volunteer, from whom CT scans were obtained, and one patient diagnosed with knee osteoarthrisis (KOA), for whom X-ray films were acquired. A static model of the knee joint featuring a low-density zone was established based on a normal knee model. In the finite element analysis, axial loads of 1 000 N and 1 800 N were applied to the weight-bearing region of the upper surface of the femoral head for model validation and subsequent finite element studies, respectively. The maximum von Mises stresses in the femoral cartilage, as well as the medial and lateral tibial cartilage and menisci, were observed, and the stress percentage of the medial and lateral components were concurrently analyzed. Additionally, HE staining, as well as alkaline magenta staining, were performed on the pathological specimens of patients with KOA in various low-density regions. RESULTS: The results of model validation indicated that the model was consistent with normal anatomical structures and correlated with previous calculations documented in the literature. Static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress in the medial component of the normal knee was the lowest and increased with the advancement of the hypointensity zone. In contrast, the lateral component exhibited an opposing trend, with the maximum von Mises stress in the lateral component being the highest and decreasing as the hypointensity zone progressed. Additionally, the medial component experienced an increasing proportion of stress within the overall knee joint. HE staining demonstrated that the chondrocyte layer progressively deteriorated and may even disappear as the hypointensity zone expanded. Furthermore, alkaline magenta staining indicated that the severity of microfractures in the trabecular bone increased concurrently with the expansion of the hypointensity zone. CONCLUSION The presence of subtalar plateau low-density zone may aggravate joint degeneration. In clinical practice, it is necessary to pay attention to the changes in the subtalar plateau low-density zone and actively take effective measures to strengthen the bone status of the subtalar plateau low-density zone and restore the complete biomechanical function of the knee joint, in order to slow down or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.
Humans ; Finite Element Analysis ; Knee Joint/physiology* ; Tibia/anatomy & histology* ; Cartilage, Articular/physiology* ; Menisci, Tibial/physiopathology* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/diagnostic imaging* ; Weight-Bearing ; Bone Density ; Adult ; Stress, Mechanical ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female

OBJECTIVE: To accurately measure human energy metabolism with high temporal resolution, a respiratory gas analysis system was designed using a breath-by-breath approach. METHODS: Firstly, indirect calorimetry was employed in respiratory gas analysis to measure the respiratory flow and concentration signals in real-time. Secondly, oxygen consumption QO2 and carbon dioxide production QCO2 were calculated through respiratory characteristic alignment and respiratory signal segmentation. Finally, metabolic indexes were calculated according to the Weir formula. Furthermore, a controlled trial was formulated for validation comparisons with the MGC ULTIMA SYSTEM PFX CARDIO2. RESULTS: The results indicate that the data points of metabolic indexes measured by this system all fall within the confidence interval when compared with those of the MGC. CONCLUSION The system has high consistency with the MGC measurement results. Thus, the system can accurately measure metabolism in real-time and provide data support for clinical nutrition assessment and therapy.
Humans ; Energy Metabolism ; Breath Tests/instrumentation* ; Calorimetry, Indirect/instrumentation* ; Equipment Design

Psoriasis is an incurable chronic inflammatory disease that requires new interventions. Here, we found that fibroblasts exacerbate psoriasis progression by promoting macrophage recruitment via CCL2 secretion by single-cell multi-omics analysis. The natural small molecule celastrol was screened to interfere with the secretion of CCL2 by fibroblasts and improve the psoriasis-like symptoms in both murine and cynomolgus monkey models. Mechanistically, celastrol directly bound to the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) β-chain and abolished its binding to the transcription factor c-Jun in the nucleus, which in turn inhibited CCL2 production by skin fibroblasts, blocked fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and ameliorated psoriasis progression. Notably, fibroblast-specific LRP1 knockout mice exhibited a significant reduction in psoriasis like inflammation. Taken together, from clinical samples and combined with various mouse models, we revealed the pathogenesis of psoriasis from the perspective of fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and provided a foundation for LRP1 as a novel potential target for psoriasis treatment.

The essence of clinical practice guidelines lies in their recommendations. It is common to find strong recommendations supported by low-quality evidence in current published guidelines. There is a typical misunderstanding among medical professionals that without high-quality evidence, it is impossible to develop high-quality guidelines or only expert consensus can be developed. Based on the GRADE approach, this paper explains the concept and clinical significance of low-quality evidence, and introduces the methods for formulating recommendations based on low-quality evidence in guidelines, with the aim to provide reference for guideline developers and users in China.

Objective:To investigate the effect and the neural mechanisms of Apelin-13 on the behavior changes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) model mice.Methods:Totally 32 SPF grade male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were divided into 4 groups randomly ( n=8 in each group): control group, model group, normal saline group and Apelin-13 group.The mice model of PTSD was established by single-prolonged stress (SPS) method. The mice in normal saline group and Apelin-13 group were respectively given lateral ventricular microinjection of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (2 μL) and Apelin-13 (1.5 μg/μL, 2 μL)after PTSD modeling. The behaviors of mice were evaluated by open field test, elevated plus maze test and Morris water maze test.The morphological structure and numerical changes of hippocampal neurons were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining.The expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K), phosphorylated-PI3K(p-PI3K), protein kinase B(Akt), phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a), phosphorylated-FoxO3a(p-FoxO3a), autophagy-related proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) and sequestosome 1(p62) were detected by Western blot. SPSS 26.0 software was used for data analysis.The escape latency data of repeated learning training in Morris water maze was conducted by repetitive measurement ANOVA.The comparison of other data among multiple groups was conducted by one-way ANOVA and further pairwise comparisons were conducted by LSD test and Tamhane test. Result:(1) Open field test results showed statistically significant differences in the central area activity distance and residence time in central area among mice in the four groups ( F=15.37, 9.63, both P<0.05). The central area activity distance ((0.06±0.03) m) and residence time ((2.48±1.02) s) of the mice in model group were lower than those of the control group ((0.19±0.05) m, (15.00±8.91) s)(both P<0.05). And the central area activity distance((0.12±0.04)m)and the residence time((13.56±7.64)s)were higher than those of model group((0.06±0.03)m, (2.48±1.02)s)and normal saline group((0.06±0.02)m, (2.82±1.52)s)(all P<0.05). Elevated plus maze test results showed statistically significant differences in the numbers and time entering open arms among the four groups ( F=10.74, 19.12, both P<0.05). The numbers((4.50±2.51) times) and the time ((26.95±17.48) s) entering the open arm of mice in model group were both lower than those of the control group ((13.75±4.71) times, (103.75±42.43)s) and Apelin-13 group ((10.00±5.18) times, (55.98±19.49) s) (all P<0.05). Morris water maze test results showed that in the 4-day learning and training phase, the time and group interaction of escape latency was not significant among the four groups ( F=1.15, P=0.34), but time main effect and group main effect were significant ( F=131.65, 16.98, both P<0.05). On the 2nd to 4th day, mice in model group showed significantly increased escape latency than mice in control group and Apelin-13 group(both P<0.05). And the numbers crossing original platform and the time in the target quadrant of Apelin-13 group were both higher than those of model group and normal saline group (all P<0.05). (2) HE staining results showed that neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 area of mice in model group and normal saline group were swollen and arranged loosely.The hippocampal neurons in control group and Apelin-13 group were arranged neatly and densely. (3) Western blot results showed statistically significant differences in the protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-FoxO3a, p62 and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ among the four groups ( F=21.37, 37.35, 20.71, 13.26, 37.65, all P<0.05). The protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-FoxO3a and p62 in Apelin-13 group((0.92±0.07), (0.90±0.09), (0.89±0.13), (1.03±0.08)) were higher than those in model group((0.59±0.04), (0.50±0.07), (0.49±0.11), (0.68±0.04)) and normal saline group((0.61±0.06), (0.50±0.08), (0.53±0.11), (0.70±0.05))(all P<0.05), and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ in Apelin-13 group(0.60±0.06) was lower than those in model group(0.92±0.10) and normal saline group(0.99±0.05) (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Apelin-13 can alleviate the anxiety-like behavior and impaired spatial learning and memory in PTSD model mice. The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a autophagy pathway.

17q12 microdeletion syndrome is a rare genetic disease,commonly characterized by newly occurring mutations,which can cause abnormalities of the urinary and reproductive tract,diabetes mellitus,neurological and psychiatric disorders and mild deformities.This article reports a case of 17q12 microdeletion syndrome with CRYBB2 gene missense mutation,combined with menstrual abnormalities,multiple cysts in both kidneys,hypomagnesemia,hyperuricemia,small pancreatic morphology and low pancreatic enzyme levels.

Purpose: The risk stratification of pediatric anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has not been standardized. In this study, new risk factors were included to establish a new risk stratification system for ALCL, and its feasibility in clinical practice was explored. Materials and Methods: On the basis of the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Berlin–Frankfurt–Munster 95 (NHL-BFM-95) protocol, patients with minimal disseminated disease (MDD), high-risk tumor site (multiple bone, skin, liver, and lung involvement), and small cell/lymphohistiocytic (SC/LH) pathological subtype were enrolled in risk stratification. Patients were treated with a modified NHL-BFM-95 protocol combined with an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor or vinblastine (VBL). Results: A total of 136 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 8.8 years. The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival of the entire cohort were 77.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.0% to 83.9%) and 92.3% (95% CI, 86.1% to 95.8%), respectively. The 3-year EFS rates of low-risk group (R1), intermediate-risk group (R2), and high-risk group (R3) patients were 100%, 89.5% (95% CI, 76.5% to 95.5%), and 67.9% (95% CI, 55.4% to 77.6%), respectively. The prognosis of patients with MDD (+), stage IV cancer, SC/LH lymphoma, and high-risk sites was poor, and the 3-year EFS rates were 45.3% (95% CI, 68.6% to 19.0%), 65.7% (95% CI, 47.6% to 78.9%), 55.7% (95% CI, 26.2% to 77.5%), and 70.7% (95% CI, 48.6% to 84.6%), respectively. At the end of follow-up, one of the five patients who received maintenance therapy with VBL relapsed, and seven patients receiving anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor maintenance therapy did not experience relapse. Conclusion This study has confirmed the poor prognostic of MDD (+), high-risk site and SC/LH, but patients with SC/LH lymphoma and MDD (+) at diagnosis still need to receive better treatment (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03971305).

Objective:To investigate the influence of Barbecure combined with Epley on residual dizziness of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo（HC-BPPV） by SRM-vertigo diagnosis system. Methods:A total of 406 patients diagnosed with HC-BPPV from Nov 2021 to Nov 2022 were enrolled by rapid axial roll test and Dix-Hallpike in the department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. The patients were divided into two groups by hospital card numbers, in which the numbers that were odd were considered as group A, and the numbers that were even were considered as group B. The group A underwent two circles of Barbecure repositioning procedure by SRM-vertigo diagnosis system, while the group B underwent two circles Barbecure combined with Epley repositioning procedure by SRM-vertigo diagnosis system. The treatment was stopped on the next day when two groups of patients were cured, and those who were not cured will continue treatment with the same method. Results:The cure rate of group A was 83.41%, and the cure rate of group B was 80.51%, the difference between the two groups was not-statistically significant difference（P>0.05）. The rate of residual dizziness of group A was 23.30%, the rate of residual dizziness of group B was 11.46%, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The Barbecure combined with Epley otoliths repositioning maneuver by SRM-vertigo diagnosis system can significantly reduce the rate of residual dizziness after the treatment of HC-BPPV, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Humans ; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/therapy* ; Dizziness ; Quality of Life ; Patient Positioning/methods* ; Semicircular Canals

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of plantar pressure of diabetic patients during gait cycle, and to design a offloading insole with variable stiffness. MethodsThe plantar pressure experiment was carried out and a database including 157 subjects was established. The differences of plantar pressure distribution were analyzed among diabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy, and healthy people. The insole pressure area was divided, and porous units were filled in different insole areas according to the pressure gradient. The fed-calf-insole finite element model of diabetic patients was constructed. The simulation analysis of different insole schemes was carried out under the conditions of push-off, footheel-strike and dynamic neutrality posture, and to explore the most reasonable insole stiffness design. ResultsCompared with the healthy group, the percentage of peak pressure and high pressure in the left and right heel areas of diabetic neuropathy patients showed a decreasing trend, in which the left peak pressure was significantly reduced by 11% (P = 0.026) and the percentage of high pressure was significantly reduced by 9.8% (P = 0.02). When the porous elements of 2.5 MPa and 1.9 MPa were used in the high pressure area of the insole metatarsal and high pressure area of the heel, the peak plantar pressure of footheel-strike, dynamic neutral and push-off was reduced by 42.4%, 27.4% and 26.4%, and the peak stress of the soft tissue was reduced by 49.8%, 43.6% and 25.1%, respectively. ConclusionThere is a higher risk of ulcer in the metatarsal region than in the heel region for diabetic patients. The variable stiffness insoles based on the optimization of plantar pressure and internal stress under multi-posture can effectively reduce the peak pressure of plantar and peak stress of soft tissue during walking, which provides a reference for the design of variable stiffness insoles.

Objective:To evaluate the consistency of individual iodine nutrition levels by serum iodine, plasma iodine and whole blood iodine, and to provide reference for iodine-related epidemiological investigation.Methods:Healthy adults aged 18 - 59 years were recruited from the Research Center of Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion of Hubei University of Medicine. Whole blood sample was collected and serum and plasma were separated. The content of iodine in serum, plasma and whole blood was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the linear relationship, precision and accuracy of the standard curve of the detection method were evaluated. The difference of three kinds of blood iodine levels was analyzed by variance analysis of compatibility group design, and Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot were used to evaluate the consistency between serum iodine and plasma iodine.Results:The linear range of iodine in serum, plasma and whole blood was 0.0 - 25.0 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients ( R2) were all > 0.999. The relative standard deviation of 8 mixed blood samples ranged from 1.9% to 4.3% ( n = 6), and the determination results of blood iodine certified standard substances were all within the reference range. The recovery rate of the added standard ranged from 99% to 106%. The iodine levels in serum, plasma and whole blood of 50 volunteers were (57.31 ± 8.06), (57.49 ± 8.50) and (33.89 ± 5.40) μg/L, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between serum iodine and plasma iodine ( P = 0.904). The results of Passing-Bablok regression showed that there was no statistically significant difference in bias between serum iodine and plasma iodine ( P = 0.538). The Bland-Altman plot indicated that the difference between serum iodine and plasma iodine was within the consistency limit. Conclusion:The results of plasma iodine and serum iodine are in good agreement, and plasma iodine can be used as an evaluation index of individual iodine nutrition level. But there is no consistency between whole blood iodine and serum iodine.