BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still challenging to prevent or treat. Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increased pyroptosis in chondrocytes may be responsible for cartilage degeneration. This study aims to investigate the effect of ER stress on chondrocyte pyroptosis and the upstream regulatory mechanisms, which have rarely been reported. METHODS: The expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the levels of ER stress, pyroptosis, and metabolic markers in normal and OA chondrocytes were investigated by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, fluorescein amidite-tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid-fluoromethyl ketone (FAM-YVAD-FMK)/Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, and cell viability assessments. The effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on ER stress and pyroptosis and the hierarchical regulatory relationship between them were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporters, gain/loss-of-function assays, and rescue assays in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. The mechanistic contribution of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 to chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis and therapeutic prospects were validated radiologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically in surgically induced OA rats. RESULTS: Increased EZH2 and HMGB1, decreased miR-142-3p, enhanced ER stress, and activated pyroptosis in chondrocytes were associated with OA occurrence and progression. EZH2 and HMGB1 exacerbated and miR-142-3p alleviated ER stress and pyroptosis in OA chondrocytes. EZH2 transcriptionally silenced miR-142-3p via H3K27 trimethylation, and miR-142-3p posttranscriptionally silenced HMGB1 by targeting the 3'-UTR of the HMGB1 gene. Moreover, ER stress mediated the effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on chondrocyte pyroptosis. In vivo experiments mechanistically validated the hierarchical regulatory relationship between EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 and their effects on chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS A novel EZH2/miR-142-3p/HMGB1 axis mediates chondrocyte pyroptosis and cartilage degeneration by regulating ER stress in OA, contributing novel mechanistic insights into OA pathogenesis and providing potential targets for future therapeutic research.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; HMGB1 Protein/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Middle Aged

Objective: To establish and validate a whole blood (WB) supply model, thereby providing practical experience for the clinical application of WB in domestic trauma emergency care and informing the development of a wartime blood supply system for the military. Methods: A “10×24” WB supply model was established by formulating blood collection protocols, storage standards, and transfusion criteria. Multiple WB samples were tested under specific storage conditions to assess key indicators at different time points, including red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, TT, FIB), coagulation factor activity, thromboelastography (TEG) parameters, and electrolyte levels. Additionally, clinical data from hemorrhagic patients who met the criteria for WB transfusion and were admitted between March and July 2024 were analyzed to evaluate WB transfusion volume. Results: RBC counts and hemoglobin levels remained stable in WB stored at 4℃ for up to 10 days. However, platelet counts and coagulation function (PT, APTT) significantly declined with prolonged storage, while potassium levels increased. From March to July 2024, the model was successfully applied to 23 patients with acute hemorrhage, with a median WB transfusion volume of 543 mL. A detailed case study of a severe traumatic hemorrhagic shock patient was reported, who was successfully treated with 5.5 units of refrigerated WB combined with component blood. Conclusion: The “10×24” WB supply model demonstrated acceptable changes in critical quality parameters under strict management and a 10-day rotation cycle. This model effectively supports the treatment of acute hemorrhage and holds promise for integration into the future wartime blood supply system of the military.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in patients with acute respiratory infection (ARIs) in sentinel hospitals of the Hubei influenza surveillance network from 2016 to 2023.Methods:ARIs samples [including influenza-like cases (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)] were collected from influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, and case information was collected. HRSV virus nucleic acid typing was performed by fluorescence quantitative PCR method, and the data were collated, plotted and analyzed.Results:From 2016 to 2023, 12 779 cases of ILI and 9 166 cases of SARI were collected. The positive rate of HRSV was the highest in<5 years of age group [15.77% (168/1 065)], among which the positive rate was the highest in 2 to 5 years of age group of ILI cases [13.60% (31/228)], and the positive rate was the highest in 0 to 2 years of age group of SARI cases [25.97% (60/231)] (all P values<0.001). The positive rate of HRSV in SARI cases was 2.31%-25.97%, higher than that in ILI cases (0-13.60%) ( P=0.016). HRSV was prevalent in autumn and winter from 2016 to 2020 and in spring in 2023. Alternating epidemics of HRSV virus type A and B in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023 (dominant epidemics of type B in 2016 and 2020; dominant epidemics of type A in 2017-2019 and 2023). Conclusion:SARI and ILI patients under five years old are the main infection groups of HRSV. The seasonal prevalence characteristics of HRSV in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023 shift from autumn and winter to spring.

Objective:To explore potential predictors of refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in early stage. Methods:The prospective multicenter study was conducted in Zhejiang, China from May 1 st, 2019 to January 31 st, 2020. A total of 1 428 patients with fever >48 hours to <120 hours were studied. Their clinical data and oral pharyngeal swab samples were collected; Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in pharyngeal swab specimens was detected. Patients with positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA results underwent a series of tests, including chest X-ray, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin. According to the occurrence of RMPP, the patients were divided into two groups, RMPP group and general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) group. Measurement data between the 2 groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between clinical data and RMPP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the power of the markers for predicting RMPP. Results:A total of 1 428 patients finished the study, with 801 boys and 627 girls, aged 4.3 (2.7, 6.3) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was positive in 534 cases (37.4%), of whom 446 cases (83.5%) were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, including 251 boys and 195 girls, aged 5.2 (3.3, 6.9) years. Macrolides-resistant variation was positive in 410 cases (91.9%). Fifty-five cases were with RMPP, 391 cases with GMPP. The peak body temperature before the first visit and LDH levels in RMPP patients were higher than that in GMPP patients (39.6 (39.1, 40.0) vs. 39.2 (38.9, 39.7) ℃, 333 (279, 392) vs. 311 (259, 359) U/L, both P<0.05). Logistic regression showed the prediction probability π=exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004×LDH (U/L))/(1+exp (-29.7+0.667×Peak body temperature (℃)+0.004 × LDH (U/L))), the cut-off value to predict RMPP was 0.12, with a consensus of probability forecast of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.89, and specificity of 0.67; and the area under ROC curve was 0.682 (95% CI 0.593-0.771, P<0.01). Conclusion:In MPP patients with fever over 48 to <120 hours, a prediction probability π of RMPP can be calculated based on the peak body temperature and LDH level before the first visit, which can facilitate early identification of RMPP.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in patients with acute respiratory infection (ARIs) in sentinel hospitals of the Hubei influenza surveillance network from 2016 to 2023.Methods:ARIs samples [including influenza-like cases (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)] were collected from influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, and case information was collected. HRSV virus nucleic acid typing was performed by fluorescence quantitative PCR method, and the data were collated, plotted and analyzed.Results:From 2016 to 2023, 12 779 cases of ILI and 9 166 cases of SARI were collected. The positive rate of HRSV was the highest in<5 years of age group [15.77% (168/1 065)], among which the positive rate was the highest in 2 to 5 years of age group of ILI cases [13.60% (31/228)], and the positive rate was the highest in 0 to 2 years of age group of SARI cases [25.97% (60/231)] (all P values<0.001). The positive rate of HRSV in SARI cases was 2.31%-25.97%, higher than that in ILI cases (0-13.60%) ( P=0.016). HRSV was prevalent in autumn and winter from 2016 to 2020 and in spring in 2023. Alternating epidemics of HRSV virus type A and B in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023 (dominant epidemics of type B in 2016 and 2020; dominant epidemics of type A in 2017-2019 and 2023). Conclusion:SARI and ILI patients under five years old are the main infection groups of HRSV. The seasonal prevalence characteristics of HRSV in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023 shift from autumn and winter to spring.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate to severe the adults with plaque psoriasis.Methods:The clinical data from 183 adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis treated with secukinumab were collected.The patients received subcutaneous injections of secukinumab once a week at weeks 0,1,2,3,and 4,followed by an injection every 4 weeks,with each dose of 300 mg.The follow-up period was 52 weeks.The psoriasis area and severity index(PASI),body surface area(BSA),investigator global assessment(IGA),and dermatology life quality index(DLQI)scores of the patients with psoriasis were caculated.The clinical efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were evaluated,and the influencing factors were analyzed.Results:Compared with week 0,the PASI、BSA、IGA and DLQI scores of the patients were significantly decreased at weeks 4,12,24,and 52 of secukinumab treatment(P<0.05).After treated with secukinumab,the percentages of the patients achieving PASI 75,PASI 90,and PASI 100 at week 4 were 95.6%,84.2%,and 47.5%,respectively;at week 12,they were 97.3%,95.6%,and 78.7%,respectively;at week 24,they were 97.8%,96.7%,and 84.2%,respectively;and at week 52,they were 98.4%,97.8%,and 83.6%,respectively.The percentages of the patients with BSA≤1%at weeks 4,12,24,and 52 were 80.9%,94.5%,95.6%,and 94.0%,respectively.The percentages of the patients with IGA score of 0/1 at week 4,12,24,and 52 were 86.3%,97.3%,96.7%,and 95.6%,respectively.The percentages of the patients with DLQI score of 0/1 at weeks 4,12,24,and 52 were 76.6%,89.1%,92.9%,and 91.8%,respectively.At week 4 of secukinumab treatment,there were significant differences in age,body mass index(BMI),disease duration,baseline PASI score,and history of previous biologic treatment between the patients in two groups(P<0.05).At week 24 of secukinumab treatment,there were significant differences in age and BMI between the patients in two groups(P<0.05).At week 4,BMI≥25 kg·m-2,disease duration≥10 years,baseline PASI score≥10,and a history of previous biologic treatment were risk factors affecting the recovery of the patient(P<0.05).At week 24,age≥40 years was a risk factor affecting the recovery of the patient(P<0.05).During the treatment period,44 out of 183 psoriasis patients reported 49 adverse reactions,and the adverse reaction rate was 24.0%.No serious adverse events or fatal adverse reactions occurred.The adverse reactions included upper respiratory tract infections in 23 cases,eczema-like skin lesions in 10 cases,skin fungal infections in 6 cases,urticaria in 3 cases,mild liver function abnormalities in 2 cases,folliculitis in 2 cases,conjunctivitis in 2 cases,and otitis media in 1 case.Conclusion:Secukinumab treatment for the adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is rapid-acting and has lasting efficacy.The BMI,disease duration,baseline PASI score,history of previous biologic treatment,and age are the factors influencing the clinical efficacy of secukinumab.The overall safety is good,and secukinumab may be used as a first-line treatment option for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Objective: To explore the correlation between Diabetes Complication Severity Index(DCSI), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio(CAR) and death in patients with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU) and to clarify their predictive value for all-cause death in DFU patients. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 354 DFU patients who were treated in the Endocrinology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from July 2019 to December 2022. Based on survival status during follow-up, patients were divided into a survival group(n=268) and a death group(n=86). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for all-cause death in DFU patients. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of DCSI, CAR, and their combination for all-cause death in DFU patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to explore the impact of different DCSI and CAR levels on survival in DFU patients. Results: Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that older age, history of hypertension, higher Wagner classification levels, and elevated levels of CRP, Scr, FDP, DCSI score, and CAR were associated with a higher risk of death in DFU patients(P<0.05). Higher levels of HGB, HCT, ALB, or eGFR were associated with a lower risk of death. Patients receiving combined insulin and oral hypoglycemic medication had a lower risk of death compared to those receiving only insulin therapy(P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that older age, higher levels of Scr, DCSI, and CAR were independent risk factors for all-cause death in DFU patients, while higher levels of ALB and combined insulin and oral hypoglycemic therapy were protective factors. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values for DCSI, CAR, and their combination were 0.652, 0.633, and 0.686, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients with high DCSI scores(≥4.5) had a lower survival rate compared to those with lower DCSI scores(<4.5). Similarly, patients with high CAR levels(≥0.124) had a lower survival rate compared to those with lower CAR levels(<0.124). Conclusion High levels of DCSI and CAR are independent risk factors for all-cause death in DFU patients. DCSI, CAR, and their combination have predictive value for all-cause mortality in DFU patients.

BACKGROUND:The maximum muscle strength is typically used for evaluating the recovery of muscle function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Recent studies have suggested that neuromuscular function should also be considered,such as rate of force development,which measures the slope of the force time curve at different time intervals under conditions of isometric muscle contraction. OBJECTIVE:To elaborate on the current research status and shortcomings of muscle isometric rate of force development in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery,and analyze the degree of defects in quadriceps femoris and hamstring isometric rate of force development at different times after surgery;to analyze the effect of isometric rate of force development on postoperative functional performance,thereby providing important information for optimizing postoperative rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,reducing secondary injury to patients,and reducing the incidence of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:Literature retrieval of CNKI,VIP,WanFang and PubMed was performed using"anterior cruciate ligament,rate of force development"as Chinese search terms and"anterior cruciate ligament,rate of force development,rate of torque development"as English search terms.Finally,69 articles were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Most studies have found defects in bilateral muscle isometric rate of force development in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction within 6 months.Early isometric rate of force development of the bilateral hamstring muscles(i.e.the slope of the force time curve at any time interval during muscle contraction of 100 ms)showed significant improvement after 6 months.However,long-term defects in early isometric rate of force development of the bilateral quadriceps indicate long-term damage to the neuromuscular function of the quadriceps after surgery.There is limited research on late isometric rate of force development(the slope of the force time curve at any time interval after 100 ms of muscle contraction),and conclusions cannot be drawn.Regarding landing exercises(jumping to the ground,lateral cutting,etc.)and daily activities(walking,running),early isometric rate of force development of the quadriceps is more correlated with isometric peak torque.Abnormal biomechanical changes during exercise are considered an important risk factor for secondary injury and traumatic knee osteoarthritis in patients.Actively improving early isometric rate of force development of the quadriceps may reduce the incidence of secondary injury and traumatic knee osteoarthritis.Currently,there is limited evidence to suggest that whole-body vibration training can improve early isometric rate of force development of the quadriceps femoris in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.It is recommended to use neuromuscular electrical stimulation to intervene in the quadriceps and hamstring in the early postoperative stage and implement explosive force and high resistance training in the late postoperative stage,which may improve the isometric rate of force development in patients.Generating sufficient muscle strength in a short period of time is necessary to effectively protect the anterior cruciate ligament,while the relationship between isometric rate of force development in the hamstring muscle and functional performance is still unclear,which may provide information on preventing secondary injury in patients.It is recommended to use the isometric rate of force development as one of the evaluation indicators for guiding rehabilitation and restoring movement.In addition to focusing on improving symmetry and differences from normal individuals,the hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio should also be considered.An appropriate range of ratios can ensure the balance of muscles during rapid muscle exertion,which may reduce the occurrence of secondary injuries.However,the normal range of ratios is not yet clear.Future research should consider the effects of graft type and knee flexion angle on isometric rate of force development,in order to identify neuromuscular dysfunction in patients as much as possible and help them recover better.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of the treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen and pro re nata (PRN) regimen of intravitreal conbercept in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients.Methods:A non-randomized controlled study was performed.Ninety-one patients (91 eyes) diagnosed with treatment-na?ve PCV from October 2016 to January 2019 at Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital were enrolled.All the patients received the intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg conbercept.After the initial treatment, the patients were divided into 3+ PRN group and 3+ TAE group according to their willingness.The follow-up time was one year.All the eyes underwent visual acuity test with ETDRS chart, optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), maximum retinal thickness (MRT), pigment epithelium detachment (PED) height, the number and area of polypoidal lesions, the area of retinal hemorrhage and the area of branching vascular network (BVN) were recorded.Treatment interval and injection frequencies during the one-year follow-up were compared between the two groups.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by Peking University People's Hospital (No.2020PHB250-01). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient.Results:One-year after treatment, the BCVA improvement in the 3+ PRN group and 3+ TAE group was 5.0(-2.0, 15.0) and 6.0(-1.0, 14.0) letters, respectively, showing no significant difference ( Z=-0.352, P=0.725). No significant differences were found in CRT, MRT and PED height between the two groups ( Z=-0.145, -0.529, -0.985, all at P>0.05). There was no significant difference in polypoidal lesions number, polypoidal lesions area, the number of eyes with different degrees of polyp regression, BVN area and retinal hemorrhage area between the two groups ( Z=-0.502, -0.300, -0.047, -0.265, -1.243, all at P>0.05). After the one-year follow-up, the mean injection frequency of 3+ PRN group was (7.6±0.9) times, which was lower than (8.4±2.0) times of 3+ TAE group, showing a significant difference ( t=2.432, P=0.019). The mean follow-up frequency was (11.3±1.5) times of 3+ PRN group, which was significantly higher than (10.1±1.7) times of 3+ TAE group ( t=3.403, P=0.001). For the 3+ TAE group, 17.1%(6/35) of patients achieved an extension interval of 12 weeks after the first 3 doses, and 48.5%(17/35) of patients achieved an extension interval of 8 weeks or more, with a mean maximum extension interval of (9.5±2.0) weeks.During the follow-up, 10 patients in 3+ PRN group and 8 patients in 3+ TAE group received photodynamic therapy as a rescue treatment. Conclusions:The 3+ PRN and 3+ TAE regimens of intravitreal injection of conbercept combined with photodynamic therapy as a rescue treatment have similar efficacy in visual and anatomical outcomes for PCV patients.3+ TAE regimen has a higher treatment frequency and fewer follow-up visits.