[Objective] To explore the clinical features of IgG4-related urinary diseases so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. [Methods] The clinical data of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary system diseases diagnosed and treated in Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University during Aug.2019 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively collected.Here, we report on the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, analysing their symptoms, serology, imaging and pathology as well as their treatment and outcomes. [Results] The patients included 2 male and 2 female.The lesions were involved with the retroperitoneum and urinary system.Three patients had symptoms of lumbar pain.The imaging manifestations were complex, including retroperitoneal mass involving urinary system organs in 2 cases, tabdense shadow of the right kidney in 1 case, and simple cystic mass of kidney in 1 case.Serum IgG4 value was not detected before surgery.All patients underwent radical surgical treatment.Postoperative pathology showed fibrous tissue hyperplasia with a large number of plasma cells, lymphocytes, a few neutrophil infiltrates, and lymphoid follicles and obliterated vasculitis in some specimens.The number of IgG4⁺ plasma cells was more than 10 in all tissues under high power microscope.After surgery, 3 patients had symptoms improved, and serum IgG4 value was within the normal range; 1 patient (patem 3) had elevated IgG4 value during follow-up, received subsequent hormone therapy, and the serum IgG 4 level remained stable. [Conclusion] The symptoms of IgG4-related diseases involving the urinary system are non-specific, and the imaging findings are various, easily confused with other diseases.Early detection of serum IgG4 and biopsy pathology can help clinicians make correct diagnosis in the early stage.

BACKGROUND: Research has indicated that the disease burden of alopecia areata (AA) in China exceeds the global average. Therefore, accurate and updated epidemiological information is crucial for policymakers. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the disease burden of AA in China. METHODS: The following four key indicators were utilized: the prevalence of cases; disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs); the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR); and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of AA according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. We analyzed the epidemiological burden of AA in China during 2021, examined changes between 1990 and 2021, and performed a Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis to predict trends over the course of the next decade (2022-2030). Additionally, a Gaussian process regression model was applied to estimate the relationship between the gross domestic product (GDP) and the ASPR and ASDR of AA at the provincial level between 1992 and 2021. RESULTS: In 2021, the estimated number of patients with AA in China was approximately 3.49 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.37-3.62 million); of these patients, 1.20 million (95% UI, 1.16-1.25 million) were male and 2.29 million (95% UI, 2.20-2.37 million) were female. This large number of patients with AA resulted in a total of 114,431.25 DALYs (95% UI, 74,780.27-160,318.96 DALYs). Additionally, the ASPR and ASDR were 224.61 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 216.73-232.65 per 100,000 population) and 7.41 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 4.85-10.44 per 100,000 population), respectively; both of these rates were higher than the global averages. The most affected demographic groups were young and female individuals 25-39 years of age. Slight regional disparities were observed, with the northern and central regions of China bearing comparatively higher burdens. Between 1990 and 2021, the health loss and disease burden caused by AA in China remained relatively stable. The ASPR and ASDR of AA increased with the GDP when the annual GDP was less than 2 trillion Chinese yuan; however, a downward trend was observed as the GDP surpassed 2 trillion Chinese yuan. A slight upward trend in the disease burden of AA in China is predicted to occur over the next decade. CONCLUSIONS AA continues to be a public health concern in China that shows no signs of declining. Targeted efforts for young individuals and females are necessary because they experience a disproportionately high burden of AA.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Alopecia Areata/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Bayes Theorem ; Child ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Child, Preschool

Objective To explore the role and mechanism of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced ferroptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods A model of oxLDL-induced VSMC ferroptosis was established. VSMCs were co-treated with either the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin or the autophagy inducer carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), followed by detection of autophagy and ferroptosis-related indexes. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used respectively to analyze the expression of mTOR, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), sequestosome 1 (p62), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). Flow cytometry was employed to assess VSMC death. C11 BODIPY fluorescent staining was used to measure cellular lipid peroxidation levels. Colorimetric assays were performed to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferrous ion (Fe²⁺) and glutathione (GSH). Results oxLDL significantly upregulated mTOR expression in VSMCs, while increasing p62 expression and reducing LC3 expression, thereby suppressing VSMC autophagy. Compared with oxLDL treatment alone, rapamycin co-treatment reversed oxLDL-induced VSMC ferroptosis, as characterized by reduced VSMC death, increased GPX4 expression and GSH contents, along with decreased MDA content, Fe²⁺ content and lipid peroxidation levels. Similarly, CCCP co-treatment activated autophagy characterized by reduced p62 expression and elevated LC3 expression, which subsequently alleviated oxLDL-induced ferroptosis, showing reduced VSMC death, increased GPX4 expressions and GSH contents, and decreased MDA content, Fe²⁺ content and lipid peroxidation levels. Moreover, mTOR inhibition by rapamycin significantly reversed the oxLDL-induced upregulation of p62 and downregulation of LC3. Conclusion mTOR may promote oxLDL-induced VSMC ferroptosis by suppressing autophagy.
Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/physiology* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism* ; Animals ; Rats ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects* ; Sequestosome-1 Protein/genetics* ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism* ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Sirolimus/pharmacology*

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl₄ and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective:To explore and analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of language development in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods:A case-control study was used, from May 2021 to August 2023, patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were enrolled in the mental health clinic of the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics. The language ability of 272 children with ADHD and 117 healthy children who underwent physical examination in children′s health center during the same period were tested by Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Comprehensive (DREAM-C), and the development levels of total language, receptive, expressive, semantics and syntax of the two groups were compared by independent sample t-test. The influential factors of language lag in children with ADHD were analyzed by univariate χ2 analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results:There were 272 children with ADHD, including 206 males and 66 females, with an age range of 6-8 (7.29±1.17) years. While in the control group, there were 117 healthy children, including 91 males and 26 females, with an age range of 6-8 (7.02±0.82) years. The average scores of total language, expressive and syntax of ADHD children were lower than those of healthy children [(92.73±12.47/96.36±11.04), t=-2.857, P<0.05; (84.49±13.24/87.78±15.25), t=-2.029, P<0.05; (87.93±10.26/90.27±11.05), t=2.022, P<0.05]. Univariate χ2 analysis showed that disharmonious family relationship ( χ2=4.183, P<0.05), the main caregivers were non-parents ( χ2=9.121, P<0.05), early screen exposure ( χ2=3.889, P<0.05), ADHD family history ( χ2=5.423, P<0.05) were influential factors of language development lag in ADHD children. The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that cesarean section ( OR=2.137, 95% CI: 1.078-4.379, P=0.030), disharmonious family relationship ( OR=2.659, 95% CI: 1.178-5.999, P=0.019), early screen exposure ( OR=3.556, 95% CI: 1.127-11.213, P=0.030), ADHD family history ( OR=1.959, 95% CI: 1.058-3.630, P=0.033) were risk factors for comorbidities of language development in children with ADHD. Conclusion:The total language ability, expressive and syntax scores of ADHD children lag behind those of healthy children. The delayed language development of ADHD children is related to delivery mode, family relationship, the main caregivers, early screen exposure, family history of ADHD.

Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Objective:To explore and analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of language development in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods:A case-control study was used, from May 2021 to August 2023, patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were enrolled in the mental health clinic of the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics. The language ability of 272 children with ADHD and 117 healthy children who underwent physical examination in children′s health center during the same period were tested by Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Comprehensive (DREAM-C), and the development levels of total language, receptive, expressive, semantics and syntax of the two groups were compared by independent sample t-test. The influential factors of language lag in children with ADHD were analyzed by univariate χ2 analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results:There were 272 children with ADHD, including 206 males and 66 females, with an age range of 6-8 (7.29±1.17) years. While in the control group, there were 117 healthy children, including 91 males and 26 females, with an age range of 6-8 (7.02±0.82) years. The average scores of total language, expressive and syntax of ADHD children were lower than those of healthy children [(92.73±12.47/96.36±11.04), t=-2.857, P<0.05; (84.49±13.24/87.78±15.25), t=-2.029, P<0.05; (87.93±10.26/90.27±11.05), t=2.022, P<0.05]. Univariate χ2 analysis showed that disharmonious family relationship ( χ2=4.183, P<0.05), the main caregivers were non-parents ( χ2=9.121, P<0.05), early screen exposure ( χ2=3.889, P<0.05), ADHD family history ( χ2=5.423, P<0.05) were influential factors of language development lag in ADHD children. The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that cesarean section ( OR=2.137, 95% CI: 1.078-4.379, P=0.030), disharmonious family relationship ( OR=2.659, 95% CI: 1.178-5.999, P=0.019), early screen exposure ( OR=3.556, 95% CI: 1.127-11.213, P=0.030), ADHD family history ( OR=1.959, 95% CI: 1.058-3.630, P=0.033) were risk factors for comorbidities of language development in children with ADHD. Conclusion:The total language ability, expressive and syntax scores of ADHD children lag behind those of healthy children. The delayed language development of ADHD children is related to delivery mode, family relationship, the main caregivers, early screen exposure, family history of ADHD.

BACKGROUND:Jaws are most vulnerable to osteoporosis.Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and bone morphogenetic protein 2 have the effect of promoting bone regeneration in osteoporosis.However,the repair effect of bone morphogenetic protein 2 modified adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on alveolar bone defects in osteoporosis is rarely reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the repair effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 on alveolar bone defects in osteoporosis rats. METHODS:(1)The rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were infected with lentivirus overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene,and identified by detecting the expression of green fluorescent protein and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Osteoporosis rat model was established by ovariectomy.A 3 mm×3 mm×3 mm cylindrical defect was prepared at the first molar position on both sides of the upper jaw.(3)Gelatin sponge was implanted in rats of the sham operation group and osteoporosis group.In the adipose-derived stem cell group,the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells infected with empty vector lentivirus and gelatin sponge complex were implanted.In the adipose-derived mesenchymal mesenchymal stem cell group overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2,a complex of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 and gelatin sponge was implanted.Relevant indexes were tested one month later. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The transfection efficiency of the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 reached more than 70%.Compared with the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group,the level of bone morphogenetic protein-2 protein in the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein-2 was significantly higher(P<0.05).(2)A large amount of new bone could be seen in the bone defect area of the sham operation group.Compared with the sham operation group,the osteoporotic group had a small amount of new bone formation;the new bone area was significantly reduced,and alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced.Compared with the osteoporosis group,the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group and the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 had a large number of new bone formation;the area of new bone was significantly increased,and the levels of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2 mRNA and protein were significantly increased.Moreover,the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 was superior to the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell group(all P<0.05).(3)The results showed that bone morphogenetic protein 2 was less expressed in the alveolar bone of osteoporosis rats,and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 could promote osteogenesis and regeneration of alveolar bone defects in osteoporosis rats.