AIM: To investigate the correlation between fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters in patients with hypertensive retinopathy(HRP).METHODS: A total of 50 patients(22 left eyes and 28 right eyes)with HRP admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively included as the experimental group, and 50 healthy physical examination subjects(22 left eyes and 28 right eyes)during the same period were included as the healthy group. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters.RESULTS: The AUC values of fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters and their combined diagnosis of HRP were 0.853, 0.844 and 0.935, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that carotid systolic peak blood flow velocity was negatively correlated with foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, FAZ circumference and non-circularity index, and positively correlated with macular vascular density(all P<0.05). The end-diastolic blood flow velocity was positively correlated with FAZ area and macular vascular density(all P<0.05). The internal carotid artery resistance index was positively correlated with FAZ area(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The combination of fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters in the diagnosis of HRP has good application value in the diagnosis of HRP.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that metformin has anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-aging and vasoprotective effects,and can inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis,but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of metformin on cartilage protection in a rat model of osteoarthritis. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):blank,control,sham-operated,and metformin groups.The blank group did not undergo any surgery.In the sham-operated group,the joint cavity was exposed.In the model group and the metformin group,the modified Hulth method was used to establish the osteoarthritis model.At 1 day after modeling,the rats in the metformin group were given 200 mg/kg/d metformin by gavage,and the model,blank,and sham-operated groups were given normal saline by gavage.Administration in each group was given for 4 weeks consecutively.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological structure of rat knee joints.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect the protein expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5(ADAMTS5),Beclin1,P62,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),p-PI3K,protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,mammalian target of rapamycin(Mtor),and p-Mtor in rat cartilage tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of hematoxylin-eosin,toluidine blue and safranin O-fast green staining showed smooth cartilage surface of the knee joints and normal histomorphology in the blank group and the sham-operated group,while in the model group,there was irregular cartilage surface of the knee joint and cartilage damage,with a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.In the metformin group,there was a significant improvement in the damage to the structure of the cartilage in the knee joints of the rats,and the cartilage surface tended to be smooth,with an increase in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot results showed that compared with the control and sham-operated groups,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,compared with the model group,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the metformin group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly decreased(P<0.05).To conclude,Metformin can improve the autophagy activity of chondrocytes and reduce the degradation of cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/Mtor signaling pathway,thus exerting a protective effect on articular cartilage.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

BACKGROUND:Previous research by the research team found that domestically produced porous tantalum is beneficial for early adhesion and proliferation of MG63 cells,and can be used as a scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of domestic porous tantalum modified by osteogenic induction factor slow-release system on the adhesion,proliferation,and differentiation of MG63 cells. METHODS:Osteogenic induction factor slow-release system was constructed by adding 15%volume fraction of osteogenic factor solution to poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid)gel.The passage 3 MG63 cells were inoculated on a porous tantalum surface(control group),porous tantalum surface coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid)copolymer gel(gel group),and porous tantalum surface coated with osteoblastic induction factor slow-release system(slow-release system group),and co-cultured for 5 days.The surface cytoskeleton of the material was observed by phalloidine staining.Cell proliferation was detected by flow cytometry.Western blot assay and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of type Ⅰ collagen,osteopontin,and RUNX-2 on the surface cells of the material. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Phalloidine staining showed that MG63 cells adhered to and grew on the surface and inside of the three groups of porous tantalum,and the matrix secreted by the cells covered the surface of the material.(2)Flow cytometry showed that the cell proliferation in the slow-release system group was faster than that in the control group and the gel group(P<0.05).(3)Western blot assay and RT-qPCR showed that the protein and mRNA expressions of type Ⅰ collagen,osteopontin,and RUNX-2 in the slow-release system group were higher than those in the control group and gel group(P<0.05).(4)The results showed that the domestic porous tantalum modified by the osteogenic induction factor slow-release system was beneficial to the adhesion,proliferation,and differentiation of MG63 osteoblasts.

BACKGROUND:Research has shown that fatty acid metabolism genes are closely related to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.Therefore,exploring the progression of rheumatoid arthritis based on fatty acid metabolism genes is of clinical significance. OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether fatty acid metabolism genes can serve as reliable biomarkers for predicting the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS:Gene data related to synovial tissue were downloaded from the Gene Expression Comprehensive Database(GEO).STRING was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network analysis.Cytoscape was utilized for biological annotation(gene ontology)and signaling pathway enrichment analysis(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes).Fatty acid metabolism related genes were screened from the molecular feature database(MSigDB).Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and support vector machine recursive feature elimination feature were used to screen for potential biomarkers.Immune cell infiltration levels in normal individuals and rheumatoid arthritis patients were assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm.Finally,the expression levels of fatty acid metabolism related genes were verified using the receiver operating characteristic curve in GSE77298. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:361 differentially expressed genes in rheumatoid arthritis were identified,of which 13 overlapped with the reported fatty acid metabolism related genes.Based on machine learning algorithms,five genes were selected,and the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that five genes(PCK1,PDK1,PTGS2,PLA2G2D,and DPEP2)could predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis.The CIBERSORT algorithm results showed that five genes were associated with activated mast cells,neutrophils,resting mast cells,and memory resting CD4+ T cells.The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that PLA2G2D and PCK1 have high diagnostic value.To conclude,the expression characteristics of fatty acid metabolism related genes can serve as potential biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes,which can further improve the accuracy of prediction in RA patients.

Objective To develop and empirically validate the County Medical and Health Community Organizational Resilience Evaluation Scale to verify its reliability and validity,and to provide a reference for the management practice of organizational resilience in medical and health communities.Methods The health system resilience framework and the dual resilience analysis framework were used as the content framework of this scale,and the initial scale was formed by literature review reference and interviews,and two rounds of correspondence to 21 experts were conducted to form the County Medical and Health Community Organizational Resilience Evaluation Scale.In October-November 2023,the medical staff of six medical and health communities in Zhejiang Province were sampled to conduct the survey,and SPSS 25.0 software was applied to process the data.Results The internal consistency Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.97,and the Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the five dimensions ranged from 0.67～0.92(P＜0.001);the folded half reliability was 0.95,and the alpha coefficients of the two parts were 0.94.The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the KMO was 0.95,and that each dimension of the constructed Organizational Resilience Scale and the total score of the scale were positively correlated with the total score of the Strategic Flexibility Scale(P＜0.01).Conclusion The Organizational Resilience Measurement Scale designed has good reliability and reference value,and may provide a tool for assessing organizational resilience in county medical and health communities in the future.

Objective To develop and empirically validate the County Medical and Health Community Organizational Resilience Evaluation Scale to verify its reliability and validity,and to provide a reference for the management practice of organizational resilience in medical and health communities.Methods The health system resilience framework and the dual resilience analysis framework were used as the content framework of this scale,and the initial scale was formed by literature review reference and interviews,and two rounds of correspondence to 21 experts were conducted to form the County Medical and Health Community Organizational Resilience Evaluation Scale.In October-November 2023,the medical staff of six medical and health communities in Zhejiang Province were sampled to conduct the survey,and SPSS 25.0 software was applied to process the data.Results The internal consistency Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.97,and the Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the five dimensions ranged from 0.67～0.92(P＜0.001);the folded half reliability was 0.95,and the alpha coefficients of the two parts were 0.94.The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the KMO was 0.95,and that each dimension of the constructed Organizational Resilience Scale and the total score of the scale were positively correlated with the total score of the Strategic Flexibility Scale(P＜0.01).Conclusion The Organizational Resilience Measurement Scale designed has good reliability and reference value,and may provide a tool for assessing organizational resilience in county medical and health communities in the future.

Objective To develop and empirically validate the County Medical and Health Community Organizational Resilience Evaluation Scale to verify its reliability and validity,and to provide a reference for the management practice of organizational resilience in medical and health communities.Methods The health system resilience framework and the dual resilience analysis framework were used as the content framework of this scale,and the initial scale was formed by literature review reference and interviews,and two rounds of correspondence to 21 experts were conducted to form the County Medical and Health Community Organizational Resilience Evaluation Scale.In October-November 2023,the medical staff of six medical and health communities in Zhejiang Province were sampled to conduct the survey,and SPSS 25.0 software was applied to process the data.Results The internal consistency Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.97,and the Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the five dimensions ranged from 0.67～0.92(P＜0.001);the folded half reliability was 0.95,and the alpha coefficients of the two parts were 0.94.The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the KMO was 0.95,and that each dimension of the constructed Organizational Resilience Scale and the total score of the scale were positively correlated with the total score of the Strategic Flexibility Scale(P＜0.01).Conclusion The Organizational Resilience Measurement Scale designed has good reliability and reference value,and may provide a tool for assessing organizational resilience in county medical and health communities in the future.