ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages （M1-BMDM） with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis， and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl₄/2-AAF was established， and at the end of week 8， rats were randomly divided into model group， M1-BMDM group， M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group （M1-BMDM^KD-EV group）， and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group （M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group）， with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9， the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein， along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology， serum liver function parameters， hepatic stellate cell activation， and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group， all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） in serum （all P<0.01）， and the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group （P<0.05）. The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group， all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area （all P<0.05）， and compared with the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group， the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area （both P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α （all P<0.05） and the protein expression level of CD68 （all P<0.01）； compared with the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group， the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 （both P<0.05）， significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 （both P<0.05）， and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α （P<0.01）. Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group， all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area， with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group， and compared with the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group， the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue （all P<0.05）. Compared with the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group， the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β （all P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue （all P<0.05）， and the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group （both P<0.05）. The M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group （P<0.01）. Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group， all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 （all P<0.01）， and the M1-BMDM^Wnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDM^KD-EV group （P<0.05）. ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl₄/2-AAF， which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell （hUC-MSC） with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis （CLF）. MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC （hUC-MSC^Numb-OE）， and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector （hUC-MSC^OE-EV） was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation （BDL） was performed to establish a rat model of CLF， and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group， hUC-MSC group， hUC-MSC^OE-EV group， and hUC-MSC^Numb-OE group， while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL， and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured， including serum biochemistry， liver histopathology， the content of hydroxyproline （Hyp） in the liver， hepatic stellate cell activation， ductular reaction， liver regeneration， and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the BDL group， the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSC^OE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters （aspartate aminotransferase， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase， total bile acid， total bilirubin， and direct bilirubin）， liver fibrosis markers （the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin， tumor necrosis factor-α， and transforming growth factor-beta 1）， and ductular reaction markers （the expression levels of CK7 and CK19） （all P <0.05）， and compared with the hUC-MSC^OE-EV group， the hUC-MSC^Numb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators （all P <0.05）. In addition， compared with the hUC-MSC^OE-EV group， the hUC-MSC^Numb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers （albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α） and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis （Numb， pNumb， Mdm2， and p53） （all P <0.05）. ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF， possibly by activating the Numb-PTB^L-p53-HNF4α axis， promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effectiveness of orthopedic surgery for patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus and analyze its related influencing factors. METHODS: A clinical data of 247 patients (287 feet) with moderate and severe hallux valgus, who were admitted between January 2013 and October 2024 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 39 males and 208 females, with a median age of 57 years (range, 19-89 years). There were 207 cases of single-foot involvement and 40 cases of double-foot involvement; 159 feet were moderate hallux valgus and 128 feet were severe hallux valgus. The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 25 years, with a median of 5 years and 8 months. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), proximal articular set angle (PASA), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were measured before operation and at 6 months after operation, and the differences (change values) between pre- and post-operation were calculated. All patients were grouped according to the degree of preoperative hallux valgus deformity and age, and the patients with severe hallux valgus according to different surgical procedures, and the change values of HVA, IMA, and AOFAS scores were compared between groups. All patients were grouped according to postoperative HVA, then the postoperative AOFAS scores were compared between groups. RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the operations and were followed up 6 months to 11 years and 3 months, with an average of 4 years and 6 months. The HVA, IMA, PASA, and AOFAS scores at 6 months after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative levels, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). The patients with severe hallux valgus had the higher change values of HVA, IMA, and AOFAS scores than the patients with moderate hallux valgus ( P<0.05). The elderly patients had the highest change values of HVA and AOFAS scores than the young and middle-aged patients ( P<0.05). The patients with postoperative HVA ranging from 0° to 5° had the highest AOFAS scores than the other patients at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). Among different surgical procedures for severe hallux valgus, the metatarsophalangeal joint fusion had the highest change value of HVA, the Scarf osteotomy had the highest performance in correcting the IMA, and the first metatarsal base osteotomy had the highest improvement in the postoperative AOFAS score, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Elderly patients show the better improvement in HVA and foot function after operation. The first metatarsal base osteotomy show the better improvement in foot function than other surgical procedures. A certain HVA is allowed to remain after hallux valgus correction, and the postoperative AOFAS score is higher when the corrected HVA is in the range of 0°-5°.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Orthopedic Procedures/methods* ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Metatarsal Bones/surgery*

Objective:To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of circular RNA-centrosome and spindle pole-associated protein 1 (circ-CSPP1) on the malignant biological behavior of hepatoma cells.Methods:Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expressions of circ-CSPP1 and microRNA-582-5p (miR-582-5p) in hepatoma cells, and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of karyopherins α2 (KPNA2). HepG2 cells were divided into the circ-CSPP1 overexpression group, the circ-CSPP1 overexpression control group, the si-CSPP1 group, the si-NC group, the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition group, and the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition control group. circ-CSPP1 overexpression plasmid, CSPP1 interfering small RNA, CSPP1 interfering small RNA, miR-582-5p inhibition sequence and negative control were transfected respectively in these groups. Cell proliferation in each group was detected by 5-acetylene-2'-deoxyuridine (Edu), invasion ability was detected by Transwell assay, and the binding of circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 to miR-582-5p was verified by dual-luciferase assay. In the si-CSPP1 group, HepG2 cells transfected with si-CSPP1 lentivirus were subcutaneously injected into the back of nude mice ( n=12), and in the si-NC group, HepG2 cells transfected with negative control lentivirus ( n=12) were injected. The tumor mass, volume, circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 were detected. Results:In the circ-CSPP1 overexpression group, the relative expression of circ-CSPP1 was (1.68±0.17), the expression of KPNA2 was (1.52±0.16), and the number of invasive cells in the 100-fold field of view was (128.4±13.5), which were all higher than those in the circ-CSPP1 overexpression control group [(1.25±0.16), (1.24±0.15), (128.4±13.5)], while the expression of miR-552-5p was lower than that in the circ-CSPP1 overexpression control group [(0.96±0.11) vs (1.31±0.15)]; The relative expression of circ-CSPP1 in the si-CSPP1 group was (1.02±0.13), KPNA2 was (0.74±0.09), and the number of invasive cells was (53.5±6.7), which were lower than those in the si-NC group [(1.28±0.14), (1.22±0.13), (74.6±8.3)], while the expression of miR-582-5p was higher than that in the si-NC group [(1.71±0.18) vs (1.32±0.14)]; The expression of circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 and the number of invasion cells in the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition group was higher than that in the si-CSPP1+ miR-582-5p inhibition control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of cell proliferation were consistent with those of invasion. The dual-luciferase gene report showed that, compared with the miR-NC group, the relative luciferase activity in HepG2 cells co-transfected with circ-CSPP1-WT or KPNA2-WT wild-type reporter vectors in the miR-882-5p mimic group decreased [(0.46±0.05) vs (1.03±0.11), (0.42±0.03) vs (1.01±0.09)]. The differences were all statistically significant (both P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the relative luciferase activity in HepG2 cells co-transfected with the circ-CSPP1-MUT or KPNA2-MUT mutant reporter vectors (both P>0.05). The tumor weight, volume and circ-CSPP1 and KPNA2 expressions in tumor tissue of nude mice in the si-CSPP1 group were all lower than those in the si-NC group, and the expression of miR-582-5p was higher than that in the si-NC group. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Inhibition of circ-CSPP1 suppressed the malignant biological behavior of hepatoma cells and tumor growth by upregulating miR-582-5p and downregulating KPNA2.

We report a case of a 14-year-old male with first metatarsocuneiform coalition. With a 1-month history of left foot pain the patient presented to some hospital 8 months ago, where conservative management, including rest, physiotherapy, and medication, was administered. However, symptoms gradually worsened. On admission to our hospital, radiograph revealed a bony bridge at the left first metatarsocuneiform joint, which had enlarged compared with the radiograph 8 months earlier. The patient was diagnosed as first metatarsocuneiform coalition in the left foot and underwent resection of the bony bridge, followed by plaster immobilization for 3 weeks. At 3 months postoperatively, he had resumed normal activity without pain or discomfort. First metatarsocuneiform coalition is a rare type of tarsal coalition. Currently, there are no standardized surgical indications or established treatment protocols. Given the uncertainty of surgical outcomes, conservative treatment should be the primary choice. Surgical intervention may be considered when conservative measures fail or symptoms continue to worsen.

Objective:To investigate a surgical method and clinical effect on reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients with free perforator flap of peroneal artery.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, 13 elderly patients with infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of peroneal artery. The patients were 65-70 years with an average age of 66.5 years. Cause of infection: 10 ulceration and soft tissue defects were caused by diabetes and 3 by injury. Seven infective ulceration and soft tissue defects were in dorsal index fingers, 3 in dorsal middle fingers and 3 in dorsal ring fingers with the size of soft tissue defects at 2.0 cm×4.5 cm-2.0 cm×5.5 cm with an exposure of tendon and phalange. The donor site of the flaps was of contralateral calf and the flaps were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-2.5 cm×6.0 cm in size. All donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flap as well as finger movement.Results:All flaps survived and all wounds achieved stage I healing, without recurrence of infection. Twelve patients had the postoperative follow-up for 12 to 27 months, with an average of 21.6 months. There were satisfactory appearance of flaps and the function of fingers. Sensation of flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients and S 3 in 7 patients. The recovery of hand function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with 8 hands in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The free perforator flap of peroneal artery has advantages of constant vascular anatomy, reliable blood supply, moderate thickness and direct closure of donor site. It is a useful clinical method in reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of a self-designed assistant device for distal ulnar osteotomy and reduction in the surgical treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed to study the clinical data from the 27 patients with ulnar impaction syndrome who had been treated by distal ulnar shortening and fixation with 2 screws between January 2022 and August 2024 at Department of Hand and Foot Surgery,Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University. The cohort included 6 males and 21 females, with 13 left and 14 right sides affected and a mean age of (40.3±10.8) years (range: from 17 to 59 years). Based on their different assistant methods in osteotomy, the patients were divided into group A (15 cases) subjected to conventional freehand osteotomy and group B (12 cases) subjected to distal ulnar osteotomy and reduction assisted by our self-designed assistant device. Comparisons were made between the 2 groups regarding operative time, bone healing time, Mayo wrist function score at postoperative 16 weeks, number of the patients returning to their original occupations and complications.Results:There were no significant dif- ferences in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up postoperatively for (27.1±11.1) weeks (range: from 16 to 50 weeks). In group B, the operative time [50.0 (50.0, 62.5) min] and bone healing time [6.5 (6.0, 7.0) weeks] were significantly shorter than those in group A [80.0 (67.5, 92.5) min and 7.5 (6.8, 9.0) weeks] ( P<0.05). At postoperative 16 weeks, the Mayo wrist function score was 90.0 (85.0, 96.8) points for group A and 92.5 (85.0, 98.8) points for group B, showing no significant difference ( P>0.05). Five patients in group A and 4 ones in group B returned to their original work status, showing no significant difference either ( P>0.05). One case of non-union occurred in group A while no complication occurred in group B, demonstrating no significant difference either ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In the surgical treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome, compared with conventional freehand osteotomy, application of our self-designed assistant device for distal ulnar osteotomy and reduction is simple, less invasive, and comparable in functional recovery of the wrist, but superior in operative time and bone healing time.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of the core excision technique combined with triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of keloids.Methods:A total of sixty patients with keloids admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively included. The patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method. Observation group consisted of 30 cases, including 12 males and 18 females, with an average age of (35.7±7.9) years, and were treated with core excision combined with triamcinolone acetonide. Control group consisted of 30 cases, including 13 males and 17 females, with an average age of (36.4±7.6) years, and were treated with triamcinolone acetonide alone. The total effective rate, patient satisfaction rate, scores of the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups after treatment.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.012). The total satisfaction rate of the observation group was 90.0% (27/30), which was higher than 66.7% (20/30) of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.035). The POSAS scores of the patients in the observation group before and after treatment were (51.1±13.4) and (21.3±9.0) points, respectively, and those of the patients in the control group were (50.1±11.9), (29.9±11.1) points, respectively. The POSAS scores of both groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment (both P<0.001), and the POSAS score of the observation group after treatment was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.001). Regarding adverse reactions, there were two cases of delayed wound healing in the observation group and one case of tissue surface damage in the control group. Conclusion:The treatment of keloids with the core excision technique combined with triamcinolone acetonide is safe and effective.

Objective:To explore the effect and safety of CO 2 fractional laser combined with botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) in the treatment of keloid. Methods:A total of sixty patients with keloids admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2021 to September 2023 were prospectively included. The patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method: observation group (30 cases), including 12 males and 18 females, with an average age of (18.3±6.9) years, were treated with CO 2 fractional laser combined with Botox type A; control group (30 cases), including 13 males and 17 females, with an average age of (21.0±7.7) years, were treated with CO 2 fractional laser alone. The two groups received treatment once a month for 6 months. The total effective rate of the two groups after treatment were compared. The Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the morphology of scars (including color, thickness, vascular distribution, and hardness) before and after treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain before and after treatment. The patient self-assessment (PSA) was used to evaluate the degree of itching before and after treatment. The incidence and recurrence of adverse reactions such as tissue depression, capillary dilation, skin atrophy, pigmentation and depigmentation were statistically compared between the two groups after treatment. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), which was higher than that of the control group [73.3% (22/30), P=0.012]. After treatment, the scores of VSS, VAS and PSA in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The recurrence rate and adverse reaction rate of the observation group were 6.7% (2/30) and 6.7% (2/30), respectively, which were lower than that of the control group [43.3% (13/30) and 40.0% (12/30)], and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). The adverse reactions in the observation group included tissue depression in 1 case and pigment loss in 1 case, while those in the control group included capillary dilation in 1 case, skin atrophy in 5 cases, pigmentation in 4 cases and pigment loss in 2 cases. Conclusion:The combination of CO 2 dot laser and BTX-A injection has a good effect on keloid and a low incidence of adverse reactions.

Objective:To investigate the interventional effects of the Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) formula and its partial mechanistic role on cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice.Methods:Mdr2 gene knockout (Mdr2－/ －) mice were randomly divided into a model group, FZHY group, and Obeticholic acid group. Wild-type C57BL/6J mice of the same age served as the control group. Mdr2－/ －mice were given the corresponding drugs starting from the first day of 9 weeks of age by oral gavage in each group. The control and model groups were administered 0.3% sodium carboxymethylcellulose by oral gavage and were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age for specimen collection. High-speed biochemistry analyzer was used to detect serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activity in mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological changes in liver tissues. Hydroxyproline content was measured to assess collagen in liver tissues. Immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression of fibrosis markers Col-I and alpha-smooth muscle actin in liver tissues. The expressional condition of cholangiocyte response markers Epcam, CK7, CK19, as well as Pcna, Mki67, and Ccnd1, inflammatory related factors Ccl2, Ccl5, Tnf-α, Il10, and Cxcl4, phosphorylated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were determined. Comparative analysis among multiple groups was performed using one-way ANOVA. The LSD method was used for comparisons between groups. Two-tailed statistical tests were used.Results:Compared with wild-type mice, Mdr2 －/ － mice had a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity ( P<0.001). The percentage of Sirius red-positive staining areas and hydroxyproline content in liver tissues was significantly increased ( P<0.01). The expression of Col-I, α-smooth muscle actin, Epcam, CK7, CK19, Pcna, Mki67, and Ccnd1, and the expression of Ccl2, Ccl5, Tnf-α, Il10, and Cxcl4 were significantly increased ( P<0.01); however, both FZHY and Obeticholic acid significantly reversed the increases in these indicators ( P<0.05; P<0.01). Further results showed that compared to wild-type mice, the expression of PPARα was significantly reduced in liver tissues of Mdr2 －/ － mice, while NF-κB was significantly enhanced ( P<0.01). In contrast, compared to Mdr2-/- mice, the expression of PPARα in the liver tissues of FZHY group mice was significantly increased ( P<0.05), while NF-κB was significantly inhibited ( P<0.05). Conclusion:FZHY can significantly improve liver fibrosis, cholangiocyte response, and inflammation in Mdr2 －/ － mice with spontaneously occurring cholestatic liver fibrosis, and its mechanistic role is related to the regulation of the PPARα/NF-κB pathway.