OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and aesthetic evaluation of external fixator lengthening through plantar approach for fourth brachymetatarsia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients (23 feet) with fourth brachymetatarsia who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and January 2024, including 3 males and 17 females, with 8 left, 9 right, and 3 bilateral cases. The mean age was 24.7 years (range, 14-51 years). The preoperative metatarsal shortening length was (13.8±3.2) mm. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score was 79.5±3.9, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of appearance satisfaction was 1.7±0.8, and the appearance index (AI) score was 13.6±0.9. All patients underwent external fixator lengthening through plantar approach. The lengthening length of metatarsal bone, lengthening ratio, healing time, and healing index were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS forefoot score, VAS score of appearance satisfaction, and quality-of-life impact with AI questionnaire. RESULTS: All 20 patients were followed up 14-55 months with an average of 36.3 months. During the follow-up, complications occurred in 4 cases (17.4%), including 2 cases of metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness, which had no significant effect on the function and appearance. Delayed union of osteotomy occurred in 1 case (healed at 12 weeks after operation). Pin loosening occurred in 1 case and recovered after outpatient reinforcement. No complications related to plantar scar occurred. At last follow-up, the lengthening length of metatarsal bone was (13.9±3.1) mm, and the lengthening ratio was 25.8%±5.6%. All cases achieved bony union, with a mean healing time of (64.3±12.5) days and a healing index of (46.9±4.8) d/cm. At last follow-up, AOFAS score was 98.9±2.1, the VAS score of appearance satisfaction was 9.3±0.7, and the AI score was 0.6±0.8, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( t=27.398, P<0.001; t=32.994, P<0.001; t=56.135, P<0.001). CONCLUSION External fixator lengthening through plantar approach is a safe and effective technique for fourth brachymetatarsia, achieving satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; External Fixators ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Lengthening/instrumentation* ; Middle Aged ; Metatarsal Bones/abnormalities* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Patient Satisfaction ; Esthetics ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Foot Deformities, Congenital/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To review the nomenclature, functional unit construction, technical essentials, and prevention and treatment of complications of functional perforator flaps, so as to provide references for the structural and functional reconstruction of composite tissue defects. METHODS: By retrieving and analyzing domestic and foreign literature on anatomical research, technical innovation and clinical application of functional design and application of perforator flaps, combined with the clinical practice of our team, the methods for harvesting and integrating functional units of perforator flaps were summarized. RESULTS: Functional perforator flap refers to a perforator flap that, on the basis of perforator blood supply, carries one or more tissue functional units (such as muscles, nerves, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, bones, mucous membranes, joints or articular cartilages, etc.) with sufficient blood supply located in the supra-fascia and/or sub-fascia, and is used to reconstruct one or more functions of the recipient site. The design and transfer of functional perforator flaps should not only meet the needs of precise coverage of the wound, but also reconstruct the functions of the recipient site such as muscle contraction, flap sensation, lymphatic drainage, blood flow bridging, bone growth, glandular secretion or joint movement, while avoiding iatrogenic dysfunction in the donor site. CONCLUSION Functional perforator flaps have broken through the limitation of "wound coverage" and realize the integrated reconstruction of "structure-function-aesthetics".
Humans ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Tissue and Organ Harvesting/methods* ; Skin Transplantation/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical applications of functional perforator flaps in restoring human body functions. METHODS: An extensive literature review was conducted on both domestic and international publications to summarize the clinical use of functional perforator flaps for functional restoration. RESULTS: Perforator flaps are among the most commonly used flaps in reconstructive surgery. Beyond providing soft tissue repair, they are increasingly employed to reconstruct diverse bodily functions, leading us to propose the concept of the "functional perforator flap". Although various forms of functional perforator flaps are currently utilized, reports are predominantly scattered case studies, lacking systematic organization. Commonly used functional perforator flaps can be categorized into five types: chimeric perforator flaps, perforator flaps for nerve function restoration, perforator flaps for lymphatic drainage enhancement, flow-through perforator flaps, and perforator flaps for restoring bone and joint motion. These flaps significantly broaden the application scope of perforator flaps, elevating the goal of reconstruction from mere wound repair to achieving repair concurrent with functional reconstruction. CONCLUSION The application of various functional perforator flap designs significantly improves wound reconstruction outcomes and represents an effective approach for managing complex defects. Future developments will undoubtedly see more forms of functional perforator flaps reported to meet increasingly sophisticated reconstructive demands.
Humans ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Wound Healing

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of infrared thermography in the design and harvesting of ultrathin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps. METHODS: Between June 2024 and December 2024, 9 cases of ultrathin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were designed and harvested with the assistance of infrared thermography. There were 7 males and 2 females, aged 21-61 years (mean, 39.8 years). The body mass index ranged from 19.49 to 26.45 kg/m² (mean, 23.85 kg/m²). Causes of injury included 5 cases of traffic accident injuries and 4 cases of machine crush injuries. There were 3 cases of leg wounds, 2 cases of foot wounds, and 4 cases of hand wounds. After debridement, the size of wound ranged from 7 cm×4 cm to 13 cm×11 cm. The time from admission to flap repair surgery was 5-12 days (mean, 7 days). Preoperatively, perforator localization was performed using a traditional Doppler flow detector and infrared thermography, respectively. The results were compared with the actual intraoperative locations; a discrepancy ≤10 mm was considered as consistent localization (positive), and the positive predictive value was calculated. All 9 cases were repaired with ultrathin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps designed and harvested based on thermographic images. The size of flap ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 14 cm×8 cm, with a thickness of 3-6 mm (mean, 5.2 mm). One donor site was repaired with a full-thickness skin graft, and the others were sutured directly. Postoperatively, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anti-vascular spasm treatments were administered, and follow-up was conducted. RESULTS: The Doppler flow detector identified 22 perforating vessels within the set range, among which 16 were confirmed as superficial fascia layer perforators intraoperatively, with a positive predictive value of 72.7%. The infrared thermograph detected 23 superficial fascia layer perforating vessels, and 21 were verified intraoperatively, with a positive predictive value of 91.3%. There was no significant difference between the two methods [OR (95%CI)=3.93 (0.70, 22.15), P=0.100]. The perforator localization time of the infrared thermograph was (5.1±1.3) minutes, which was significantly shorter than that of the Doppler flow detector [(10.1±2.6) minutes; MD (95%CI)=-5.00 (-7.08, -2.91), P<0.001]. Postoperatively, 1 case of distal flap necrosis healed after dressing change; all other flaps survived successfully. The skin grafts at donor site survived, and all incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3-6 months (mean, 4.7 months). No pain or other discomfort occurred at the donor or recipient sites. All patients with foot wounds could walk with shoes, and no secondary flap revision was required. Flaps in 3 hand wound cases, 2 foot wound cases, and 3 leg wound cases recovered light touch and pressure sensation, but not pain or temperature sensation; the remaining 2 cases had no sensory recovery. CONCLUSION Preoperative localization using infrared thermography for repairing ultrathin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps can help evaluate the blood supply status of perforators, reduce complications, and improve surgical safety and flap survival rate.
Humans ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Adult ; Male ; Thermography/methods* ; Female ; Thigh/blood supply* ; Middle Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Tissue and Organ Harvesting/methods* ; Infrared Rays ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Young Adult

Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with ^99mTc, ⁶⁸Ga, and ¹⁸F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.

Objective To explore the correlations of lumbar bone mineral density(BMD)and metabolic syndrome(MS)in adult males.Methods Data of low dose chest CT and quantitative CT of 13 490 adult males were retrospectively analyzed,and lumbar BMD were measured to judge whether MS existed and the degree of MS,and the correlations of lumbar BMD with MS or not and the degree of MS,as well as of lumbar BMD value and the related indicators of MS were assessed.Taken lumbar BMD as the dependent variable,the age,low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),blood uric acid(BUA),hemoglobin(Hb)and MS or not were included in multiple linear regression analysis to observe the impact of MS and related indicators on lumbar BMD.Results Among 13 490 adult males,3 900 were found with MS(MS group),while 9 590 were found without MS(non-MS group).Significant difference of lumbar BMD was detected between groups(P=0.001).Lumbar BMD values were negatively correlated with MS(rs=-0.025,P=0.004)and the degree of MS(rs=-0.038,P＜0.001),whereas positively correlated with abdominal obesity,high triglyceride and low HDL-C or not(rs=0.024,0.061,0.036,all P＜0.001)but negatively correlated with hypertension and hyperglycemia or not(rs=-0.135,-0.104,both P＜0.05).After adjustment of age,lumbar BMD of adult males was negatively correlated with MS or not as well as LDL-C(both P＜0.05),but positively correlated with BUA and Hb(both P＜0.001).Conclusion Lumbar BMD was associated with MS in adult males.

With an aging population, the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) is on the rise, posing new challenges for developing personalized treatment strategies. For patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PVP/PKP) remains the preferred surgical option due to its minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery time. However, progressive local kyphosis (PLK) is one of the most severe complications following PVP/PKP, with an incidence rate of 1.5%-25.8%. PLK often presents with recurring thoracic and lower back pain, and in severe cases, spinal stenosis, causing symptoms like numbness and pain in the lower limbs. The severity of PLK varies, and treatments can range from conservative management and bone cement reinforcement to internal fixation or osteotomy. Current studies suggest that re-fracture of the affected vertebra, intervertebral disc degeneration, and osteonecrosis may be underlying mechanisms. These conditions shift the axial load forward, promoting postoperative PLK, which tends to progress over time. Postoperative PLK is closely associated with patient characteristics, fracture details, surgical factors, and post-surgery osteoporosis management. 1) The severity of osteoporosis, as indicated by the T-score from bone mineral density testing, can help predict postoperative PLK. While factors like age and gender influence osteoporosis severity, no direct relationship has been established between these factors and PLK. 2) Thoracolumbar fractures, old nonunion fractures, endplate fractures, or severe preoperative compression changes with kyphosis can increase PLK risk. Surgical factors, including the use of balloons or implants and the distribution of bone cement, also play a role. Personalized treatment plans should be developed based on the patient's general condition and imaging results to ensure adequate bone cement diffusion, as enhanced integration can reduce PLK risk. 3) Postoperative anti-osteoporosis therapy is also crucial; long-term therapy, particularly with teriparatide, can prevent PLK. Recognizing the related risk factors and establishing predictive models can help clinicians tailor treatments. Machine learning models, utilizing big data, are particularly adept at handling complex interrelated risk factors and may provide a powerful tool for personalized treatment in the future.

Objective:To investigate the effects of thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flaps combined with finger splitting and webplasty in sequential treatment of degloving destructive wound of total hand.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2012 to January 2023, a total of 15 cases who met the inclusion criteria with degloving destructive wound of total hand were admitted to Ningbo No.6 Hospital, including 10 males and 5 females, aged 17-75 years. The wounds were all combined with exposed bones or tendon. Emergency debridement and vacuum sealing drainage were performed in all cases before flap transplantation in stage Ⅰ. After thorough debridement, the wound area was 11.0 cm×3.0 cm-23.0 cm×13.5 cm. One or both anterolateral thigh perforator flaps with size of 12.5 cm×5.0 cm-25.0 cm×15.5 cm were designed, cut, and thinned to repair the skin and soft tissue defects of the hand. The donor site was sutured directly or repaired with medium-thickness skin graft from the opposite thigh. As needed, the flap was reconstructed by finger splitting and webplasty once or more times every 3 months after stage Ⅰoperation. The survival and complications of flap and wound healing at the donor site were observed after stage Ⅰoperation. The appearance of flap, two-point discrimination distance, and hand function were observed during the follow-up. At the final follow-up, the function of the affected hand was evaluated by the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:After the operation of stage Ⅰ, all the flaps of 15 cases of patients survived completely, including 1 case that had arterial crisis of flap but survived completely after exploration and re-anastomosis of blood vessels; all the wounds at the donor site healed. During the follow-up period of 6 to 18 months after stage Ⅰ, the flap was slightly swollen, with a little pigmentation, and the two-point discrimination distance in the finger flap was 8-11 mm. The fingers could complete the basic life actions such as flexion, extension, pinch, and grip. At the final follow-up, 3 cases were excellent, 9 cases were good, and 3 cases were acceptable in function evaluation of the affected hand.Conclusions:For degloving destructive wound of total hand, free transplantation of one or both thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flaps is used for repair in stage Ⅰ, and finger splitting and webplasty are used to reconstruct the flaps in the later stage, which can basically restore the pinch and grip function of the affected hand that is required for daily life, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To compare the clinical application value of medical glue and a new-type medical anchor positioning needle in thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules.Methods A total of 182 patients with pulmonary nodules,who received video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS)at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University of China between January 2020 and December 2022,were enrolled in this study.Preoperative CT-guided localization of the pulmonary nodule was performed in all patients,including medical glue positioning in 89 patients(medical glue group)and anchor needle positioning in 93 patients(anchor needle group).The incidences of pneumothorax and bleeding,the time spent for positioning,the interval between localization and operation,the time spent for operation,and the radiation dose during localization process were recorded and the data were statistically analyzed.Results The success rate of positioning was 100％(93/93)in the anchor needle group and 96.7％(86/89)in the medical glue group.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of bleeding was 31.2％(29/93)in the anchor needle group and 15.7％(14/89)in the medical glue group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of pneumothorax was 30.1％(28/93)in the anchor needle group and 20.2％(18/89)in the medical glue group,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).No statistically significant difference in the time spent for operation existed between the two groups(P>0.05).The time spent for positioning and the interval between localization and operation in the medical glue group were longer than those in the anchor needle group,and the radiation dose in the medical glue group was higher than that in the anchor needle group,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion For the preoperative localization of ground glass opacity(GGO)or solitary pulmonary nodule(SPN),both medical glue positioning method and anchor needle positioning method have high clinical application value.The clinical and interventional physicians should adopt appropriate positioning method according to the patient's condition.

Objective:To analyze the association between visceral fat area (VFA) and fatty liver based on quantitative CT (QCT) in people receiving health examination with normal body mass index (BMI).Methods:A cross-sectional study. A total of 1 305 physical examiners who underwent chest CT and QCT examination in the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January to December 2021 were retrospectively selected as subjects. The physical components at the central level of the lumbar two cone were measured with QCT, including subcutaneous fat area (SFA), VFA and liver fat content (LFC). And the metabolic indexes, such as blood lipids and blood glucose, were collected. The t-test and χ2 test were used to analyze the correlation between the detection rate of fatty live and LFCr and age and gender. According to level of VFA (<100 cm 2, 100-150 cm 2 and≥150 cm 2), the subjects were divided into three groups, and one-way ANOVA and χ2 test were used in comparison between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between VFA and metabolic indexes and LFC. Results:Of the 1 305 subjects, there were 634 males and 671 females. The detection rate of fatty liver in normal BMI population was 65.67%, and it was 72.71% and 59.02% respectively in men and women ( χ2=27.12, P<0.001), and the detection rate of fatty liver and LFC increased with age (both P<0.05). With the increase of VFA, the age, BMI, SFA, LFC, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood uric acid and prevalence of fatty liver increased (all P<0.05), and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased ( P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age factors, regardless of male or female, LFC was independently positively related with VFA, BMI, and ALT (male β=0.206, 0.145, 0.174, female β=0.194, 0.150, 0.184; all P<0.05). FBG was positively correlated with male independently ( β=0.134; P<0.001). The indicators related to female independently were TC, TG, and blood uric acid ( β=-0.121, 0.145, 0.141, all P<0.05) Conclusion:In the population receiving health examination with normal BMI, the VFA measured by QCT technique is closely related to fatty liver.