OBJECTIVE: To explore the construction of a canine model of vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) and preliminarily evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Sixteen female Beagle dogs aged 8-12 months were randomly selected, with 8 dogs serving as donors for the harvesting of spinal cord tissue with a vascular pedicle [dorsal intercostal artery (DIA) at the T₁₀ level and accompanying vein]. The remaining 8 dogs underwent a 1.5-cm-length spinal cord defect at the T₁₀ level, followed by transplantation of the donor spinal cord tissue for repair. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied to both ends to spinal cord graft; then, using a random number table method, the dogs were divided into an experimental group (n=4) and a control group (n=4). The experimental group received immunosuppressive intervention with oral tacrolimus [0.1 mg/(kg∙d)] postoperatively, while the control group received no treatment. The operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time of two groups were recorded. The recovery of hind limb function was estimated by Olby score within 2 months after operation; the motor evoked potentials (MEP) was measured through neuroelectrophysiological examination, and the spinal cord integrity was observed through MRI. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). All dogs survived until the completion of the experiment. Within 2 months after operation, all dogs in the control group failed to regain the movement function of hind limbs, and Olby scores were all 0. In the experimental group, the movement and weight-bearing, as well as walking abilities of the hind limbs gradually recovered, and the Olby scores also showed a gradually increasing trend. There was a significant difference between the two groups from 3 to 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Neuroelectrophysiological examination indicated that the electrical signals of the experimental group passed through the transplanted area, and the latency was shortened compared to that at 1 month after operation (P<0.05), showing continuous improvement, but the amplitude did not show significant improvement (P>0.05). The control group was unable to detect any MEP changes after operation. MRI examination showed that the transplanted spinal cord in the experimental group survived and had good continuity with normal spinal cord tissue, while no relevant change was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION The vASCT model of dogs was successfully constructed. This surgical procedure can restore the continuity of the spinal cord. The combination of tacrolimus anti-immunity is a key factor for the success of transplantation.
Animals ; Dogs ; Female ; Spinal Cord/blood supply* ; Spinal Cord Injuries/surgery* ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Disease Models, Animal ; Recovery of Function ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Tacrolimus ; Immunosuppressive Agents

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of static progressive stretch (SPS) with different parameters in the treatment of stiff knee in rats.Methods:Fifty-six male 8-week SD rats were randomly divided into an operation group ( n=48) and a blank group ( n=8, normal feeding rats without any treatment). The knee joints of the rats in the operation group were fixed with Kirschner wire for 4 weeks to create models of right knee flexion stiffness. The 42 rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into 6 groups ( n=7): the model group was executed and sampled after successful modeling, the spontaneous recovery group was not given any treatment after successful modeling, group T1 was given SPS treatment for 20 min once per day, group T2 was given SPS treatment for 30 min once per day, group T3 was given SPS treatment for 20 min once every 2 days, and group T4 was given SPS treatment for 30 min once every 2 days. After 16 days, the range of knee motion, number of myofibroblasts, and positive proportion of transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF- β1) in the joint capsule were detected and compared between groups. Results:The ranges of knee motion in the spontaneous recovery group and the 4 SPS treatment groups were significantly greater than those before treatment ( P<0.05), and the improvements in the range of knee motion in the 4 SPS treatment groups were significantly greater than that in the spontaneous recovery group ( P<0.05). The range of knee motion in group T2 (112.29°±1.89°) was improved the most significantly. The number of myofibroblasts was (23.72±10.75)/HP, which was significantly smaller than that in T3 group [(55.72±33.56)/HP] or in T4 group [(50.72±33.34)/HP] ( P<0.05). The positive proportions of TGF- β1 in the joint capsule in the 4 SPS treatment groups were significantly lower than that in the model group, and the positive proportion of TGF- β1 in the joint capsule in group T2 (0.51%±0.38%) was significantly lower than those in group T3 and T4 ( P<0.05). Conclusions:As SPS treatment can reduce the expression of TGF- β1 in the joint and inhibit the excessive proliferation of myofibroblasts to alleviate the pathological changes in a stiff knee, it has a significant effect on the stiff knee in rats. The SPS treatment for 30 minutes and once per day may lead to the best efficacy.

Traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (TSOFS) is a symptom complex caused by nerve entrapment in the supraorbital fissure after skull base trauma. If the compressed cranial nerve in the supraorbital fissure is not decompressed surgically, ptosis, diplopia and eye movement disorder may exist for a long time and seriously affect the patients′ quality of life. Since its overall incidence is not high, it is not familiarized with the majority of neurosurgeons and some TSOFS may be complicated with skull base vascular injury. If the supraorbital fissure surgery is performed without treatment of vascular injury, it may cause massive hemorrhage, and disability and even life-threatening in severe cases. At present, there is no consensus or guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS that can be referred to both domestically and internationally. To improve the understanding of TSOFS among clinical physicians and establish standardized diagnosis and treatment plans, the Skull Base Trauma Group of the Neurorepair Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Traumatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome ( version 2024) based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment. This consensus puts forward 12 recommendations on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, efficacy evaluation and follow-up of TSOFS, aiming to provide references for neurosurgeons from hospitals of all levels to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS.

Objective:To explore the application effect of breakthrough series (BTS) quality improvement model in the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection in hospitalized patients with indwelling non-cuffed catheter (NCC).Methods:Using a non synchronous pre and post control study method, convenience sampling was used to select NCC patients from four hospitals in Tianjin from January to September 2022 who received conventional nursing plans as the control group, and NCC patients from February to October 2023 who received nursing plans based on the BTS quality improvement model as the observation group. Compared the incidence of NCC related bloodstream infections between two groups of patients, the implementation of key preventive measures for NCC related bloodstream infections by nursing staff, and patient satisfaction.Results:Among the 984 patients included in the control group, there were 687 males and 297 females, aged (62.43 ± 13.77) years old; among the 959 patients included in the observation group, there were 651 males and 308 females, aged (61.96 ± 13.89) years old. After applying the improved model, the incidence of NCC related bloodstream infections in the observation group was 0.12‰ (1/8 676), lower than the control group′s 0.71‰ (7/9 827), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=4.37, P<0.05) ;the implementation rate of key measures for preventing NCC related bloodstream infections in the observation group was 90.00% (54/60) for catheter outlet care and 91.67% (55/60) for maximizing sterile barrier, both higher than 70.37% (38/54) and 75.93% (41/54) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=7.03, 5.30, both P<0.05); the total satisfaction rate of patients in the observation group was 92.91% (891/959), which was higher than 58.64% (577/984) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=15.28, P<0.05). Conclusions:The implementation of BTS quality improvement model is helpful to improve the nursing quality of patients with indwelling NCC dialysis and improve the patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to understand the willingness and barriers to the acceptance of tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment (TPT) among people with latent TB infection (LTBI) in China. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18, 2023 to December 31, 2023 across 10 counties in China. According to a national technical guide, we included healthcare workers, students, teachers, and others occupations aged 15-65 years as our research participants. RESULTS: Overall, 17.0% (183/1,077) of participants accepted TPT. There were statistically significant differences in the acceptance rate of TPT among different sexes, ages, educational levels, and occupations ( P < 0.05). The main barriers to TPT acceptance were misconceptions that it had uncertain effects on prevention (57.8%, 517/894), and concerns about side effects (32.7%, 292/894). CONCLUSION An enhanced and comprehensive understanding of LTBI and TPT among people with LTBI is vital to further expand TPT in China. Moreover, targeted policies need to be developed to address barriers faced by different groups of people.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Aged ; Latent Tuberculosis/prevention & control* ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; Tuberculosis/prevention & control* ; Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use* ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a patient with Dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: A patient admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in April 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data and family history of the patient was collected. Targeted exome sequencing was carried out. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis based on guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). RESULTS: DNA sequencing revealed that the patient has harbored a heterozygous c.5044dupG frameshift variant of the FLNC gene. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4). CONCLUSION The heterozygous c.5044dupG variant of the FLNC gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in this patient, which has provided a basis for the genetic counseling for his family.
Humans ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics* ; Genetic Testing ; Genetic Counseling ; Computational Biology ; Frameshift Mutation ; Mutation ; Filamins

Objective To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in some regions of China. Methods Serum samples were collected from 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection in 10 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions of China from March 2021 to June 2022, and anti-HDV IgG ELISA was used for the detection of all serum samples. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) was used to detect HDV RNA in anti-HDV IgG-positive samples, and the nRT-PCR amplification products of HDV RNA-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed to determine HDV genotype. The clinical features of anti-HDV IgG-positive patients were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Results The positive rate of anti-HDV IgG in the 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection was 0.70% (22/3 131), and that in the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Beijing, and Hunan Province was 1.81% (16/886), 0.88% (2/226), 0.28% (2/708), and 1.00% (2/200), respectively; the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had a significantly higher positive rate of anti-HDV IgG than those in Beijing ( P =0.004), and there was no significant difference between the other regions ( P > 0.05). Clinical features of the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region showed that compared with the anti-HDV IgG-negative group, the anti-HDV IgG-positive group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with Mongol nationality ( P =0.001), abnormal alanine aminotransferase ( P =0.007), or antiviral treatment ( P =0.029), as well as a significantly lower median HBV DNA level ( P =0.030). A total of 19 HDV RNA-positive samples were identified, all of which had HDV genotype 1. Conclusion The prevalence rate of HDV varies greatly across different regions of China, with a higher prevalence rate of HDV in patients with chronic HBV infection from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. HDV genotype 1 is the predominant genotype in some provinces and cities of northern China.

Objective:To investigate the effect of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) combined with lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA) in the treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.Methods:The data of patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery who were treated in the Department of Reconstructive and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment methods, the patients were divided into LVA group and VLNT combined LVA group. Indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared lymphography was performed on all affected limbs before surgery. In the LVA group, according to the results of ICG lymphography, 4 to 5 levels of the affected limb were selected, Z shaped incisions were made and dissescted until the subcutaneous fat layer. End-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis was performed between lymphatic vessels and subcutaneous venules under the microscope. In the VLNT combined LVA group, the branches of brachial artery and vein in the axillary region were marked. The inguinal flap with the superficial iliac circumflex vessel pedicle and 4-5 lymph nodes was dissected. End-to-end anastomoses of the superficial iliac circumflex vessel pedicle with the branches of brachial artery and vein were performed in the axillary region of the affected limb. LVA was performed according to ICG lymphography, the same as in the LVA group. The skin and soft tissue condition of the affected limb and the blood supply of the flap in the VLNT combined LVA group were observed after operation. The circumference of the upper arm (from the wrist to 32 cm above the wrist, every 4 cm, a total of 9 levels of circumference) and upper limb volume were measured before and after operation. SPSS 24.0 was used for data processing and analysis. Measurement data were expressed Mean±SD. The data before and after operation in the same group were compared by paired samples t test, and the comparison between the two groups was conducted by independent samples t test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 14 female patients were enrolled, with 7 patients in each group. All cases were unilateral lymphedema. There were no significant differences in age, stage of disease, limb circumference and limb volume between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). After operation, the skin and soft tissue condition of the affected limbs were good, and no complications such as erysipelas, cellulitis, or lymphangitis occurred. All flaps in the VLNT combined LVA group survived successfully, and the operation wounds healed well. There were no complications such as infection and necrosis of the flaps. One year after operation, the circumference and volume of the affected limb in the two groups were improved to varying degrees, and the circumference of the affected limb (wrist, upper wrist 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 cm levels) in the VLNT combined LVA group was significantly smaller than that before operation ( P<0.01). In the LVA group, the circumference of the affected limb (wrist, upper wrist 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 cm levels) after operation was significantly smaller than that before operation ( P<0.05). The limb volumes of both groups were significantly reduced ( P<0.05). The comparison between the two groups showed that the reduction degree of postoperative affected limb cricumference (at the levels of 24, 28 and 32 cm above the wrist) and volume in the VLNT combined LVA group were more significant than those in the LVA group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with LVA alone, VLNT combined with LVA is more effective in the treatment of patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

Objective:To investigate the effect of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) combined with lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA) in the treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.Methods:The data of patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery who were treated in the Department of Reconstructive and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment methods, the patients were divided into LVA group and VLNT combined LVA group. Indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared lymphography was performed on all affected limbs before surgery. In the LVA group, according to the results of ICG lymphography, 4 to 5 levels of the affected limb were selected, Z shaped incisions were made and dissescted until the subcutaneous fat layer. End-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis was performed between lymphatic vessels and subcutaneous venules under the microscope. In the VLNT combined LVA group, the branches of brachial artery and vein in the axillary region were marked. The inguinal flap with the superficial iliac circumflex vessel pedicle and 4-5 lymph nodes was dissected. End-to-end anastomoses of the superficial iliac circumflex vessel pedicle with the branches of brachial artery and vein were performed in the axillary region of the affected limb. LVA was performed according to ICG lymphography, the same as in the LVA group. The skin and soft tissue condition of the affected limb and the blood supply of the flap in the VLNT combined LVA group were observed after operation. The circumference of the upper arm (from the wrist to 32 cm above the wrist, every 4 cm, a total of 9 levels of circumference) and upper limb volume were measured before and after operation. SPSS 24.0 was used for data processing and analysis. Measurement data were expressed Mean±SD. The data before and after operation in the same group were compared by paired samples t test, and the comparison between the two groups was conducted by independent samples t test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 14 female patients were enrolled, with 7 patients in each group. All cases were unilateral lymphedema. There were no significant differences in age, stage of disease, limb circumference and limb volume between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). After operation, the skin and soft tissue condition of the affected limbs were good, and no complications such as erysipelas, cellulitis, or lymphangitis occurred. All flaps in the VLNT combined LVA group survived successfully, and the operation wounds healed well. There were no complications such as infection and necrosis of the flaps. One year after operation, the circumference and volume of the affected limb in the two groups were improved to varying degrees, and the circumference of the affected limb (wrist, upper wrist 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 cm levels) in the VLNT combined LVA group was significantly smaller than that before operation ( P<0.01). In the LVA group, the circumference of the affected limb (wrist, upper wrist 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 cm levels) after operation was significantly smaller than that before operation ( P<0.05). The limb volumes of both groups were significantly reduced ( P<0.05). The comparison between the two groups showed that the reduction degree of postoperative affected limb cricumference (at the levels of 24, 28 and 32 cm above the wrist) and volume in the VLNT combined LVA group were more significant than those in the LVA group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with LVA alone, VLNT combined with LVA is more effective in the treatment of patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between clinical phenotypes and pathogenic variants in two patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Both patients were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES) with a focus on the analysis of genes associated with dyslipidemia. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of the patients and their family members. RESULTS: WES revealed that the proband 1 has harbored two heterozygous variants of the LDLR gene, namely c.1360G>A (p.D454N) and c.292G>A (p.G98S), whilst proband 2 has harbored a heterozygous c.321T>G (p.C107W) variant of the LDLR gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetic and Genomics (ACMG), the above variants were respectively predicted to be likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2+PP2+PP3+PP4+PP5), variant of unknown significance (PM1+PP2+PP3), and likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2+PP2+PP4+PP5). Treatment with PCSK9 inhibitor has attained a significant effect in proband 1 but no apparent effect in proband 2. CONCLUSION Variants of the LDLR gene probably underlay the familial hypercholesterolemia in the two pedigrees. The difference in the severity of the clinical phenotypes and response to PCSK9 inhibitor treatment between the two probands may be attributed to the different genotypes of the LDLR gene. Genetic testing not only can provide a basis for clinical diagnosis, but also facilitate the choice of lipid-lowering drugs.
Humans ; China ; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/genetics* ; Phenotype ; Receptors, LDL/genetics*