Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the research progress on repairing segmental bone defects using three-dimensional (3D)-printed bone scaffolds combined with vascularized tissue flaps in recent years. METHODS: Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the application of 3D printing technology in artificial bone scaffolds made from different biomaterials, as well as methods for repairing segmental bone defects by combining these scaffolds with various vascularized tissue flaps. RESULTS: The combination of 3D-printed artificial bone scaffolds with different vascularized tissue flaps has provided new strategies for repairing segmental bone defects. 3D-printed artificial bone scaffolds include 3D-printed polymer scaffolds, bio-ceramic scaffolds, and metal scaffolds. When these scaffolds of different materials are combined with vascularized tissue flaps ( e.g., omental flaps, fascial flaps, periosteal flaps, muscular flaps, and bone flaps), they provide blood supply to the inorganic artificial bone scaffolds. After implantation into the defect site, the scaffolds not only achieve structural filling and mechanical support for the bone defect area, but also promote osteogenesis and vascular regeneration. Additionally, the mechanical properties, porous structure, and biocompatibility of the 3D-printed scaffold materials are key factors influencing their osteogenic efficiency. Furthermore, loading the scaffolds with active components such as osteogenic cells and growth factors can synergistically enhance bone defect healing and vascularization processes. CONCLUSION The repair of segmental bone defects using 3D-printed artificial bone scaffolds combined with vascularized tissue flap transplantation integrates material science technologies with surgical therapeutic approaches, which will significantly improve the clinical treatment outcomes of segmental bone defect repair.
Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Humans ; Surgical Flaps/blood supply* ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Bone and Bones/surgery* ; Biocompatible Materials ; Bone Regeneration ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Bone Substitutes ; Osteogenesis

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the biomechanical research progress on different fixation methods in medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and provide references for selecting appropriate fixation methods in clinical applications of MOWHTO for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Recent domestic and international literature on the biomechanical studies of MOWHTO fixation methods was reviewed to analyze the characteristics and biomechanical performance of various fixation techniques. RESULTS: The medial-specific osteotomy plate system has become the mainstream due to its high stiffness and stability, but issues such as soft tissue irritation and stress shielding remain. The use of filler blocks significantly enhances fixation stability and promotes bone healing when the osteotomy gap is large, reducing axial displacement by 73%-76% and decreasing plate stress by 90%. Auxiliary screws improve axial and torsional stability, particularly in cases with large correction angles, effectively preventing lateral hinge fractures. Alternative fixation methods like external fixators hold unique clinical value by minimizing soft tissue irritation and allowing postoperative adjustment. CONCLUSION There is currently no unified standard for selecting MOWHTO fixation methods. Clinical decisions should comprehensively consider factors such as bone quality, correction angle, and postoperative rehabilitation needs.
Humans ; Osteotomy/instrumentation* ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Tibia/surgery* ; Bone Plates ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery* ; Bone Screws ; External Fixators ; Knee Joint/surgery*

In most types of erectile dysfunction, particularly in advanced stages, typical pathological features observed are reduced parenchymal cells coupled with increased tissue fibrosis. However, the current treatment methods have shown limited success in reversing these pathologic changes. Recent research has revealed that changes in autophagy levels, along with alterations in apoptosis and fibrosis-related proteins, are linked to the progression of erectile dysfunction, suggesting a significant association. Autophagy, known to significantly affect cell fate and tissue fibrosis, is currently being explored as a potential treatment modality for erectile dysfunction. However, these present studies are still in their nascent stage, and there are limited experimental data available. This review analyzes erectile dysfunction from a pathological perspective. It provides an in-depth overview of how autophagy is involved in the apoptotic processes of smooth muscle and endothelial cells and its role in the fibrotic processes occurring in the cavernosum. This study aimed to develop a theoretical framework for the potential effectiveness of autophagy in preventing and treating erectile dysfunction, thus encouraging further investigation among researchers in this area.
Male ; Humans ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Apoptosis/physiology* ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Fibrosis ; Penis/pathology* ; Animals ; Endothelial Cells/pathology* ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology*

Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects* ; Consensus ; Risk Factors ; Stomatitis/etiology*

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides （DOP） in reversing carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）-induced hepatic fibrosis （HF） in rats via the Notch signaling pathway and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DOP by ultrasound elastography. MethodFifty-six male SD rats were randomized into normal， model， colchicine （1×10^-4 g·kg^-1）， Fuzheng Huayu powder （0.45 g·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （0.05， 0.1， 0.2 g·kg^-1） DOP groups （n=8）. The rats in the model group and each treatment group were injected subcutaneously with a mixture of CCl₄-olive oil （2∶3） once every 3 days for 10 weeks. After 6 weeks of modelling， the rats were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 4 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were employed to observe the pathomorphological changes of the liver tissue. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， and total bile acids （TBA）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the serum levels of hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， type Ⅲ precollagen （PC-Ⅲ）， and type Ⅳ collagen （Col-Ⅳ）. The mRNA and protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， Notch1， Jagged1， and Hes1 in the liver tissue were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. The Young's modulus （YM） of the rat liver was measured by acoustic radiation force impulse （ARFI） elastography before and after treatment. Then， the correlations of YM with the serum levels of HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and Col-Ⅳ and the protein levels of α-SMA and Notch1 signaling pathway-related factors in the liver tissue were analyzed. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed disordered arrangement of liver cell cords， obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells， appearance of a large number of fat vacuoles， and fibrous proliferation， elevated levels of ALT， AST， TBA， ALP， HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and Col-Ⅳ in the serum， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA， Notch1， Jagged1， and Hes1 in the liver tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， drug interventions alleviated the pseudolobule formation and the collagen deposition in confluent areas. Except that the serum level of ALT in the low-dose DOP group had no significant changes， drug interventions， especially high-dose DOP， lowered the levels of ALT， AST， TBA， ALP， HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and Col-Ⅳ in the serum and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA， Notch1， Jagged1， and Hes1 in the liver tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The results of ARFI and correlation analysis showed that the YM of the liver tissue was increased in the model group （P<0.01） compared with that in the normal group， Compared with the model group， drug interventions decreased YM （P<0.01）. YM was positively correlated with the expression levels of HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， α-SMA， Notch1， Jagged1， and Hes1s （r=0.754， 0.734， 0.801， 0.885， 0.896， 0.757， and 0.800， respectively， P<0.01）， and it had a moderate correlation with Col-Ⅳ （r=0.688， P<0.01）. ConclusionDOP can reverse HF by down-regulating the Notch1/Jagged1/Hes1 signaling pathway. YM can be used as an indicator in the assessment of the efficacy of DOP against HF.