Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common macrovascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a simple, non-invasive method for detecting PAD; however, Doppler devices are not always available in primary care and resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ABI measurement using a stethoscope compared with the Doppler method among adults with T2DM. Methods: A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted among 200 adults with T2DM recruited through convenience sampling from a private outpatient clinic in Iloilo City. ABI measurements were obtained using both the stethoscope and Doppler methods. An ABI of ≤0.90 was considered indicative of PAD. Diagnostic accuracy measures, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), overall accuracy, and agreement, were calculated. Results: The prevalence of PAD was 30.5% using the stethoscope method and 35.0% using the Doppler method. Compared with Doppler ABI, the stethoscope method demonstrated an overall accuracy of 94.5%, sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 99.2%, PPV of 98.4%, and NPV of 92.8%. Agreement between the two methods was excellent (Cohen’s κ = 0.88, p < 0.001). Conclusion Stethoscope-based ABI determination demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and excellent agreement with Doppler ABI. Given its low cost, accessibility, and non-invasive nature, it may serve as a practical screening tool for PAD among adults with T2DM, particularly in primary care and resource-limited settings where Doppler devices are unavailable
Peripheral arterial disease ; Ankle-brachial index ; Stethoscope ; Doppler ultrasound ; Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. As the key pathological basis of CVD, arteriosclerosis holds great significance for early screening. However, existing clinical and homecare detection devices have many shortcomings; for instance, the commonly used non-invasive indicator PWV (pulse wave velocity) is easily interfered by blood pressure.This study developed a homecare arteriosclerosis monitoring system, which integrates the measurement functions of cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI). The hardware design of the system includes an integrated structure of flexible silver ion electrodes and clip-type cuffs, a contact heart sound sensor, and a stepped deflation blood pressure measurement module. Meanwhile, a high-precision analog-to-digital conversion module and the STM32F405 main control chip are used to realize the synchronous acquisition of multiple signals.In terms of software, the underlying driver program was designed through MDK (Keil5), and a user interface was built on the Visual Studio platform to achieve functions such as data acquisition, display, and storage. At the algorithm level, the system adopted algorithms like the Pan-Tompkins algorithm to identify key feature points of physiological signals, and then calculate CAVI and ABI.System test results show that the ECG input noise of the system is less than 20 μV, the common-mode rejection ratio is 95 dB, and the blood pressure measurement error does not exceed 2 mmHg, which meets the design goals. Clinical data analysis indicates that CAVI is highly positively correlated with pulse wave velocity (PWV) ( r=0.85, P<0.001), but CAVI is less affected by blood pressure fluctuations. In addition, with the increase of risk factors (such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, etc.) and age, arteriosclerosis indicators (CAVI, PWV, ABI) all show an upward trend.In conclusion, the homecare arteriosclerosis monitoring system proposed in this study not only overcomes the problems of traditional devices that rely on professional operation and are susceptible to blood pressure interference, but also provides a reliable tool for arteriosclerosis screening in home scenarios, and has important reference value for clinical diagnosis.
Humans ; Cardio Ankle Vascular Index ; Home Care Services ; Atherosclerosis/diagnosis* ; Ankle Brachial Index ; Algorithms ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Arteriosclerosis/diagnosis* ; Monitoring, Physiologic/instrumentation*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of thread-dragging therapy on gangrene of non-ischemic diabetic foot ulcers (NIDFU). METHODS: A total of 136 patients with NIDFU were recruited from the Department of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 21, 2021 and February 1, 2023, and randomized into an intervention group and a control group, with 68 cases in each group. Both groups received basic treatment. The intervention group was treated with thread-dragging therapy, while the control group was treated with debridement combined with routine dressing changes after surgery. Both groups were treated continuously for 2 months. The amputation rates and changes in the ulcer area were compared between the groups. The inflammatory response index including peripheral white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the ulcer areas in the intervention group were significantly smaller than that of the control group (8.50±3.88 cm² vs. 10.11±4.61 cm², P<0.05). The amputation rates of the two groups were not statistically significant (4.4% vs. 5.9%, P>0.05). Differences of WBCs count, CRP, and ESR before and after therapy in the intervention group were better than the control group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in changes of NEUT%, PCT, and IL-6 between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Thread-dragging therapy may be effective in the treatment of NIDFU, with the additional advantages of less tissue damage after healing. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100047496).
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Gangrene/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Amputation, Surgical ; Wound Healing ; Treatment Outcome ; Interleukin-6/blood*

OBJECTIVES: To observe the therapeutic effect of spermine in neonatal mouse models of severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection and explore its therapeutic mechanism in light of regulation of macrophage GBP5/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. METHODS: Neonatal BALB/c mice (3-5 days old) were divided into control group, EV71 infection group and Spermine treatment group. The mice in the latter two groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 50 μL EV71 suspension (1×10⁶ TCID50 of EV71), followed 3 days later by intraperitoneal injection of 50 μL PBS or 100 μmol/L spermine. GBP5, NLRP3, CXCL10, and TNFSF10 expressions in heart, liver, lung and kidney tissues of the mice were detected using Western blotting and qPCR, and tissue pathologies and macrophage infiltration were assessed with HE staining and immunohistochemistry. In cultured THP-1 and RAW264.7 cells, the effects of EV71 infection, GBP5 siRNA transfection and treatment with spermine or eflornithine on GBP5, NLRP3, CXCL10, and TNFSF10 mRNA expressions were investigated using qPCR. RESULTS: In the neonatal mice, EV71 infection resulted in multiple organ damage, macrophage infiltration and activation of the GBP5/NLRP3 pathway, and spermine treatment significantly improved tissue injuries, reduced macrophage infiltration, and down-regulated the expressions of GBP5, NLRP3 and the inflammatory factors in the infected mice. In THP-1 and RAW264.7 cells, EV71 infection caused significant upregulation of GBP5, NLRP3, CXCL10, and TNFSF10 expressions, which were obviously lowered by spermine treatment. In THP-1 cells, treatment with eflornithine significantly suppressed the reduction of GBP5, NLRP3, CXCL10, and TNFSF10 expressions induced by GBP5 siRNA transfection. CONCLUSIONS Spermine suppressed EV71 infection-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting GBP5-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting a new strategy for treatment of severe HFMD.
Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Mice ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Enterovirus A, Human ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Spermine/therapeutic use* ; Animals, Newborn ; Humans ; Enterovirus Infections ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/drug therapy* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Chemokine CXCL10/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer combined with single-bundle spring ligament reconstruction and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy in the treatment of stage ⅠAB progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). METHODS: Between January 2019 and September 2023, 19 patients (19 feet) with stage ⅠAB PCFD were treated with FDL transfer combined with single-bundle spring ligament reconstruction and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy. There were 11 males and 8 females, aged 18 to 60 years, with an average age of 45.5 years. Nine cases were on the left foot and 10 cases on the right foot. The disease duration was 9-21 months, with an average of 12.3 months. Postoperatively, the effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Tegner score. Based on X-ray films, the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), talus-first metatarsal angle (T1MT), Meary angle, and pitch angle were measured. The plantar pressure parameters of the foot were measured by the Footscan plantar pressure measurement system, including peak pressure and load of the forefoot, midfoot, and hind foot. The patients' satisfaction with the surgical outcome was evaluated. RESULTS: All 19 surgeries were successfully completed. One patient had poor incision healing after operation, while the incisions of the remaining patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 16.8 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score significantly decreased compared with that before operation, and the AOFAS score and Tegner score significantly increased ( P<0.05). Radiological measurements showed that the TNCA, T1MT, Meary angle, and Pitch angle all significantly improved compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Plantar pressure tests indicated that the peak pressures of the forefoot and midfoot significantly reduced compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while the peak pressure of the hind foot showed no significant change ( P>0.05). The forefoot load significantly increased and the midfoot load decreased compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while the hind foot load showed no significant change ( P>0.05). The total satisfaction rate of patients with the surgical outcome (very satisfied+satisfied) reached 84.2% (16/19). CONCLUSION The FDL transfer combined with single-bundle spring ligament reconstruction and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy can effectively correct the stage ⅠAB PCFD, improve the abnormal distribution of plantar pressure and load, alleviate foot pain symptoms, and improve foot movement function. The patient's satisfaction is high. However, the long-term effectiveness still needs to be further observed and clarified.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Calcaneus/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Foot Deformities/surgery* ; Ligaments, Articular/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture and division of the common plantar digital nerve branches in the treatment of congenital macrodactyly in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 9 children with congenital macrodactyly who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2018 and December 2024. The cohort included 4 boys and 5 girls, aged 1-6 years (median, 3 years). Syndactyly of the second and third toes was present in 2 patients. Hypertrophy distribution was as follows: 1 case of single-ray involvement, 4 of double-ray, 1 of triple-ray, 1 of quadruple-ray, and 2 of quintuple-ray. Preoperatively, 7 cases exhibited limitations in both active and passive flexion and extension of the affected toes; in 2 cases, active movement was restricted while passive motion remained intact. All 9 children were unable to wear standard-sized footwear for the unaffected foot. Six presented with a limp, and 3 had difficulty walking. All 9 cases were moderate to severe progressive macrodactyly, and the growth rate of the affected foot was significantly faster than that of the healthy side. Six cases had undergone prior surgical interventions at other institutions, but disease progression continued postoperatively. All 9 patients underwent tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture and selective division of the common plantar digital nerve branches. At last follow-up, the foot growth rate was calculated (compared with that immediately after operation), and the changes of plantar pain sensation in the affected foot were detected before operation, immediately after operation, and at last follow-up, and the surgical efficacy was evaluated based on improvements in shoe fit and gait function. RESULTS: All 9 children were followed up 6-36 months, with an average of 18 months. All the incisions healed by first intention, and no infection or plantar ulceration occurred. At last follow-up, the growth rate of the affected foot was 0.10 (0.04, 0.14) cm/month, which was significantly slower than that of the healthy foot [0.14 (0.08, 0.18) cm/month] ( Z=3.951, P<0.001). Preoperatively, plantar pain sensation was absent in all cases; it was restored immediately after operation. At last follow-up, 6 patients had absent pain sensation, 2 had partial preservation (involving certain toes and central plantar regions), and 1 patient (with 3-year follow-up) exhibited regained sensation in multiple plantar areas. Gait improved in most cases, in which 8 children achieved normal ambulation, while 1 continued to limp due to leg-length discrepancy. Surgical efficacy were rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7, and fair in 1. CONCLUSION Tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture combined with selective division of the common plantar digital nerve branches effectively reduces the growth rate of congenital macrodactyly in children, has minimal impact on plantar sensory function, and does not result in plantar ulcers or impaired ambulation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant ; Tibial Nerve/surgery* ; Toes/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Fingers/surgery* ; Foot/innervation* ; Limb Deformities, Congenital

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of primary interventional revascularization combined with secondary perforator composite flap in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) accompanied by soft tissue defects around the ankle. METHODS: Between January 2022 and January 2025, 12 patients with PAD and soft tissue defects around the ankle were admitted. Among them, there were 9 males and 3 females; their ages ranged from 52 to 82 years, with an average of 68.9 years. The causes of injury included 4 cases of traffic accident, 5 cases of falls, 1 case of falling from height, 1 case of foreign body puncture injury, and 1 case of electric shock injury. The infection duration ranged from 1 month to 35 years, with a median duration of 3.5 months. The wound size ranged from 5.5 cm×3.0 cm to 15.0 cm×9.0 cm. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 0.32±0.12. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain was 3.3±0.5. Preoperative vascular stenosis assessment was performed in all patients, with primary intervention to dredge large and medium-sized arteries, followed by secondary repair of the wound using a perforator composite flap. The flap size ranged from 6.5 cm×4.0 cm to 16.0 cm×10.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or repaired with skin grafts. After two stages of treatment, the effectiveness was evaluated by measuring ABI, observing flap survival and wound healing, assessing VAS scores, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. RESULTS: All 12 cases completed two stages of treatment; all patients were followed up after the second-stage treatment, with a follow-up period ranging from 7 to 28 months, with an average of 16.8 months. After the first-stage treatment, the skin temperature around the ankle was significantly higher than that before treatment, and the ABI increased to 0.71±0.07, with a significant difference ( t=9.918, P<0.001). After the second-stage treatment, the blisters on the distal end of the skin flap occurred in 3 cases. The flaps survived and the wounds healed, with a healing time ranging from 10 to 14 days (mean, 11.8 days). The incisions at the donor site healed by first intention, and the skin grafts survived. The VAS score was 0.5±0.5 at 3 weeks, which was significantly lower than that before treatment ( t=13.675, P<0.001). No infection recurrence occurred during follow-up. At 6 months after the second-stage treatment, the AOFAS score of the ankle joint ranged from 92 to 97, with an average of 94.7, all reaching excellent. CONCLUSION Interventional revascularization combined with perforator composite flap for staged treatment of PAD with ankle soft tissue defects can obtain good effectiveness, by unclogging the main blood vessels, improving lower limb blood supply, and improving the survival rate of the skin flap.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Ankle/blood supply* ; Treatment Outcome ; Ankle Brachial Index ; Skin Transplantation/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress on augmentation repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) under arthroscopy. METHODS: The domestic and international studies from the past decade on augmentation repair techniques for the ATFL. The advantages and limitations of each approach were summarized and the outcomes of these augmentation repair techniques when applied to ATFL repair were evaluated. RESULTS: Mechanical augmentation technique (suture tape or internal brace technique, double anchor enhancement technique) can increase the strength after ATFL repair, but it will increase the economic burden of the patients; bioenhanced repair technology (inferior extensor retinaculum enhancement, anterior tibiofibular ligament's distal fascicle transfer augmentation) can also increase the strength after ATFL repair, but it will damage the anatomical structure in the ankle cavity to a certain extent, and the surgery is difficult, and the operation time will prolong and also increase the incidence of perioperative complications. Regardless of the augmentation repair techniques used, the benefits are higher for patients with high exercise needs, and active postoperative rehabilitation is required to maximize the surgical effect. CONCLUSION Although augmentation repair of ATFL offers several advantages, its use-whether augmentation should be employed and, if so, which technique is preferable-requires further study across patient subgroups owing to increased costs, potential disruption of ankle anatomy, and longer operation time.
Humans ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/injuries* ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Suture Techniques ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Suture Anchors

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical effect of Ludloff operation on the clinical efficacy of patients with hallux valgus combined with hammertoe of the second toe. METHODS: The clinical data of 66 patients with hallux valgus treated with Ludloff surgery from July 2015 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to exclusion criteria, 33 patients with hallux valgus combined with hammertoe were finally included as case group, and 33 patients with simple hallux valgus were paired as control group. There were 11 males and 22 females in case group, aged from 24 to 62 years old with an average of (33.6±12.7) years old;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 19 to 25 kg·m^-2 with an average of(21.7±3.1) kg·m^-2;17 patients on the left side and 16 patients on the right side;hallux valgus angle (HVA) ranged from 25° to 47° with an average of (36.3±10.2) °;the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) ranged from 13° to 21° with an average of (16.9±3.2) °. There were 12 males and 21 females in control group, aged from 22 to 61 years old with an average of (32.2±10.9) years old;BMI ranged from 18 to 26 kg·m^-2 with an average of (22.0±4.2) kg·m^-2;15 patients on the left side and 18 patients on the right side;HVA ranged from 26° to 46° with an average of (37.2±9.3) °;IMA ranged from 12° to 21° with an average of (17.3±4.7) °. HVA, IMA, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation between two groups. RESULTS: Both groups were completed 1 year postoperative follow-up. Postoperative cutaneous margin necrosis occurred in 2 patients of case group and incision rupture occurred in 1 patient of control group. There was no significant difference between two groups (χ²=0.058, P>0.05). Both groups were achieved bone union at stageⅠat 12 weeks after opertaion, and no recurrence of bunion was observed during follow-up. Three months after operation, AOFAS forefoot function score of case group was (73.4±8.6), which was lower than that of control group (82.1±10.3), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in HVA, IMA, AOFAS and VAS between two groups at 6 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Ludloff surgery for the treatment of bunions with malleform toe of the second toe is slow in the early postoperative functional recovery, but it did not affect the long-term clinical outcome of the patients.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Hammer Toe Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy of intermetatarsal incision and lateral soft tissue release of medial incision combined with Scarf osteotomy in treating moderate to severe hallux valgus (HV). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 42 patients with moderate to severe HV admitted from January 2022 to December 2022. According to different incisions, the patients were divided into medial incision group with 22 patients (22 feet) and intermetatarsal incision group with 20 patients (20 feet). In medial incision group, there were 3 males and 19 females, aged from 40 to 69 years old with an average of (55.0±11.4) years old;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 21 to 29 kg·m-2 with an average of (25.2±2.1) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 8 to 16 years with average of (12.0±2.2) years;11 patients with moderate deformity and 11 patients with severe deformity. In transplantar incision group, there were 3 males and 17 females, aged from 39 to 68 years old with an average of (53.0±7.5) years old;BMI ranged from 20 to 28 kg·m^-2 with an average of (24.8±1.9) kg·m^-2;the courses of disease ranged from 9 to 17 years with an average of (14.0±3.1) years;9 patients with moderate deformity and 11 patients with severe deformity. Hallux valgus angle (HVA) and the first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores and complications between two groups before operation and 12 months after operation were observed and compared. RESULTS: All patients were successfully completed the surgery and were followed up for 12 to 15 months with an average of (13.52±1.65) months. There were no statistically significant difference in HVA and IMA between two groups before operation and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). AOFAS forefoot scores of medial incision group before operation and 12 months after operation were (45.0±6.8) and (86.0±6.7) respectively, and those of transmetatarsal incision group were (46.0±7.4) and (83.0±7.5) respectively. Postoperative AOFAS forefoot scores between two groups at 12 months were statistically significant compared with those of before operation (P<0.01). According to AOFAS forefoot scores, 8 patients got excellent result, 14 good in medial incision group;while 6 excellent and 14 good in transplantar incision group. At 12 months, postoperative AOFAS forefoot score of functional score of in medial incision group(38.0±2.5), was better than that in transplantar incision group (34.0±2.2), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). One patient in medial incision group occurred HV deformity, mild numbness occurred in 3 toes in transplantar incision group, and 3 patients were dissatisfied with scar. No complications such as infection, nonunion of bones or ischemic necrosis of metatarsal heads occurred in either group. CONCLUSION Both intermetatarsal incision and lateral soft tissue release of medial incision combined with Scarf osteotomy can effectively treat moderate to severe HV. The functional recovery after medial incision is better than that after intermetatarsal incision.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Hallux Valgus/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Adult ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Metatarsal Bones/surgery*