OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods, fixation points, and effectiveness of staged therapy using external fixation frame in treatment of infectious nonunion near knee joint. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 60 patients with infectious nonunion near knee joint, who underwent staged therapy using external fixation frame between June 2021 and June 2024 and were followed up. There were 48 males and 12 females with an average age of 47.9 years (range, 16-70 years). The disease duration ranged from 9 months to 20 years, with a median of 14 months. Among them, 21 cases of infectious nonunion located in the distal femur, 36 cases in the proximal tibia, and 3 cases in the patella; 12 cases exhibited segmental bone defects (≥4 cm), while 48 cases presented with localized bone defects (<4 cm). Osteomyelitis was classified using the Cierny-Mader system, with 3 cases classified as type Ⅰ, 6 cases as type Ⅱ, 35 cases as type Ⅲ, and 16 cases as type Ⅳ. Preoperative C-reactive protein levels ranged from 15.1 to 55.8 mg/L (mean, 36.4 mg/L). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 35-80 mm/1 h (mean, 56.9 mm/1 h). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score for knee joint was 69.3±17.7 and the range of motion was (70.61±40.60)°. After debridement and placement of antibiotic carriers at the first-stage operation, unilateral orbital frames ( n=14), combined frames ( n=27), or Ilizarov frames ( n=19) were used for cross joint fixation ( n=9) or joint preservation fixation ( n=51). After 6-8 weeks of infection control, the bone grafting or bone transport was performed at the second-stage operation based on the type of bone defect, with internal fixation employed as an adjunct if necessary. After operation, the infection control and fracture healing were observed and the bone healing time was recorded. The knee joint function was assessed using the HSS score, and the knee joint range of motion was measured as well as the angle of motion loss. Patients were grouped according to the site of nonunion, type of external fixation frame, and fixation method. The bone healing time, change value of HSS score, and knee joint range of motion loss (difference between pre- and post-operation) were compared between groups. RESULTS: All infection markers returned to the normal range within 6 weeks after the first-stage operation. All patients were followed up 12-48 months (mean, 22.0 months) after the second-stage operation. There were 5 cases of needle tract infection during the external fixation period, and 3 cases of infection recurrence after the second-stage operation, all of which were cured after symptomatic treatment. The bone healing time was 6-18 months (mean, 11.0 months). At last follow-up, the HSS score was 88.5±7.9 and the range of motion was (61.84±40.59)°, with significant differences compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05); the knee joint range of motion loss was (8.77±11.07)°. The bone healing time was significantly longer in the distal femur group than in the proximal tibia group ( P<0.05), and in the unilateral orbital frames group than in the Ilizarov frames group and the combined frames group ( P<0.05). The angle of motion loss was significantly larger in the Ilizarov frames group than in the unilateral orbital frames group and the combined frames group ( P<0.05). The change value of HSS score was significantly higher in the cross joint fixation group than in the joint preservation fixation group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION During the first-stage operation, debridement is performed and antibiotic carriers are placed to control infection. External fixation frames are then precisely positioned based on the distance between the lesion and the joint surface, avoiding the infected wound while ensuring mechanical balance. During the second-stage operation, bone grafting options are selected according to the extent of bone defects to enhance the bone union. Postoperative early functional exercises of the knee joint are permitted to improve joint function.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Fractures, Ununited/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; External Fixators ; Aged ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteomyelitis/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation/instrumentation* ; Bone Transplantation ; Tibial Fractures/surgery*

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*

Glioma is difficult to treat due to the unique tumor microenvironment and blood-brain barrier. (13aS)-3-Hydroxyl-6,7-dimethoxyphenanthro[9,10-b] indolizidine (PF403), a phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid, has been identified as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma. However, the anti-glioma mechanism of PF403 in vivo has not been conclusively verified and must be further elucidated. Hence, a strategy without chemical modification was applied to identify the target of PF403. In this study, we identified nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) as the target of PF403 by using thermal proteome profiling (TPP). Moreover, microscale thermophoresis (MST), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments confirmed that NAMPT exhibits good affinity for PF403. Direct and indirect enzyme activity assays revealed that PF403 inhibited the catalytic activity of NAMPT, leading to a decrease in the concentration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) in U87 cells. X-ray diffraction and amino acid spot mutation experiments revealed that PF403 primarily relies on the formation of pi-pi interactions with residue Tyr188 to maintain binding with NAMPT (PDB code 8Y55). After NAMPT was knocked down with lentivirus, PF403 lost or partially lost its antitumor activity at the cellular and animal levels. These findings suggest that PF403 exerts antitumor activity by directly targeting NAMPT.

ObjectiveTo understand the process and influencing factors affecting the utilization of influenza vaccination services and vaccination decision-making among the elderly in Shanghai, to explore the delivery of influenza vaccination services and the difficulties faced by the health service system, and to provide guidance for optimizing immunization strategies. MethodsBased on the vaccine hesitancy determinants matrix, semi-structured personal interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in influenza vaccination services in Shanghai from January to February 2024, using a purposive sampling method. Participants were included until thematic saturation was achieved. Interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and organized using NVivo 20 software, and analyzed using the thematic framework method. ResultsA total of 25 interviewees were included, including 9 medical staff, 12 elderly people aged 60 and above, and 4 family members. The study found that Shanghai had a well-managed and standardized influenza vaccination service. However, the promotion of vaccine-related information at the grassroots level was passive and limited. Out-of-pocket payment of the vaccine and cultural beliefs of the elderly negatively impacted vaccination rates. Meanwhile, recommendations from family, friends, and medical staff facilitated vaccination, although the impact varied depending on the type of medical staff. Neighborhood committees in townships and streets played a crucial role in delivering vaccination information to the target population. Additionally, the internet, social media, and the COVID-19 vaccine had both positive and negative impacts on influenza vaccination. Strategic optimization of vaccination should prioritize price concessions, enhance publicity strategies, and improve awareness, professionalism, and willingness among medical and healthcare workers to recommend vaccination. ConclusionThe influenza vaccination service in Shanghai is well-managed and standardized. However, it is essential to consider the influence of family and other support systems on the elderly. It is also necessary to enhance the professionalism, service awareness, and willingness to recommend among the medical staff. Furthermore, systematic interventions and publicity efforts should be effectively integrated with social media and the functions of neighborhood committees.

BACKGROUND:Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule has the effect of replenishing qi and eliminating blood stasis,tonifying kidney and smoothing collages,and is often used in the treatment of osteoporosis.At present,there are few studies on the effect of Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule on the callus angiogenesis of osteoporotic fractures. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule by up-regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinases(ERK/MAPK)signaling pathway to improve callus angiogenesis after fracturing in osteoporotic rats. METHODS:(1)Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from osteoporotic SD rats and bone marrow monocytes from C57BL/6 mice were collected.MTT assay was used to detect different doses of Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule on bone mesenchymal stem cell toxicity.Bone mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow monocytes were cultured in the medium supplemented with 0 and 1.5 mg/mL Bushen Yiqi Huayu granules,respectively,and osteogenic differentiation and osteoclast differentiation were carried out in vitro.(2)144 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,granule group and granule+PD98059 group with 36 rats in each group.The osteoporotic model was established in the model group,granule group and granule+PD98059 group,and only part of the adipose tissue near the ovary was removed in the sham operation group.8 weeks later,all rats received left tibial osteotomy.In the granule+PD98059 group,5 g/kg Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule was given intragastrically,and 0.3 mg/kg PD98059 was injected into the tail vein.The granule group was given 5 g/kg Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule,and the same volume of normal saline was injected into the tail vein.The sham operation group and model group were given an equal volume of normal saline,and the caudal vein was injected with an equal volume of normal saline.Drug administration was conducted once a day for 8 weeks.Fracture healing and callus angiogenesis were observed by X-ray,micro-computed tomography and microvascular perfusion angiography.Bone mineral density and mechanical strength of the callus were measured.The tibia was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining.Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the expression of ERK/MAPK signaling pathway-related molecules. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the 0 mg/mL group,the alkaline phosphatase activity,mineralization level,p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 MAPK expression levels of osteocytes increased(P<0.05),while the density and volume of osteoclasts decreased in the 1.5 mg/mL group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the sham operation group,the fracture healing degree of the granule group was similar at 4 and 8 weeks,but there was no significant difference in Lane-Sandhu score,total callus volume,mineralized callus volume,mineralized callus volume/total callus volume,trabecular thickness,vascular number,spacing,thickness,vascular volume/total volume,bone mineral density,ultimate load of callus,stiffness,p-ERK1/2,p-p38 MAPK,p-IκB-α,and p-p65 expression levels(P>0.05).In the model group and granule+PD98059 group,fracture healing was slow,Lane-Sandhu score,total callus volume,mineralized callus volume,mineralized callus volume/total callus volume,trabecular thickness,vascular number,thickness,vascular volume/total volume,bone mineral density,ultimate load of callus,stiffness,p-ERK1/2,p-p38 MAPK,p-IκB-α,and p-p65 expression levels decreased(P<0.05),and vascular spacing increased(P<0.05),compared with the sham operation group.(3)It is indicated that Bushen Yiqi Huayu granule can improve fracture healing,promote callus angiogenesis and alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis by enhancing the expression of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway-related molecules in osteoporotic rats.

Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of plasminogen activator inhibi-tor-1(PAI-1),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and inter-leukin-6(IL-6)in patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis.Methods A total of 103 patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis who were treated in a hospital from July 2020 to July 2023 were selected as the research subjects.After 2 weeks of treatment,they were divided into a significant effect group and a non-significant effect group based on the therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticoid treatment.The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion were compared before treatment,after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.The correlation between the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion and the therapeutic efficacy was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Pearson correlation analy-sis was used to analyze the correlation between the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleu-ral effusion and the levels of these indicators in pleural effusion after 2 weeks of treatment.A receiver operat-ing characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion for the efficacy of tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis patients after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.Results The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment in both groups were lower than those before treatment,and the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment in the significant effect group were lower than those in the non-significant effect group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment were negatively correlated with the efficacy(P＜0.05).The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 2 weeks of treatment were positively correlated(r=0.761,0.783,0.812,0.741,all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of combined detection of serum and pleural effusion in-dicators after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment was greater than the AUC of individual indicators(P＜0.05).Con-clusion The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion of patients with tubercu-lous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis are related to the efficacy of treatment.The combined detection of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion has good predictive value and can provide reference for clinical intervention.

Objective:To observe any effect of ankle dorsiflexion angle on the gait of children with cerebral palsy (CP) after Achilles tendon lengthening surgery.Methods:Nine children with CP and equinus foot deformity were given Achilles tendon lengthening surgery. Reconstruction images of their pelvises and lower limbs were collected before the surgery and used to construct OpenSim simulations. Gait analysis data were also recorded before the surgery. The curve of changes to the Achilles tendon insertion was simulated in the software to determine the optimum angle of ankle dorsiflexion, and that guided the Achilles tendon extension surgery. The 3D gait analysis was repeated 12 months after the surgery to compare the spatiotemporal, kinematic and dynamic parameters (especially maximum ground reaction force on the affected side). The maximum dorsiflexion angles of the ankle joint before and after surgery were also recorded.Results:Before the surgery the dorsiflexion angles ranged from 8 to 12°, with an average of (10.1±1.2)°. After the surgery, significant changes were observed in the stride length, rhythm, speed and stride time of the affected side, as well as the maximum forward angle of the supported pelvis, the maximum dorsiflexion angle of the supported ankle and the maximum plantar flexion angle of the swinging ankle. Twelve months after the surgery, no recurrence of horseshoe malformation or over-correction complications were found in any of the 9 patients.Conclusions:3D gait analysis technology combined with OpenSim software can simulate the changes in Achilles tendon length needed by children with cerebral palsy. The optimum ankle dorsiflexion angle can be predicted pre-operatively and the simulation can also guide the operation. This technique also offers pre-and post-operative quantitative evaluation to provide references for subsequent rehabilitation treatment.

Objective Cervical disc herniation(CDH)is one of the common orthopaedic diseases.With the in-depth study of it and the development of cervical implants,the establishment of cervical fusion animal models has become an indispensable part.Notably however,studies of the establishment and evaluation of cervical fusion animal models in China are currently lacking.This study aimed to provide a suitable animal model and evaluation scheme for implants for cervical spine-related research.Methods Small-tailed Han sheep were chosen for anterior cervical discectomy fusion(ACDF)after modified surgery,and a polyetheretherketone(PEEK)interbody fusion cage(Cage)(control group),3D-printed Ti6Al4V Cage(group 1),and new method Ti6Al4V Cage(group 2)were implanted in different cervical segments(C2/3～C4/5)in each sheep,respectively.Hematology and histopathological analyses were carried out after surgery to evaluate recovery of sheep and the biosafety of the materials.Bone in-growth and bone fusion were assessed by X-ray,computed tomography(CT),Micro-CT and quantitative analysis,hard tissue section staining,and biomechanical tests.Results The modified ACDF ovine model was established successfully.There were no significant differences in important hematology indexes(P＞0.05)and histopathological analysis showed no pathological changes,such as inflammatory cell infiltration.The implants had good biosafety.Furthermore,X-ray and CT examinations showed that the position of internal fixation and the interbody fusion were good.Micro-CT and quantitative analysis at 3 and 6 months after operation showed that compared with PEEK Cage group,the bone volume/total volume and trabecular number were significantly increased(P＜0.01)while the trabecular spacing was significantly decreased in the new method Ti6Al4V and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V groups compared with the PEEK Cage group(P＜0.01).Moreover,the new method new method Ti6Al4V Cage group had more bone growth(P＜0.01).Hard tissue section staining demonstrated that the pores of the new method Ti6Al4V Cage and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V Cage had obvious bone growth and relatively dense pores in the new method Ti6Al4V and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V groups,and the combination was slightly better than that of PEEK Cage.Biomechanical evaluation indicated that the new method Ti6Al4V Cage and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V Cage reduced the range of cervical flexion-extension,lateral bending,and axial rotation(P＜0.05)compared with the PEEK cage,as well as enhancing the stability of the cervical vertebra,and the new method Ti6Al4 V Cage was more advantageous(P＜0.05).Conclusions After the establishment of the modified ACDF ovine model,reasonable and effective assessment method were used to demonstrate the suitability and effectiveness of the model and the good biosecurity of all three Cage materials.Compared with the PEEK Cage,the new method Ti6Al4V Cage and 3D-printed Ti6Al4V Cages showed better performances in terms of bone growth and bone fusion,which could enhance the stability of the cervical vertebrae.The new method Ti6Al4V Cage was particularly advantageous.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Objective:To evaluate clinical efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for central neurocytoma (CN) after surgical resection.Methods:Clinical data of 136 CN patients admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Xuanwu Hospital from January 2001 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Preliminary interventions consisted of craniotomy (gross total resection, subtotal resection and partial resection, the latter two belonging to incomplete resection) and postoperative radiotherapy. Three-dimensional conformal or intensity-modulated radiotherapy was adopted, with a median radiotherapy dose of 54 Gy. Post-recurrence treatment included salvage surgery and radiotherapy. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed by log-rank test to evaluate the effect of each prognostic factor on OS and PFS. The effects of multiple prognostic factors on PFS and OS were assessed by Cox regression model.Results:The median age was 28 years (range: 6-66 years). The median follow-up was 94.5 months (12-237 months). Among all patients, 79 cases underwent total resection, and 68 of them received adjuvant radiotherapy. Thirty-eight patients underwent subtotal resection, and 37 of them were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. Sixteen patients received partial resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Three cases received biopsy and postoperative radiotherapy. Among all patients, 3 cases died, including 2 from tumor recurrence and 1 from postoperative complication. Eight patients had recurrences during follow-up. Among them, 7 patients had recurrences at the primary site,1 had tumor dissemination to the spinal cord. The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 98.5% and 96.8%, and the 5- and 10-year PFS rates were 95.3% and 91.6% for the in the entire cohort. In the gross total resection without radiotherapy group, the 5- and 10-year PFS rates were 90.9% and 90.9%, and 96.6% and 96.6% in the gross total resection + radiotherapy group ( P=0.338). The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 100% and 100% in the gross total resection without radiotherapy group, and 98.5% and 98.5% in the gross total resection + radiotherapy group ( P=0.693). The 10-year PFS rates between the gross total resection±radiotherapy group and the incomplete resection+radiotherapy group was 95.8% vs. 90.3% ( P=0.368), and the 10-year OS rate was 98.6% vs. 94.7% ( P=0.436). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor site, degree of surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy and age exerted no significant effects on PFS and OS. A total of 81 patients had late neurotoxicities, including 69 cases at grade 1, 9 cases at grade 2, and 3 cases at grade 3. And 64.2% (52/81 cases) of patients suffered from short-term memory impairment. Conclusions:Gross total resection alone yields high efficacy for CN. Postoperative radiotherapy is not required. Incomplete resection combined with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy can achieve equivalent clinical efficacy to gross total resection.