Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) plus oxiracetam in treating mild vascular dementia (VD) and seek its underlying mechanism. Methods: Ninety-six patients with mild VD were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 47 cases in the observation group and 49 cases in the control group. The control group received oral oxiracetam capsules for treatment, and the observation group was given additional Tuina treatment. Before and after treatment, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was adopted to assess the patient's cognitive function; the activities of daily living (ADL) scale was used to evaluate their ability to conduct daily activities; changes in the serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators were also detected. Results: After treatment, the serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in both groups (P<0.05) and was lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased in both groups (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); the serum contents of interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-8 declined in both groups (P<0.05) and were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the levels of systolic velocity (Vs) and mean velocity (Vm) of the middle cerebral artery elevated, and the pulsatility index (PI) dropped in patients in the two groups, showing significant intra-group differences (P<0.05); the levels of Vs and Vm in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the PI was lower in the observation group than in the control group, showing significant between-group differences (P<0.05). The MMSE and ADL scores increased in both groups after the intervention (P<0.05) and were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of mild VD, Tuina plus oxiracetam can improve the cerebral blood supply, ADL, and cognitive function; the mechanism may be associated with the reduction of oxidative stress damages and inflammatory reactions.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of induced membrane technique combined with anterolateral thigh flap transfer in treating composite foot defect.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed for 7 patients with composite foot defect treated at 920th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA from February 2014 to December 2018. There were 5 males and 2 females, with the age of 20-73 years [(38.9±16.3)years]. The composite defect located at the forefoot in 5 patients, midfoot in 1, and hindfoot in 1. There were 9 metatarsal bone defects, 1 medial cuneiform bone defect, and 1 calcaneus bone defect. The size of soft tissue defect varied from 6 cm×5 cm to 70 cm×35 cm. At stage I, the anterolateral thigh flap transfer and vancomycin loaded cement implantation were performed. The flap survival and complications were recorded. At stage II, the cement was removed and autogenous bone was grafted into the induced membrane. The duration of two-stage operation, bone union time, and complications were recorded. The postoperative function was assessed using Maryland foot score system before operation and at the last follow-up and postoperative compications were documented.Results:All patients were followed up for 22-54 months [(33.8±9.7)months]. At stage I, flaps survived in all patients, and bulking of the flap was seen in 3 patients. One patient with calcaneus bone defect had repeated infection after operation, and received debridement. At stage II, 6 patients received bone grafting surgery. The duration of two-stage operation was 2-4 months [(2.8±0.9)months]. The bone union time was 3 and 7 months [(4.7±1.2)months]. At the last follow-up, the Maryland foot function score was 63-92 points [(82.1±8.7)points], significantly different from 0 point before operation ( P<0.01). The results were excellent in 1 patient, good in 5, and fair in 1. Except for one nonunion of metatarsal bone, all the other 8 sites were with bone union uneventfully. Conclusion:The induced membrane technique combined with anterolateral thigh flap transfer is an effective protocol for composite foot defect, which can well repair soft tissue and bone defect, and restore walking.

Objective:To estimate the preliminary result of circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap in reconstruction of axillary scar contractures.Methods:From January 2016 to June 2021, circumflex scapular perforator propeller flaps were used in 7 cases for reconstruction of soft tissue defect after axillary scar contractures. Patients were 5 males and 2 females. Age ranged from 23 to 38 years old, mean age of 27.7 years old. According to Kurtzman and Stern classification of axillary scar contractures, there were 1 case with type 1a, 1 with type 1b, 2 with type 2, and 3 with type 3. The preoperative range of motion of the shoulder joint were 40°-85°, with an average of 63.7°. All the patients were underwent scar release and circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap transfer. All flaps were transferred as the manner of perforator propeller flap. All the donor sites were closed directly. The defects after releasing ranged from 5.0 cm×7.0 cm to 11.0 cm×9.0 cm, and the flaps ranged from 16.0 cm×7.0 cm to 24.0 cm×9.0 cm. Flap survival, complications of donor site and recipient site were recorded after surgery. The range of motion of the shoulder joint, donor and recipient sites were reviewed in outpatient clinic.Results:All flaps survived uneventfully after surgery, besides 1 case complicated with distal venous congestion. The follow-up time ranged from 6 to 23 months, with an average of 12 months. The texture and contour of the flaps were good in all. At last follow-up, the range of motion of the shoulder joints were 90°-120°, with an average of 107°. Mild scar hyperplasia occurred in 2 cases.Conclusion:The circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap is an effective protocol in reconstruction of axillary scar contractures.

Objective:To investigate the preliminary clinical effect of posterior interosseous artery propeller flap in the repair of dorsal of wrist and hand wounds.Methods:From March, 2015 to December, 2019, 9 cases of dorsal of wrist and hand wounds were repaired with posterior interosseous artery propeller flap, including 6 cases of dorsal hand defect and 3 cases of dorsal wrist defect. Defect area: 6 cm × 4 cm-3 cm × 3 cm; There were 3 cases of metacarpal fracture, 1 case of phalangeal fracture and 1 case of tendon rupture. According to the size and shape of the wound, the posterior interosseous artery propeller flap was designed to transfer and repair the soft tissue defect wound. The size of the flap: 20 cm × 5 cm-12 cm × 3 cm, the size of posterior interosseous artery propeller flap was recorded and the surgical characteristics were summarized; The survival of the flap, donor and recipient complications were observed and followed-up.Results:All flaps were cut smoothly and the donor areas were sutured directly. The flap survived completely in 8 cases and partial necrosis in 1 case; One case complicated with wound infection. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 31 months, with an average of 14 months. The texture and shape of the flap were good; The last DASH score was 3-18, with an average of 9.3; There were 2 cases of mild scar hyperplasia in the donor area and 1 case of mild scar hyperplasia at the edge of the flap.Conclusion:Posterior interosseous artery propeller flap may be an effective method to repair small and medium-sized wounds of dorsal of wrist and hand.