ObjectiveTo delineate imaging findings using an imaging platform and investigate the correlation between MRI characteristics of spinal cord atrophy and clinical diagnosis in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsImaging data of 150 children with SCI admitted to Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, from January, 2002 to March, 2024 were collected and imported into the imaging platform. The anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the middle part of the spinal cord at the cross-section with the most severe atrophy were measured, and the relevant indicators of the previous normal spinal cord segment were measured as controls; the radiomic features were extracted. Clinical data of the children including gender, age, cause of injury, sensory level, motor level, spinal cord injury level, injury severity and disease course were collected. ResultsSpinal cord atrophy was identified in 81 cases (54%), among which 78 cases (96%) were American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A and 3 cases (4%) were AIS grade C. The upper boundary of the spinal cord atrophy site strongly correlated with the injury level, motor level and sensory level (r > 0.8, P < 0.001). ConclusionMore than half of children with SCI may develop secondary spinal cord atrophy, the vast majority of whom suffer from complete spinal cord injury; the upper boundary of spinal cord atrophy is correlated with the injury level.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of antibiotic-eluting absorbable calcium sulfate in treating periprosthetic infection after one-stage revision of knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 patients(36 knees)who underwent phaseⅠrevision for periprosthesis infection after total knee arthroplasty from January 2018 to March 2022. All patients were underwent knee cavity puncture before operation and had positive results of aseptic body fluid culture, 21 patients received revision combined with antibiotic loaded calcium sulfate at stageⅠ(calcium sulfate group) during operation, and 15 patients underwent renovation at stageⅠ(revision group). There were 9 males and 12 females in calcium sulfate group, aged from 54 to 76 years old with an average of(67.6±6.2) years old. There were 15 patients in revision group, including 4 males and 11 females, aged from 60 to 75 years old with average of (69.6±4.1) years old. The levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) at 7, 14, 30 and 90 days after operation were compared between two groups, and the rate of end-infection control at follow-up were compared. The systemic antibiotic application time, hospital stay and postoperative complications were observed between two groups. RESULTS: Calcium sulfate group were followed up for 12 to 29 months with an average of(18.9±4.2) months, and the infection control rate was 90.5%;while revision group were followed up 18 to 29 months with average of (21.6±3.7) months, and the infection control rate was 86.7% (13/15). There were no significant differences in follow-up time and infection control rate between two groups(P>0.05). Postoperative levels of CRP and IL-6 at 7, 14 and 30 days in calcium sulfate group were (32.79±11.48), (15.50±6.52), (9.36±3.32) mg·L^-1 and (17.31±6.15) pg·ml^-1, respectively;which were lower than those in revision group (40.65±11.32), (30.15±10.57), (18.97±5.86) mg·L^-1 and (25.54±6.73) pg·ml^-1, had statistical differences(P<0.05). There were no significant differences in IL-6 levels at 7 and 14 days after operation and CRP levels at 90 days after operation between two groups (P>0.05). The hospitalization time and systemic antibiotic application time in calcium sulfate group were (18.4±2.2) and (63.5±21.4) d, respectively;which were better than those in revision group (20.5±2.4) and (82.7±16.9) d, and had statistical differences(P<0.05). No significant wound complications and hypercalcemia were observed in calcium sulfate group. CONCLUSION Antibiotic eluted absorbable calcium sulfate could be used to treat periprosthetic knee infection, significantly reducing CRP levels in the early postoperative period, shortening hospital stay and systemic antibiotic application time, but it does not significantly improve the control rate of revision infection at stageⅠ.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Prosthesis-Related Infections/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Calcium Sulfate/administration & dosage* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Reoperation ; Knee Prosthesis/adverse effects*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture manipulation on treatment of intractable facial paralysis (IFP), and verify the practicality and precision of the Anzhong Facial Paralysis Precision Scale (Eyelid Closure Grading Scale, AFPPS-ECGS). METHODS: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to June 2024. Eighty-nine IFP participants were randomly assigned to an ordinary acupuncture group (OAG, 45 cases) and a characteristic acupuncture group (CAG, 44 cases) using a random number table method. The main acupoints selected included Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Dicang (ST 4), Chengjiang (CV 24), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Jiache (ST 6), Fengchi (GB 20), and Hegu (LI 4). The OAG patients received ordinary acupuncture manipulation, while the CAG received characteristic acupuncture manipulation. Both groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week, with 10 times per course, lasting for 10 weeks. Facial recovery was assessed at baseline and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment course by AFPPS-ECGS and the House-Brackmann (H-B) Grading Scale. Infrared thermography technology was used to observe the temperature difference between healthy and affected sides in various facial regions. Adverse events and laboratory test abnormalities were recorded. The correlation between the scores of the two scales was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: After the 2nd treatment course, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in AFPPS-ECGS scores (P<0.05), with even greater significance after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Similarly, H-B Grading Scale scores demonstrated significant differences between groups following the 3rd treatment course (P<0.05). Regarding temperature measurements, significant differences in temperatures of frontal and ocular areas were observed after the 2nd course (P<0.05), becoming more pronounced after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Additionally, mouth corner temperature differences reached statistical significance by the 3rd course (P<0.05). No safety-related incidents were observed during the study. Correlation analysis revealed that the AFPPS-ECGS and the H-B Grading Scale were strongly correlated (r=0.86, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.91 at baseline, and after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd treatment course, respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is an effective treatment for IFP, and the characteristic acupuncture manipulation enhances the therapeutic effect. The use of the AFPPS-ECGS can more accurately reflect the recovery status of patients with IFP. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200065442).
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective To explore the biological functions of pyroptosis-related genes in pneumonic plague using bioinformatics methods,and to evaluate their potential applicability as diagnostic markers.Methods The pneumonic plague-related dataset GSE220123 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and screened for differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes(DE-PRGs).The functions of DE-PRGs were studied via Gene Ontology(GO),Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses,and immune infiltration analysis.The hub genes were identified via protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis,and further screened for key genes with sustained high expression characteristics based on differential expression analysis.The relative expression levels of the key genes were verified using the reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)method.Results A total of 17 DE-PRGs were screened,and PPI network analysis revealed 7 Hub genes.Among them,Casp4 continued to be up-regulated during the course of pneumonic plague.The results of reverse transcription qPCR were consistent with the those of bioinformatic analyses.Conclusion DE-PRGs play a crucial role in the immune response of pneumonic plague,especially Casp4,which has significant applications as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for pneumonic plague.

Lentiviral vectors(LVs)are key gene delivery tools for integrating target genes into the host genome,but they may also pose risks of insertional mutagenesis.The vector copy number(VCN)in cells is critical for determining the safety of gene modification.However,the reliability and accuracy of its quantification process are influenced by multiple factors.Developing cell reference materials with specific vector copy numbers represents a viable approach to enhance the reliability and consistency of measurement results,enabling quality control of the quantification process and traceability of outcomes.However,the preparation of such reference materials faces challenges in cell sample design,preparation protocols,and advanced quantification techniques.In this study,T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat-based reference materials with LV gene copy numbers of 1 and 2 copy/cell were developed.A high-precision duplex digital polymerase chain reaction(dPCR)method was established to quantify the LV gene and endogenous genes simultaneously.Additionally,the results of dPCR were cross-validated through next-generation sequencing and flow cytometric analysis.Ultimately,confocal microscopy characterization results showed that the developed cell reference materials had intact morphology.The quantification result of VCN-1 was(1.07±0.11)copy/cell,and that of VCN-2 was(2.09±0.21)copy/cell.These cell reference materials demonstrated compliance with stability and homogeneity requirements,and could be applied for quality control throughout the VCN measurement workflow and metrological traceability,improving the accuracy,comparability,and validity of copy number measurements.

Three evaluation methods were recommended for the key properties of the intravascular catheter lubricating coating such as stability,lubricity and integrity,including insoluble particle test method,friction test procedure and appearance detection method.Fifteen batches of microcatheters produced by different manufacturers were selected for testing to clarify the three methods in test principle,step,result,characteristic.References were provided for the design,production,evaluation and regulation of intravascular catheters with lubricant coatings.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(1):66-72]

Objective To deeply understand the anatomical basis of temporomandibular joint disorders,and explore and master the pathological characteristics of anterior displacement of temporomandibular joint disc through cadaveric dissection and 3D printing technology.Methods By dissecting the temporomandibular joints of 40 head and neck specimens,the bilateral structures of the temporomandibular joints were measured to obtain condyle and articular disc data.3D modeling was carried out using 3ds Max software and printed out a model of temporomandibular joint.The pathological model of the anterior disc displacement with reduction(ADDwR)was simulated by adjusting the opening degree,the position of the articular disk,and the position of the condyle of the model.Results The precise data of the right and left temporomandibular joint discs and condyle were successfully obtained by dissection and measurement.The thickness of the anterior band of left temporomandibular joint discs was(2.02±0.57)mm,the thickness of the middle band was(1.46±0.33)mm,the thickness of the posterior band was(3.00±0.46)mm,the anterior-posterior diameter was(9.60±0.72)mm,and the internal-external diameter was(17.73±0.84)mm.While the thickness of the anterior band of right temporomandibular joint discs was(1.84±0.35)mm,and the thickness of the middle band was(1.43±0.28)mm,the thickness of posterior band was(3.08±0.49)mm,the anterior-posterior diameter was(9.30±0.88)mm,and the internal-external diameter was(17.38±1.10)mm.The internal-external diameter of the left temporomandibular joint condyle was(18.97±0.41)mm,and the anterior-posterior diameter was(8.56±0.43)mm;the internal-external diameter of the right temporomandibular joint condyle was(18.86±0.75)mm,and the anterior-posterior diameter was(8.40±0.30)mm.The standard temporomandibular joint model was printed out by the measured data.The model was utilized to simulate the physiological state of temporomandibular joint under normal conditions,as well as the three pathological states of closed mouth,closed mouth to open mouth,and open mouth in the case of ADDwR.Conclusion The temporomandibular joint model can more intuitively present the changes of anatomical structure in reversible temporoman-dibular joint disorders,which is helpful for understanding and mastering the different classification of this disease.

Three evaluation methods were recommended for the key properties of the intravascular catheter lubricating coating such as stability,lubricity and integrity,including insoluble particle test method,friction test procedure and appearance detection method.Fifteen batches of microcatheters produced by different manufacturers were selected for testing to clarify the three methods in test principle,step,result,characteristic.References were provided for the design,production,evaluation and regulation of intravascular catheters with lubricant coatings.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(1):66-72]

Objective To deeply understand the anatomical basis of temporomandibular joint disorders,and explore and master the pathological characteristics of anterior displacement of temporomandibular joint disc through cadaveric dissection and 3D printing technology.Methods By dissecting the temporomandibular joints of 40 head and neck specimens,the bilateral structures of the temporomandibular joints were measured to obtain condyle and articular disc data.3D modeling was carried out using 3ds Max software and printed out a model of temporomandibular joint.The pathological model of the anterior disc displacement with reduction(ADDwR)was simulated by adjusting the opening degree,the position of the articular disk,and the position of the condyle of the model.Results The precise data of the right and left temporomandibular joint discs and condyle were successfully obtained by dissection and measurement.The thickness of the anterior band of left temporomandibular joint discs was(2.02±0.57)mm,the thickness of the middle band was(1.46±0.33)mm,the thickness of the posterior band was(3.00±0.46)mm,the anterior-posterior diameter was(9.60±0.72)mm,and the internal-external diameter was(17.73±0.84)mm.While the thickness of the anterior band of right temporomandibular joint discs was(1.84±0.35)mm,and the thickness of the middle band was(1.43±0.28)mm,the thickness of posterior band was(3.08±0.49)mm,the anterior-posterior diameter was(9.30±0.88)mm,and the internal-external diameter was(17.38±1.10)mm.The internal-external diameter of the left temporomandibular joint condyle was(18.97±0.41)mm,and the anterior-posterior diameter was(8.56±0.43)mm;the internal-external diameter of the right temporomandibular joint condyle was(18.86±0.75)mm,and the anterior-posterior diameter was(8.40±0.30)mm.The standard temporomandibular joint model was printed out by the measured data.The model was utilized to simulate the physiological state of temporomandibular joint under normal conditions,as well as the three pathological states of closed mouth,closed mouth to open mouth,and open mouth in the case of ADDwR.Conclusion The temporomandibular joint model can more intuitively present the changes of anatomical structure in reversible temporoman-dibular joint disorders,which is helpful for understanding and mastering the different classification of this disease.