OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) in the regulation of neuronal activity and expression of synapse-related proteins in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) of insomnia rats treated by acupuncture. METHODS: A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of clean grade were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an acupuncture group, and an acupuncture+antagonist group, with 9 rats in each group. The model group, the acupuncture group, and the acupuncture+antagonist group were treated with intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) to establish insomnia model. After successful modeling, the acupuncture group and the acupuncture+antagonist group received acupuncture at bilateral Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) once daily for 5 consecutive days. Thirty min before each acupuncture session, the acupuncture+antagonist group was intraperitoneally injected with methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA), an α7-nAChR antagonist, at a dosage of 5 mg/kg while the acupuncture group received the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The rats' daytime spontaneous activity was observed. Neuronal discharge in the TRN was detected using neuroelectrophysiological methods. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect parvalbumin-positive (PV⁺) neurons and co-expression of PV⁺ and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) in the TRN. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the model group showed increased daytime spontaneous activity (P<0.01); decreased average fluorescence intensity and positive number of PV⁺ neurons in the TRN (P<0.01); decreased neuronal discharge frequency (P<0.01), prolonged inter-discharge intervals (P<0.01) in the TRN; reduced number of PV⁺/PSD-95 double-positive cells in the TRN (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed decreased daytime spontaneous activity (P<0.01); increased average fluorescence intensity and positive number of PV⁺ neurons in the TRN (P<0.01); increased neuronal discharge frequency (P<0.01), shortened inter-discharge intervals (P<0.01) in the TRN; increased number of PV⁺/PSD-95 double-positive cells in the TRN (P<0.05). Compared with the acupuncture group, the acupuncture+antagonist group exhibited increased daytime spontaneous activity (P<0.01); reduced average fluorescence intensity and positive number of PV⁺ neurons in the TRN (P<0.01); decreased neuronal discharge frequency (P<0.05), prolonged inter-discharge intervals (P<0.05) in the TRN; reduced number of PV⁺/PSD-95 double-positive cells in the TRN (P<0.01). CONCLUSION α7-nAChR are involved in mediating the regulatory effect of acupuncture on circadian rhythm disturbances in PCPA-induced insomnia rats. Blocking α7-nAChR attenuates the activating effect of acupuncture on TRN neurons, and reduces the expression of PSD-95 protein on GABAergic neurons.
Animals ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Humans ; Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)is a complex three-dimensional deformity involving coronal,sagittal,and axial planes,with a prevalence that should not be overlooked.With advancements in technology and in-depth research,an increasing number of hospitals and physicians are exploring standardized diagnostic and treatment approaches for AIS.Comprehensive and in-depth understanding is required for AIS,including its etiology,screening and diagnosis,classification,assessment and examination,treatment options,exploration of current focus,and evaluation of quality of life.Such understanding ensures that the diagnostic and treatment are scientific,standardized,and timely.Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine,a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of AIS is reached after multiple discussions among spinal surgery experts,aiming to provide reference and guidance for clinical practice.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

Objective:To compare the accuracy and efficacy of robot assisted and navigation assisted pedicle screw fixation.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 764 patients with lumbar spine disorders who underwent internal fixation treatment at the Department of Spine Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, from June 2017 to April 2023 were performed. They were divided into the Renaissance group (212 cases), the Tinavi group (301 cases), and the S8 navigation group (251 cases), according to the method of assisted placement of pedicle screws. The operation time, fluoroscopy time, X-ray radiation dose, intra-operative blood loss, accuracy of screw placement, screw revision rate, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and postoperative infection rate were compared among the three groups.Results:922 screws were placed in the Renaissance group, 1,260 screws in the Tinavi group, and 1,044 screws in the S8 navigation group. The accuracy of clinically acceptable pedicle screw placement was 92.08% (849/922), 99.68% (1,256/1,260), and 99.43% (1,038/1,044) in the three groups, respectively, with the Renaissance group being smaller than the Tinavi group and the S8 group (χ 2=90.334, P<0.001; χ 2=68.446, P<0.001), and the Tinavi group and the S8 group had no statistically significant difference (χ 2=0.380, P=0.537). The operation time of the three groups was 173.64±62.23 min, 177.11±60.85 min, 176.02±60.93 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 118.16±58.26 ml, 121.84±55.91 ml, 123.62±59.84 ml, respectively, and the differences between the groups were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The fluoroscopy time of the three groups was 8.73±2.92 s, 10.67±2.85 s, and 11.31±2.89 s, and the X-ray radiation doses were 18.83±7.41 μSv, 20.40±7.60 μSv, and 22.88±7.47 μSv, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the groups and the two comparisons ( P<0.05). All patients were given follow-up for 3-30 months. Three cases in the postoperative Renaissance group underwent screw revision for nerve root irritation due to screw penetration of the pedicle cortex, and none of the other two groups underwent screw revision. Postoperatively, one case in the Renaissance group and one case in the Tinavi group had superficial infections, which were cured after prolonged antibiotic use. At 3 months postoperatively, the VAS scores for leg pain in the Renaissance group, the Tinavi group, and the S8 navigation group were 3.52±1.14, 3.59±1.12, and 3.39±1.16, and the VAS scores for back pain were 3.54±1.14, 3.57±1.12, and 3.51±1.15, respectively; the ODI scores were 12.48%±4.53%, 12.01%±4.57%, and 12.28%±4.60%, and none of the differences between the groups were statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The accuracy of screw placement by the Tinavi robot was comparable to that of the S8 navigation, and both were superior to that of the Renaissance robot; the fluoroscopy time and radiation dose of the Renaissance robot were smaller than those of the Tinavi robot, which was smaller than that of the S8 navigation. The early efficacy of robotics and navigation-assisted pedicle screw internal fixation for lumbar spine disorders is similar.

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 investigate the long-term efficacy of self-designed posterior atlas polyaxial screw-plate in the treatment of unstable atlas fracture.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 20 patients with unstable atlas fracture who were admitted to Affiliated Honghui Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2011 to April 2013, including 14 males and 6 females, aged 23-60 years [(42.7±8.6)years]. All the patients were treated with internal fixation using self-designed posterior atlas polyaxial screw-plate. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were recorded. The fracture reduction was evaluated by CT scan at 3 days after surgery. The bone healing was observed by X-ray (anterior-posterior and lateral views of the cervical spine) and CT scan at 9 months after surgery. The delayed spinal cord injuries were evaluated by Frankel grade at 1 and 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before surgery, at 3 months, 1 year, 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up were compared. The axial rotation, flexion and extension range of the cervical spine at 3 months, 1 year, 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up were compared. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 121-148 months [(135.0±6.8)months]. The operation duration was 68-122 minutes [(86.0±14.1)minutes], with the intraoperative blood loss of 90-400 ml [(120.0±67.9)ml]. The CT scan of the cervical spine at 3 days after surgery showed all satisfactory fracture reduction. Satisfactory bone reunion was observed at 9 months after surgery. All patients were scaled as Frankel grade E at 1 year, 2 years and at the last follow-up after surgery, with no delayed spinal cord injuries observed. The VAS scores of the cervical spine at 3 months, 1 year, 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up were 2.0(1.3, 3.0)points, 1.0(1.0, 1.8)points, 1.0(0.3, 1.0)points and 1.0(0.3, 1.0)points, which were significantly lower than that before surgery [7.0(6.0, 7.8)points] ( P<0.05), with significantly lower scores at 1-, 2-year after surgeny and at the last follow-up than at 3 months after surgery ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences among the other time points ( P>0.05). The axial rotation ranges of the cervical spine were (103.0±8.3)°, (128.3± 11.4)° and (129.8±13.6)° at 1 year, 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up respectively, which were significantly higher than that at 3 months after surgery [(85.3±7.0)°] ( P<0.05); It was further improved at 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up compared with that at 1 year after surgery ( P<0.05), with no significant difference at the last follow-up compared with that at 2 years after surgery ( P>0.05). The flexion and extension range of the cervical spine at 1 year, 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up were (65.5±4.8)°, (78.3±6.5)° and (79.3±6.9)° respectively, which were significantly higher than that at 3 months after surgery [(54.3±4.4)°] ( P<0.05); It was further improved at 2 years after surgery and at the last follow-up compared with that at 1 year after surgery ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between the last follow-up and 2 years after surgery ( P>0.05). No intraoperative injuries such as arteriovenous injury were observed. No incision infection or dehiscence occurred after surgery, with no complications caused by long-term bed rest such as lung or urinary tract infection, pressure sore formation or deep vein thrombosis occurred. No loosening or breakage of the screw and atlas plate was observed at the long-term follow-up. One patient had mild cervical pain, snap during rotation, and limited range of motion at the last follow-up. Conclusion:Self-designed posterior atlas polyaxial screw-plate has merits including small surgical wounds, satisfactory reduction, solid fixation, obvious pain relief, effective preservation of the previous cervical motion, few complications, and satisfactory long-term efficacy in the treatment of unstable atlas fracture.