OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features of patients with necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) and the related factors for sepsis, so as to provide a basis for early intervention and improvement of patients' prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of NSTI patients admitted to the department of burns and wound repair surgery of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from October 2021 to December 2024. Demographic information, underlying diseases, infection characteristics, laboratory test results and etiological findings at admission, treatment status, occurrence of complications (including sepsis) and prognosis were collected. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the associated factors for sepsis in NSTI patients. Receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC curves) were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of individual and combined factors for sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 159 NSTI patients were enrolled, mainly middle-aged and elderly males. Most patients had comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus (110 cases, 69.2%) and hypertension (67 cases, 42.1%). The main infection site was the lower extremities (104 cases, 65.4%). Common symptoms included redness (96 cases, 60.4%), swelling (129 cases, 81.1%), local heat (60 cases, 37.7%), pain (100 cases, 62.9%), and skin ulceration or necrosis (9 cases, 5.7%). Imaging findings included soft tissue swelling (66 cases, 57.9%), gas accumulation (41 cases, 36.0%), and abnormal signal/density shadows (50 cases, 43.9%). Staphylococcus aureus was the main pathogenic bacterium [12.0% (31/259)], and drug-resistant Escherichia coli had the highest detection rate among drug-resistant bacteria [35.1% (13/37)]. Regarding debridement and repair, most patients (80 cases, 50.3%) underwent debridement ≥ 72 hours after admission, while only 10.1% (16 cases) received debridement within 6 hours. Most patients underwent multiple debridements, with 2 times of debridements being the most common (68 cases, 42.8%), and the maximum times of debridements reached 6. The largest number of patients received secondary suture (44 cases, 27.7%). In terms of complications, sepsis was the most common (66 cases, 41.51%), followed by acute kidney injury, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), while disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was the least common. During the follow-up period, 9 patients (5.66%) were readmitted within 90 days, and 11 patients died, with a mortality rate of 6.92%. Univariate analysis showed that diabetes, coronary heart disease, gout, body temperature, heart rate, C-reactive protein, platelet count, total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, out-of-hospital treatment, and out-of-hospital use of antimicrobial agents were significantly associated with sepsis in NSTI patients (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that coronary heart disease [odds ratio (OR) = 30.085, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 2.105-956.935], C-reactive protein (OR = 1.026, 95%CI was 1.009-1.054), and total bilirubin (OR = 1.436, 95%CI was 1.188-1.948) were independent associated factors for sepsis in NSTI patients (all P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the combination of the three predictors yielded the highest AUC for predicting sepsis in NSTI patients compared to any individual predictor [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.799 (95%CI was 0.721-0.878)]. CONCLUSIONS The clinical features of NSTI patients show certain regularity. Coronary heart disease, C-reactive protein, and total bilirubin are independent associated factors for sepsis in NSTI patients.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Sepsis ; Soft Tissue Infections/microbiology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Necrosis ; Logistic Models ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing

Objective Watch the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF)in the treatment of patients with shoulder-hand syndrome,and to explore its relevant therapeutic mechanisms.Methods Sixty patients with shoulder-hand syndrome were split into two groups at random:thirty cases each for observation and control.The control group received both standard medication and training in rehabilitation.Intradermal needles were inserted at the Jianjing,Jianyu,Binao,Qing Lengyuan,Shouwuli,and Quchi points and left in place for 48 hours for the treatment group.The PNF treatment was administered for thirty minutes every day,five times a week,whereas the control group underwent four weeks of traditional drug treatment and rehabilitation training.Before and after therapy,the following measures were used:the Disability of the Arm,Shoulder and Hand(DASH),the Activity of Daily Living Scale(ADL),the Simplified Fugl-Meyer Scale(FMA),and the Visual Analog Scale(VAS).In order to measure changes in endothelin-1(ET-1),nitric oxide(NO),and bradykinin(BK),serum was collected.Result Scale score:①Within-group comparison,compared with before treatment,VAS and DASH scores were significantly lower,FMA,a significant rise in ADL scores,differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).②Comparison between groups,compared with the control group,observation group of DASH score significantly lower after treatment(P<0.05),a significant rise in FMA and ADL scores(P<0.05),VAS score has no obvious difference(P>0.05).Laboratory index test:①Intra-group comparison:compared with before treatment,BK and ET-1 expression levels increased,NO and CGRP expression levels decreased,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).②Comparison between groups:Following treatment,the observation group showed increases in BK and ET-1 expression degrees as well as decreased NO and CGRP expression degrees.This difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusions Intradermal needle combined with PNF can promote shoulder pain symptoms,increase upper limb mobility,also improve quality of life in patients with shoulder-hand syndrome.One of the mechanisms may be to upregulate the expression level of BK and ET-1,and downregulate the expression level of NO and CGRP,so as to improve the microcirculation function and reduce the neurogenic inflammatory response.

Diabetic neuropathy(DN)is a prevalent chronic complication of diabetes,characterized by a com-plex pathogenesis involving various cell types and molecular pathways.Research indicates that microglia,serving as the innate immune cells of the central nervous system,are pivotal in the development of DN.In recent years,with the in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of DN,targeting microglia polarization has become a new research hotspot.This article provides an overview of current research on the regulatory mechanisms of microglia polarization,the impact of mi-croglia polarization on DN,and treatment strategies that target microglia polarization to improve DN.The objective is to elucidate the pivotal role of microglia in the pathogenesis of DN,and assess the efficacy and constraints of existing and emerging treatment methods targeting microglia,in order to offer a fresh perspective for future research and clinical treat-ment of DN.

Objective Watch the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF)in the treatment of patients with shoulder-hand syndrome,and to explore its relevant therapeutic mechanisms.Methods Sixty patients with shoulder-hand syndrome were split into two groups at random:thirty cases each for observation and control.The control group received both standard medication and training in rehabilitation.Intradermal needles were inserted at the Jianjing,Jianyu,Binao,Qing Lengyuan,Shouwuli,and Quchi points and left in place for 48 hours for the treatment group.The PNF treatment was administered for thirty minutes every day,five times a week,whereas the control group underwent four weeks of traditional drug treatment and rehabilitation training.Before and after therapy,the following measures were used:the Disability of the Arm,Shoulder and Hand(DASH),the Activity of Daily Living Scale(ADL),the Simplified Fugl-Meyer Scale(FMA),and the Visual Analog Scale(VAS).In order to measure changes in endothelin-1(ET-1),nitric oxide(NO),and bradykinin(BK),serum was collected.Result Scale score:①Within-group comparison,compared with before treatment,VAS and DASH scores were significantly lower,FMA,a significant rise in ADL scores,differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).②Comparison between groups,compared with the control group,observation group of DASH score significantly lower after treatment(P<0.05),a significant rise in FMA and ADL scores(P<0.05),VAS score has no obvious difference(P>0.05).Laboratory index test:①Intra-group comparison:compared with before treatment,BK and ET-1 expression levels increased,NO and CGRP expression levels decreased,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).②Comparison between groups:Following treatment,the observation group showed increases in BK and ET-1 expression degrees as well as decreased NO and CGRP expression degrees.This difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusions Intradermal needle combined with PNF can promote shoulder pain symptoms,increase upper limb mobility,also improve quality of life in patients with shoulder-hand syndrome.One of the mechanisms may be to upregulate the expression level of BK and ET-1,and downregulate the expression level of NO and CGRP,so as to improve the microcirculation function and reduce the neurogenic inflammatory response.

Diabetic neuropathy(DN)is a prevalent chronic complication of diabetes,characterized by a com-plex pathogenesis involving various cell types and molecular pathways.Research indicates that microglia,serving as the innate immune cells of the central nervous system,are pivotal in the development of DN.In recent years,with the in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of DN,targeting microglia polarization has become a new research hotspot.This article provides an overview of current research on the regulatory mechanisms of microglia polarization,the impact of mi-croglia polarization on DN,and treatment strategies that target microglia polarization to improve DN.The objective is to elucidate the pivotal role of microglia in the pathogenesis of DN,and assess the efficacy and constraints of existing and emerging treatment methods targeting microglia,in order to offer a fresh perspective for future research and clinical treat-ment of DN.

Objective:To investigate the effects of antibacterial absorbable suture closure in the repair of small range of bone defect wounds due to deep sternal wound infection after median thoracotomy.Methods:This study was a retrospective non-randomized clinical controlled study. A total of 32 patients (20 males and 12 females, aged (58±11) years) who met the inclusion criteria and underwent closure with antibacterial absorbable sutures (hereinafter referred to as direct closure surgery) admitted to Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital of Southern Medical University (hereinafter referred to as our hospital) from October 2017 to December 2021 were included in direct closure group. A total of 39 patients (27 males and 12 females, aged (59±11) years) who met the inclusion criteria and received bilateral pectoralis major muscle flap packing repair admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to January 2020, were included in muscle flap packing group. In the two groups, sternal infected wounds were thoroughly debrided during stage Ⅰ surgery, followed by wound repair during stage Ⅱ surgery. The width of sternal cross-section defects after debridement was less than 1 cm for patients in the two groups. For patients in direct closure group, stage Ⅱ wound repair involved intermittent sutures to the anterior sternal plate or full-thickness sternum with a total of 6 or 7 double sternal sutures. Relevant data including the duration of the stage Ⅱ wound repair surgery and the volume of blood loss during surgery, length of hospital stay, and bacterial wound infection of patients in the two groups were recorded. The postoperative complications and wound healing of patients in the two groups were recorded. During follow-up, the wound infection or recurrence of patients in the two groups and the sternal healing of patients in direct closure group were observed.Results:Compared with those in muscle flap packing group, the duration of stage Ⅱ wound repair surgery and length of hospital stay of patients in direct closure group were significantly shorter (with t values of 13.61 and 6.25, respectively, P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative blood loss volume of the stage Ⅱ wound repair surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). The main bacterial infection in the two groups was Staphylococcus. In direct closure group, one patient had exudation in the wound two weeks post-operation, however the wound healed well after two weeks of conservative dressing changes; the wounds of the other patients healed well. In muscle flap packing group, 5 patients had postoperative complications, of which one patient died, and the wounds of 4 patients healed after dressing change or reoperation; the wounds of the other patients healed well. There was no statistically significant difference in complication incidence of patients between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up of 22-45 months, there was no re-infection or recurrence in the wound of patients in direct closure group and surviving patients in muscle flap packing group, the sternum of patients in the direct closure group achieved anatomical union. Conclusions:Direct closure surgery can not only effectively repair sternal cross-sectional defects with width below 1 cm due to deep sternal wound infections after median thoracotomy, but can also significantly shorten the operation time and duration of hospitalization.

Objective:To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors.Methods:From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions.Results:Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects ( χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients ( χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications ( χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment ( R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not ( OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions:Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

Objective:To provide references for aeromedical support by investigating the effect of training at high altitude on acute hypoxia tolerance of pilots.Methods:Eighteen high performance fighter pilots who had returned to plain for 1 week as they finished 3-month residence in plateau were chosen as training group and 36 pilots who flied same aircraft type but without plateau stay and training were assigned as control group. Both groups received anti-G and anti-hypoxia training. The acceptance line of hypoxia experience training was defined to 2 min and the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO 2) and the heart rate of pilots were tested every 20 s. The anti-G and anti-hypoxia ability detector of pilots and BeneView T6 ECG monitor were used for training, assessment and monitoring. Results:SaO 2 level in the training group was significantly higher than that in the control group at the corresponding time point from the 60 s of the training, and the differences was statistically significant ( t=2.63, 3.32, 4.79, 4.32, P=0.011, 0.002,<0.001,<0.001). The average of SaO 2 in the control group decreased rapidly with the extension of hypoxia time, while the average of SaO 2 in the training group decreased slowly with the extension of hypoxia time. The average of effective consciousness time of the training group [(441.11±67.03) s] was significantly longer than that of the control group [(195.00±31.49) s], and was 2.26 times of the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.74, P<0.001). Conclusions:After stationed and trained in plateau, the SaO 2 and the effective consciousness time of high performance fighter pilots under acute hypoxia have been significantly improved. Short term chronic hypoxia process can significantly improve the acute hypoxia tolerance of pilots, which is conducive to the effective response to high aerial hypoxia.

Objective:To provide references for aeromedical support by investigating the effect of training at high altitude on acute hypoxia tolerance of pilots.Methods:Eighteen high performance fighter pilots who had returned to plain for 1 week as they finished 3-month residence in plateau were chosen as training group and 36 pilots who flied same aircraft type but without plateau stay and training were assigned as control group. Both groups received anti-G and anti-hypoxia training. The acceptance line of hypoxia experience training was defined to 2 min and the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO 2) and the heart rate of pilots were tested every 20 s. The anti-G and anti-hypoxia ability detector of pilots and BeneView T6 ECG monitor were used for training, assessment and monitoring. Results:SaO 2 level in the training group was significantly higher than that in the control group at the corresponding time point from the 60 s of the training, and the differences was statistically significant ( t=2.63, 3.32, 4.79, 4.32, P=0.011, 0.002,<0.001,<0.001). The average of SaO 2 in the control group decreased rapidly with the extension of hypoxia time, while the average of SaO 2 in the training group decreased slowly with the extension of hypoxia time. The average of effective consciousness time of the training group [(441.11±67.03) s] was significantly longer than that of the control group [(195.00±31.49) s], and was 2.26 times of the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.74, P<0.001). Conclusions:After stationed and trained in plateau, the SaO 2 and the effective consciousness time of high performance fighter pilots under acute hypoxia have been significantly improved. Short term chronic hypoxia process can significantly improve the acute hypoxia tolerance of pilots, which is conducive to the effective response to high aerial hypoxia.

Objective:To recognize the characteristics of necrotizing fasciitis patients complicated with sepsis and summarize the experience the treatment.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. The clinical data of 57 patients with necrotizing fasciitis complicated with sepsis admitted to Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from July 2009 to December 2019 was analyzed by collecting such factors as gender, age, complications, infection sites, pathogens, surgery information, treatment options and outcome. The patients were divided into debridement group ( n = 14) and control group ( n = 43) according to whether the debridement was completed within 48 hours of admission, and the mortality during hospitalization between the two groups was compared. A telephone follow-up had been done to record the long-term outcome of these patients. Results:Among 57 patients with necrotizing fasciitis complicated with sepsis, there were 43 males and 14 females with the average age of (57.9±12.1) years old. Most of the underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (70.17%), other diseases included hypertension (8.77%), tumor chemotherapy (7.02%), liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, 7.02%), coronary artery heart disease (3.51%), systemic lupus erythematosus (3.51%), etc. Most of the infection site was lower limbs (71.93%). There were 78 pathogens cultured in 57 patients, in which 52 were non-drug resistant bacteria (66.67%), and 26 were drug resistant bacteria (33.33%). There were 40 Gram positive (G +) bacteria (51.28%), 29 Gram negative (G -) bacteria (37.18%), 8 fungi (10.26%) and 1 mixed bacteria (1.28%). Finally, of 57 patients, 46 patients were cured, and 11 patients died with hospital mortality of 19.30%. Among 57 patients, the hospital mortality in the debridement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [0% (0/14) vs. 25.58% (11/43), P < 0.05]. Among the 46 cured patients, 11 had accepted amputations, accounting for 23.91%. In December 2020, 43 patients who were cured (3 patients were lost to follow-up) were followed up by telephone. Twenty-three patients were completely self-care, 9 patients were partly self-care, 8 patients were completely unable to take care of themselves, and 3 patients died. Conclusions:Necrotizing fasciitis with sepsis mostly occurs in people with weakened immunity, and has a high mortality and disability rate. Early identification and active surgical debridement may be the key to improve the treatment effect.