AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin A(BTXA)injection versus strabismus surgery in the treatment of acute acquired comitant esotropia(AACE).METHODS:Patient records of AACE cases treated at First People's Hospital of Nantong from January 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients were categorized into either strabismus surgery or BTXA injection groups based on treatment modality. Further stratification was performed according to preoperative deviation angles [>35 prism diopters(PD)vs ≤35 PD] and age(≥18 years adult group vs <18 years adolescent group). The baseline patient characteristics were collected, deviation angles at multiple timepoints before and after treatment were measured, and stereopsis test results were documented. Through comparative analysis of therapeutic outcomes across subgroups, we systematically evaluated the efficacy of different treatment approaches.RESULTS:A total of 43 AACE patients were included. At the final follow-up, both the surgery and BTXA injection groups showed a statistically significant decrease in deviation angle compared to pretreatment measurements(P<0.001). Significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of the cure rate of strabismus and the recovery rate of stereopsis(P<0.05). For patients with deviations >35 PD, surgery yielded significantly better outcomes than injection therapy in postoperative angle, success rate, and stereopsis recovery(P<0.05). Similarly, in patients aged ≥18 years, surgical treatment was superior to injections in reducing strabismus angle, improving success rates, and restoring stereopsis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Both BTXA injection and strabismus surgery demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in AACE. Surgical treatment demonstrated superior efficacy compared to BTXA injection therapy, particularly in patients with deviations >35 PD and those aged ≥18 years. For patients with angles ≤35 PD or under 18 years, BTXA injection remains a viable treatment option.

OBJECTIVE: An intelligent moxibustion instrument based on electromyography was designed to evaluate the real-time therapeutic effect of moxibustion. METHODS: Taking Shenshu (BL23) as the subject, surface electromyography (sEMG) at the center and equidistant points of Shenshu (BL23) were collected. The characteristic parameters, integrated electromyography (iEMG) and root mean square (RMS) were calculated before and after moxibustion. After analyzing the effect of moxibustion, a function algorithm for the end-of-moxibustion was obtained. Using this algorithm and combined with STM32 technology, the control system of moxibustion instrument and the upper computer software were designed to achieve the precise control during moxibustion delivery. Finally, the function, stability and safety of the moxibustion instrument were verified through clinical trials to ensure its effectiveness in practical application. RESULTS: During one cycle of moxibustion at the center of Shenshu (BL23), the iEMG of sEMG decreased over time, meaning the decrease in muscle fatigue degree, and after one cycle of moxibustion, it elevated over time, showing the increase in muscle fatigue degree. RMS increased by 1.90% before and after moxibustion at the equidistant points of Shenshu (BL23), and the system indicated the end of moxibustion when RMS increased by 0.15%, and decreased by 0.13% at the center of Shenshu (BL23). The intelligent moxibustion instrument designed based on this algorithm can realize the function of mild moxibustion, and the effect of moxibustion can be evaluated by the real-time monitoring of RMS changes through the upper computer. During the operation of moxibustion instrument, moxa stick was fixed stably, remained a safe distance of 3 cm to 4 cm away from the skin surface. When the length of moxa stick was less than 5 cm left after ignited and the skin temperature exceeded the preset safety threshold of 48 ℃, the system was alarmed automatically. CONCLUSION The intelligent moxibustion instrument designed in the research can effectively evaluate the effect of moxibustion, and ensure the safety and stability during moxibustion delivery.
Humans ; Moxibustion/methods* ; Electromyography/instrumentation* ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Algorithms ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of Rhodiola species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of Rhodiola species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within Rhodiola species. METHODS: A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus Rhodiola from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of Rhodiola species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all Rhodiola species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcode of Rhodiola database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named Rhodiola-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. Rhodiola-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of RCRR from the medicinal material market. RESULTS: The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 Rhodiola species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic R. crenulata, while the rest of the marketed varieties were R. kirilowii, R. dumulosa, and R. fastigiata. The product label "Larger flower, Hongjingtian" was identified as R. crenulata. Samples labeled as "Smaller flower, Hongjingtian" were identified as R. crenulata, R. kirilowii, and R. fastigiata. CONCLUSION ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by R. crenulata. However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in Rhodiola under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of Rhodiola varieties.

Objective:To evaluate the stability of percutaneous screw fixation for minimally invasive treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using three-dimensional finite element analysis.Methods:CT scan was performed on the calcaneus of a normal adult for three-dimensional reconstruction. The DICOM data were imported into Mimics software to establish a model of a Sanders type IIB intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Based on the Essex-Lopresti classification of posterior facet morphology, the model was subdivided into two subtypes: tongue-type and depression-type. The calcaneus was divided into four fragments: sustentaculum tali, posterior tuberosity, anterior process (three points), and posterior articular surface (one surface). Two types of fixation methods, classical lateral anatomical plates and combinations of percutaneous screws, were simulated and performed. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted by applying a stress combination of 420 N on the posterior subtalar articular surface, 200 N on the middle subtalar articular surface, and 300 N at the Achilles tendon insertion point. The maximum displacement and von Mises stress values of each bone fragment and implant were recorded to evaluate the biomechanical stability. For clinical validation, 34 patients with Sanders type IIB calcaneal fractures from Orthopedics Department of the Sixth Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University were treated with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation using the following configurations.Results:Under simulated stress, the A4 group with medial support screws in the tongue-type fracture subgroup demonstrated minimal overall calcaneal displacement (0.22 mm) and internal fixation displacement (0.14 mm). For the depression-type, the B2 group with medial support screws showed lower maximum stress in the calcaneus and internal fixation, at 22.04 MPa and 41.14 MPa, respectively, along with the lowest overall displacement (0.14 mm). The peak stress of all groups of implants remained below the material yield strength. The A4 and B2 protocols were applied to 15 cases of tongue-type calcaneal fractures and 19 cases of collapse-type calcaneal fractures. At the final follow-up The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score scale was 86.1±5.82 and 87.2±5.18, respectively, while the visual analog scale for pain was 1.60±1.24 and 1.58±1.02, respectively.Conclusions:Percutaneous screw fixation provided reliable stability for Sanders type IIB calcaneal fractures. The fixation configuration incorporating a medial support screw offers superior biomechanical performance in both tongue-type and depression-type fractures, representing an optimized minimally invasive technique with strong clinical applicability.

Objective:To evaluate the role of necroptosis in paclitaxel-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice.Methods:Thirty SPF healthy male C57BL/6N mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: vehicle control group (Veh group), paclitaxel group (PTX group), and paclitaxel+ a specific inhibitor of necroptosis Necrostatin-1 group (P+ N group). In PTX group and P+ N group, paclitaxel 10 mg/kg (diluted to 5 mg/ml in anhydrous ethanol and castor oil [1∶1], and further diluted to 1 mg/ml in 0.9% normal saline before use) was intraperitoneally injected daily for 7 consecutive days to induce cognitive dysfunction. P+ N group received an intraperitoneal injection of Necrostatin-1 6.5 mg/kg (diluted to 10 mg/ml in dimethyl sulfoxide, and further diluted to 1 mg/ml in 0.9% normal saline before use) at 2 h before paclitaxel administration every other day, 4 times in total. Veh group received the equal volume of solvent at the matched time points as previously described in P+ N group. After establishment of the model, spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed using the open field test, followed by the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze to evaluate the cognitive function. The animals were sacrificed after the end of the Morris water maze test, and the hippocampal tissues were collected for determination of the expression of necroptosis-related proteins receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), and phospho-MLKL (p-MLKL) (by Western blot analysis) and contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (double immunofluorescence staining) and for observation of the localization of programmed necrosis cells (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:There were no significant differences in the total distance traveled and mean movement speed in the open field test or swimming speed in the Morris water maze test among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared to Veh group, the time spent in the central zone in the open field and time spent in the original platform quadrant were significantly shortened, the discrimination index was decreased, the escape latency was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and p-MLKL was up-regulated, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased, and the number of RIPK1-positive neurons was increased in PTX group ( P<0.05). Compared to PTX group, the time spent in the central zone in the open field test and time spent in the original platform quadrant were significantly prolonged, the discrimination index was increased, the escape latency was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and p-MLKL was down-regulated, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased, and the number of RIPK1-positive neurons was decreased in P+ N group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Necroptosis in hippocampal neurons can lead to neuroinflammation, thus contributeing to paclitaxel-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for the elderly patients with osteoporotic ankle fracture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted to analyze the 88 elderly patients with osteoporotic ankle fracture who had been treated with MDT combined with ERAS or non-MDT at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from January 2021 to January 2024. According to whether MDT was adopted or not, this cohort was assigned into 2 groups using the propensity score matching method: a MDT group and a non-MDT group with a matching ratio of 1∶1 (44 cases per group). The 2 groups were compared in terms of choice of intraoperative fixation, hospital stay, time for return to work/daily life, patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-18) during hospitalization, ankle range of motion at 1 and 3 months after surgery, ankle-hindfoot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, gait, and incidence of complications.Results:There were no significant differences in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P<0.05). The choice of intraoperative fixation, PSQ-18 [(78.4±8.5) points], AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at 3 months after operation [(75.4±8.2) points], and gait in the MDT group were significantly better than those in the non-MDT group [(74.2±9.6) points and (70.9±9.4) points] ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the hospital stay or time for return to work/daily life between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference either in ankle dorsiflexion or plantarflexion, VAS for pain, or incidence of complications between the 2 groups at 1 or 3 months after surgery, as well as in AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score or gait at 1 month after surgery ( P>0.05). Conclusion:MDT combined with ERAS can effectively increase the therapeutic efficacy for the elderly patients with osteoporotic ankle fracture, improve their function of affected limbs, and enhance their patient satisfaction.

Objective:To evaluate the stability of percutaneous screw fixation for minimally invasive treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using three-dimensional finite element analysis.Methods:CT scan was performed on the calcaneus of a normal adult for three-dimensional reconstruction. The DICOM data were imported into Mimics software to establish a model of a Sanders type IIB intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Based on the Essex-Lopresti classification of posterior facet morphology, the model was subdivided into two subtypes: tongue-type and depression-type. The calcaneus was divided into four fragments: sustentaculum tali, posterior tuberosity, anterior process (three points), and posterior articular surface (one surface). Two types of fixation methods, classical lateral anatomical plates and combinations of percutaneous screws, were simulated and performed. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted by applying a stress combination of 420 N on the posterior subtalar articular surface, 200 N on the middle subtalar articular surface, and 300 N at the Achilles tendon insertion point. The maximum displacement and von Mises stress values of each bone fragment and implant were recorded to evaluate the biomechanical stability. For clinical validation, 34 patients with Sanders type IIB calcaneal fractures from Orthopedics Department of the Sixth Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University were treated with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation using the following configurations.Results:Under simulated stress, the A4 group with medial support screws in the tongue-type fracture subgroup demonstrated minimal overall calcaneal displacement (0.22 mm) and internal fixation displacement (0.14 mm). For the depression-type, the B2 group with medial support screws showed lower maximum stress in the calcaneus and internal fixation, at 22.04 MPa and 41.14 MPa, respectively, along with the lowest overall displacement (0.14 mm). The peak stress of all groups of implants remained below the material yield strength. The A4 and B2 protocols were applied to 15 cases of tongue-type calcaneal fractures and 19 cases of collapse-type calcaneal fractures. At the final follow-up The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score scale was 86.1±5.82 and 87.2±5.18, respectively, while the visual analog scale for pain was 1.60±1.24 and 1.58±1.02, respectively.Conclusions:Percutaneous screw fixation provided reliable stability for Sanders type IIB calcaneal fractures. The fixation configuration incorporating a medial support screw offers superior biomechanical performance in both tongue-type and depression-type fractures, representing an optimized minimally invasive technique with strong clinical applicability.

Objective:To evaluate the role of necroptosis in paclitaxel-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice.Methods:Thirty SPF healthy male C57BL/6N mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: vehicle control group (Veh group), paclitaxel group (PTX group), and paclitaxel+ a specific inhibitor of necroptosis Necrostatin-1 group (P+ N group). In PTX group and P+ N group, paclitaxel 10 mg/kg (diluted to 5 mg/ml in anhydrous ethanol and castor oil [1∶1], and further diluted to 1 mg/ml in 0.9% normal saline before use) was intraperitoneally injected daily for 7 consecutive days to induce cognitive dysfunction. P+ N group received an intraperitoneal injection of Necrostatin-1 6.5 mg/kg (diluted to 10 mg/ml in dimethyl sulfoxide, and further diluted to 1 mg/ml in 0.9% normal saline before use) at 2 h before paclitaxel administration every other day, 4 times in total. Veh group received the equal volume of solvent at the matched time points as previously described in P+ N group. After establishment of the model, spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed using the open field test, followed by the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze to evaluate the cognitive function. The animals were sacrificed after the end of the Morris water maze test, and the hippocampal tissues were collected for determination of the expression of necroptosis-related proteins receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), and phospho-MLKL (p-MLKL) (by Western blot analysis) and contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (double immunofluorescence staining) and for observation of the localization of programmed necrosis cells (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:There were no significant differences in the total distance traveled and mean movement speed in the open field test or swimming speed in the Morris water maze test among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared to Veh group, the time spent in the central zone in the open field and time spent in the original platform quadrant were significantly shortened, the discrimination index was decreased, the escape latency was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and p-MLKL was up-regulated, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased, and the number of RIPK1-positive neurons was increased in PTX group ( P<0.05). Compared to PTX group, the time spent in the central zone in the open field test and time spent in the original platform quadrant were significantly prolonged, the discrimination index was increased, the escape latency was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and p-MLKL was down-regulated, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased, and the number of RIPK1-positive neurons was decreased in P+ N group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Necroptosis in hippocampal neurons can lead to neuroinflammation, thus contributeing to paclitaxel-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for the elderly patients with osteoporotic ankle fracture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted to analyze the 88 elderly patients with osteoporotic ankle fracture who had been treated with MDT combined with ERAS or non-MDT at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from January 2021 to January 2024. According to whether MDT was adopted or not, this cohort was assigned into 2 groups using the propensity score matching method: a MDT group and a non-MDT group with a matching ratio of 1∶1 (44 cases per group). The 2 groups were compared in terms of choice of intraoperative fixation, hospital stay, time for return to work/daily life, patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-18) during hospitalization, ankle range of motion at 1 and 3 months after surgery, ankle-hindfoot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, gait, and incidence of complications.Results:There were no significant differences in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P<0.05). The choice of intraoperative fixation, PSQ-18 [(78.4±8.5) points], AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at 3 months after operation [(75.4±8.2) points], and gait in the MDT group were significantly better than those in the non-MDT group [(74.2±9.6) points and (70.9±9.4) points] ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the hospital stay or time for return to work/daily life between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference either in ankle dorsiflexion or plantarflexion, VAS for pain, or incidence of complications between the 2 groups at 1 or 3 months after surgery, as well as in AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score or gait at 1 month after surgery ( P>0.05). Conclusion:MDT combined with ERAS can effectively increase the therapeutic efficacy for the elderly patients with osteoporotic ankle fracture, improve their function of affected limbs, and enhance their patient satisfaction.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is one of important factors against from the damage under oxidative stress in human body. A high proportion of East Asians carry ALDH2 inactive mutation gene. There are many diseases closely related to ALDH2, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and liver diseases. Recent studies also have found that ALDH2 is associated with ferroptosis. Therefore, ALDH2 has becoming a potential target for the treatment of the above related diseases. Several types of small molecule activators with potential value of clinical application have been reported. The research progress on the structure and function of ALDH2 , the relationship with human diseases and its activators were summarized in this paper.