Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and management experience of complications in patients with cervical necrotizing fasciitis （CNF） with or without descending necrotizing mediastinitis （DNM）, in order to provide a basis for optimizing diagnosis and treatment strategies. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 31 patients diagnosed with CNF and DNM at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between October 2019 and March 2024. A comprehensive evaluation was performed based on the patients' clinical characteristics, metagenomic next-generation sequencing （mNGS） pathogen detection results, imaging assessments, surgical interventions, management approaches for specific complications, and prognostic outcomes. Results:Among the 31 patients, 10 had severe diabetes mellitus. Etiological analysis was summarized as follows: 5 cases were odontogenic, 3 were of tonsillar origin, 3 were due to endogenous esophageal injury, 2 were due to exogenous cervical trauma, 2 originated from a congenital branchial cleft fistula, and 16 cases had an unknown etiology. Among them, 29 patients underwent surgery via an external cervical approach, 1 patient underwent surgery via an intraoral approach, and 1 patient received ultrasound-guided puncture and drainage therapy. Ultimately, 29 patients were cured and discharged （including 1 patient who experienced two instances of major neck vessel rupture and successfully underwent two interventional embolization procedures for hemostasis）; 2 patients died after failed rescue efforts due to concurrent sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. The treatment success rate was 93%, and the mortality rate was 7%. In this cohort of CNF and DNM cases, only a minority had a clearly identified odontogenic cause; although the etiology was unknown in most cases, imaging consistently showed oropharyngeal lymph node necrosis, suggesting a possible pharyngeal origin of infection in adults. The mNGS pathogen profile was predominantly Gram-positive bacteria, accompanied by anaerobic bacilli and fungi. Conclusion:CNF and DNM are severe and rapidly progressive conditions that can lead to life-threatening complications within hours. Timely recognition can reduce unnecessary examinations and expedite treatment.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing/therapy* ; Mediastinitis/complications* ; Neck/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVE To investigate a suspected hospital-acquired infection cluster of Enterococcus faecium(Efm)in a neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,identify the source of infection and transmission routes,and provide a reference for precise prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections.METHODS Epidemiological investigations and environmental microbiological sam-pling were conducted for two neonates with Efm bloodstream infections in the NICU in Jul.2024 to detect Efm in the ward environment.Whole-genome average nucleotide identity(ANI)and multilocus sequence typing(MLST)were used to analyze the homology,drug resistance,and virulence factors of Efm isolates from patients and envi-ronments.Targeted intervention measures were proposed.RESULTS Two cases of Efm bloodstream infection were detected.A total of 37 environmental specimens were collected,and 2 were cultured Efm(the wipe dispenser o-pening and incubator handle of the patients).The drug susceptibility testing results of 2 environmental specimens were consistent with those of the two patient specimens.Genomic analysis confirmed high homology(ANI＞99.99％)among the four Efm isolates.After implementing a series of measures including centralized isolation,strict hand hygiene,thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection,strict disinfection and management of inva-sive devices,enhanced grouping of medical staff for diagnosis and treatment,the incident was effectively con-trolled.CONCLUSIONS This incident can be determined as cluster of hospital-acquired infection with Enterococcus faecium in the neonatal intensive care unit.The wet wipes are the source or transmission medium of contamina-tion.Inadequate disinfection of items and the environment,and insufficient hand hygiene of medical staff are the main reasons for this infection outbreak.Early identification of abnormal cluster of infection,investigation of the source of infection and transmission routes and timely implementation of targeted measures are the keys for preventing infection outbreaks.

Objective To explore the role of dapansutrile(OLT1177)in radiation-induced intestinal injury and the mechanism.Methods C57BL/6J mice were locally irradiated in the abdomen with 60Co to induce a model of radiation-induced intestinal injury.OLT1177 was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 100 mg/kg 2 hours before irradiation and 6 hours after irradiation before the drug was administered once a day.At 12 hours after irradiation,intestinal tissues were taken for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining to detect apoptosis in intestinal tissues.At 4 days after irradiation,mouse serum was collected to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)stainingwas used for the evaluation of the damage to the intestinal villus structure.Immunohistochemical staining was adopted to detect the changes in crypt proliferation in intestinal tissues.Finally,proteins were isolated from intestinal tissues,and Western blotting was employed to evaluate the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome.Results After irradiation,the intestinal villi in mice were shortened.Meanwhile,there was a notable declinein the number of cells that were proliferating in the crypts,a surge in the number of apoptotic cells,and a significant spike in the overall inflammatory level.However,administration of OLT1177 inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome,reduced apoptosis and pyroptosis,decreased the inflammatory level,and thus improved radiation-induced intestinal injury.Conclusion Administration of OLT1177 can significantly mitigate radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules on JNK signaling molecules and their phosphorylated proteins in postmenopausal osteoporosis model female mice.Methods:The rats were divided into sham-operation group, blank group, model group, positive drug group, and Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group according to the random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. The model group, the positive drug group and the Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group were prepared by bilateral ovarian detomy to prepare a female mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The positive drug group was given 0.9 mg/kg of alendronate sodium, the Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group was given was Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules 1.944 g/kg for gavage, and the blank group, sham-operation group, and model group were given the same volume of normal saline for gavage, once a day for a total of 13 weeks. Rat vaginal exfoliated cells were stained with Wright's staining; serum Omentin-1 and 25(OH)D 3 levels were determined by ELISA; renal tissue and femoral structure were observed by HE staining; JNK and p-JNK protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemical staining; JNK mRNA levels were detected by PCR. Results:Compared with the model group, the serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and Omentin-1 in the Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules group and the positive drug group increased ( P<0.01), the mean gray values of JNK and p-JNK protein in bone and kidney tissues decreased ( P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of JNK in bone and kidney tissues decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules can effectively improve the bone microstructure of postmenopausal osteoporotic rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of JNK signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the thumbs in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of children with congenital hypertrophic epiphysis deformity of the distal phalanx of the thumb treated by precisely located intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy in Dongguan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. Preoperative X-ray films all showed asymmetric thickening of the secondary ossification centers, presenting as triangular, elliptical, unequal trapezoidal, and bipartite epiphyseal fusion shapes respectively. During the operation, precise localization was performed, and wedge osteotomy was conducted at 1.5 mm from the articular surface. The osteotomy angle and volume were adjusted according to the morphology of the hypertrophic epiphysis and the comprehensive condition of the distal and proximal phalanges, with axial over-correction of approximately 10° for fixation. Six months after surgery, the ulnar deviation angle of the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, the maximum passive flexion angle, and the thickness of the distal epiphyseal plate on X-ray were followed up. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests before and after surgery, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 32 children with 34 thumbs were included, aged from 6 months to 8 years old, with an average age of 2.1 years old. There were 27 thumbs accompanied by radial polydactyly, the main and accessory thumbs were clear, and the epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the main thumb was thickened. The lateral deviation angle of the distal phalanx of the thumb before surgery was (35.6±13.2)° (15.0°-67.0°), the maximum passive flexion range was (62.8±7.7)° (38.0°-80.0°), and the maximum thickness of the distal phalanx epiphysis in the X-ray was (3.7±0.9) mm (2.3-5.9 mm). All surgeries of all children were successfully completed, the wounds healed well without redness, swelling or infection. Patients were discharged smoothly. The average follow-up time after surgery was 13 month (rang from 6-22 months), with an average deviation angle of (7.6±5.6)° (1.8°-13.4°) in the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint, compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.36, P=0.012). Five thumbs had residual ulnar deviation after surgery, with an average deviation of (16.6±2.3)° (12.0°-20.0°), two cases had corrected positive radial deviation (15°, 18°), while the other cases had no significant ulnar deviation in the distal phalanx of the thumb. The average maximum angle of passive flexion of the distal thumb after surgery was (62.9±7.5)° (35.0°-80.0°), compared with before surgery, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=0.16, P=0.359). The average maximum thickness of the distal epiphyses on postoperative X-rays was (1.9±0.5) mm (1.2-3.1 mm), compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.04, P=0.012). The epiphyses were flat and round, and the growth lines were normal. Conclusion:Using precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy, combined with postoperative fixation with mild overcorrection for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis at distal phalanx of the thumb in children, can achieve satisfactory correction of deviation, significantly shorten and improve the morphology of the epiphysis without affecting the growth plate, and cause minimal impact on joint flexion activity.

Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) has been confirmed as a key transcription factor in the occurrence and development of tumors, which is closely related to the malignant biological behaviors such as the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. This article summarizes the latest progress of KLF5 in tumor research, explores the mechanism and role of KLF5 in promoting tumor progression, aiming to further explore the potential of KLF5 as a therapeutic target and bring new thinking to the research in this field.

Objective To assess the prognostic value of serum lysine hydroxylase 3(PLOD3)and cytokeratin 19 fragment(CYFRA21-1)in predicting the efficacy of three-dimensional brachytherapy in patients with pulmonary metastases.Methods A total of 102 patients with lung metastases who underwent three-dimensional brachytherapy at our hospital were selected as the lung metastasis group from August 2021 to August 2023.During the same period,a control group consisting of 60 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations was selected.The lung metastasis group was further divided into an effective group(n=66)and an ineffective group(n=36)based on therapeutic outcomes.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of serum PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1.Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the efficacy of three-dimensional brachytherapy in the lung metastasis group.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the predictive value of serum PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1 for treatment efficacy.Results The levels of serum PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1 in the case group were(34.47±6.17)μg/L,(27.85±5.14)μg/L,respectively,which exhibited significantly higher values compared to those observed in the control group(7.26±2.21)μg/L,(9.31±2.46)μg/L(P<0.05).A positive correlation was found between serum PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1 in the Lung metastasis group(r=0.667,P=0.000).Logistic regression analysis revealed that multiple metastatic lesions along with elevated serum levels of PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1 were identified as risk factors for the efficacy of three-dimensional brachytherapy in patients with lung metastases(P<0.05).Furthermore,when combined with three-dimensional brachytherapy,the area under the curve(AUC)for serum PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1 was calcu-lated as 0.868,demonstrating a superior performance compared to individual measurements of either serum PLOD3 alone(AUC=0.815)or CYFRA21-1 alone(P<0.05).Conclusions The levels of serum PLOD3 and CYFRA21-1 are elevated in patients with lung metastases,exhibiting a significant correlation with the efficacy of three-dimensional brachytherapy.The combined utilization of these two biomarkers demonstrates a robust predictive value for treatment efficacy in patients suffering from lung metastases.

Objective:To analyze the iodine nutrition status and its related factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Zhejiang Province in 2022.Methods:A multistage stratified sampling method was used to select 4 320 adults aged 18 years and above from 16 on-site survey sites in Zhejiang Province for the study. A questionnaire was used to investigate the general demographic information and personal dietary characteristics of the study participants. Household edible salt and urine samples were collected to detect salt iodine content and urinary iodine level by using direct titration and cerium arsenate-catalyzed spectrophotometry, respectively, to evaluate the iodine nutritional status according to the standard. The multiple-ordered logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the urinary iodine concentration.Results:The age of the 4 320 study participants was (51.19±15.33) years, with males accounting for 44.44% (1 920). About 40.16% of adults (1 735) were from coastal areas and 56.37% (2 435) from urban areas. The salt iodine content, M ( Q1, Q3), of the 4 320 household edible salt samples was 21.10 (0.00, 24.16) mg/kg, including 1 662 non-iodized salt samples, 182 unqualified iodized salt samples and 2 476 qualified iodized salt samples. The rate of iodized salt coverage was 61.53%, and the rate of qualified iodized salt consumption was 57.31%. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of qualified iodized salt in adult households among different regions ( P<0.001), with the proportion of non-iodized salt gradually decreasing from coastal to inland areas ( χ 2trend=618.458, P<0.001). The urinary iodine concentration M ( Q1, Q3) was 137.60 (86.85, 210.60) μg/L in 4 320 adult urine samples, with the urinary iodine levels of<100, 100-199, 200-299, and≥300 μg/L accounting for 31.64% (1 367), 40.56% (1 752), 17.66% (763), and 10.14% (438), respectively. There was a nonlinear positive correlation between household salt iodine content and urinary iodine level in adults aged 18 years and above by using the χ 2 test for trend ( χ 2regression=231.10, P<0.001 and χ 2skew=28.81, P<0.001). Urinary iodine concentrations were higher in men than in women ( P=0.029) and higher in adults in rural areas than in urban areas ( P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of iodine nutritional status among adults of different ages, regions, and urban and rural areas (all P<0.001). The proportion of those with urinary iodine levels<100 μg/L gradually increased with age ( χ 2trend=37.493, P<0.001), and gradually decreased from coastal areas to inland areas ( χ 2trend=71.381, P<0.001). The results of the multiple-ordered logistic regression model analysis showed that compared with adults aged 18 to 44 years and male adults, those aged 45 to 59 years and female adults had lower urinary iodine levels, with OR (95% CI) of 0.75 (0.68-0.83) and 0.85 (0.76-0.95), respectively. Compared with adults in coastal and urban adults, those in sub-coastal, inland and rural adults had higher levels of urinary iodine, with OR (95% CI) of 1.89 (1.63-2.19), 2.02 (1.72-2.37) and 1.46 (1.28-1.66), respectively. Conclusion:The overall iodine nutrition level of adults aged 18 years and above in Zhejiang Province in 2022 is generally appropriate. However, there is a potential risk of iodine deficiency among adults in coastal areas.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the thumbs in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of children with congenital hypertrophic epiphysis deformity of the distal phalanx of the thumb treated by precisely located intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy in Dongguan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. Preoperative X-ray films all showed asymmetric thickening of the secondary ossification centers, presenting as triangular, elliptical, unequal trapezoidal, and bipartite epiphyseal fusion shapes respectively. During the operation, precise localization was performed, and wedge osteotomy was conducted at 1.5 mm from the articular surface. The osteotomy angle and volume were adjusted according to the morphology of the hypertrophic epiphysis and the comprehensive condition of the distal and proximal phalanges, with axial over-correction of approximately 10° for fixation. Six months after surgery, the ulnar deviation angle of the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, the maximum passive flexion angle, and the thickness of the distal epiphyseal plate on X-ray were followed up. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests before and after surgery, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 32 children with 34 thumbs were included, aged from 6 months to 8 years old, with an average age of 2.1 years old. There were 27 thumbs accompanied by radial polydactyly, the main and accessory thumbs were clear, and the epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the main thumb was thickened. The lateral deviation angle of the distal phalanx of the thumb before surgery was (35.6±13.2)° (15.0°-67.0°), the maximum passive flexion range was (62.8±7.7)° (38.0°-80.0°), and the maximum thickness of the distal phalanx epiphysis in the X-ray was (3.7±0.9) mm (2.3-5.9 mm). All surgeries of all children were successfully completed, the wounds healed well without redness, swelling or infection. Patients were discharged smoothly. The average follow-up time after surgery was 13 month (rang from 6-22 months), with an average deviation angle of (7.6±5.6)° (1.8°-13.4°) in the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint, compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.36, P=0.012). Five thumbs had residual ulnar deviation after surgery, with an average deviation of (16.6±2.3)° (12.0°-20.0°), two cases had corrected positive radial deviation (15°, 18°), while the other cases had no significant ulnar deviation in the distal phalanx of the thumb. The average maximum angle of passive flexion of the distal thumb after surgery was (62.9±7.5)° (35.0°-80.0°), compared with before surgery, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=0.16, P=0.359). The average maximum thickness of the distal epiphyses on postoperative X-rays was (1.9±0.5) mm (1.2-3.1 mm), compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.04, P=0.012). The epiphyses were flat and round, and the growth lines were normal. Conclusion:Using precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy, combined with postoperative fixation with mild overcorrection for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis at distal phalanx of the thumb in children, can achieve satisfactory correction of deviation, significantly shorten and improve the morphology of the epiphysis without affecting the growth plate, and cause minimal impact on joint flexion activity.

Objective To explore the application effect of personalized osteotomy guide plate in high tibial osteotomy for patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 99 patients with KOA who underwent open wedge high tibial osteotomy(OWHTO)in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a study group(50 cases)and a control group(49 cases)using a random number table method.The control group received traditional medial OWHTO treatment,and the study group received a combination of medial OWHTO and personalized osteotomy guide plate treatment.The indexes of operation and postoperative rehabilitation,serum inflammatory stress factor[C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),cortisol(Cor),adrenocorticotropin(ACTH)],anatomical structure of knee joint[tibial plateau posterior Angle(PTSA),proximal medial tibial Angle(MPT A),hip knee ankle Angle(HKA)],knee function,ACL shape and function,postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results The amount of bleeding,the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy,and the postoperative drainage volume in the study group were(138.69±24.03)ml,(4.83±1.07)times,and(228.95±38.72)ml,respectively,which were all less than those in the control group(154.28±27.16)ml,(7.15±1.14)times,and(271.61±42.19)ml.In the study group,the operation time,incision length,and hospitalization time were(40.96±7.28)min,(8.96±0.85)cm,and(10.73±2.05)d,respectively,which were all shorter than those in the control group[(52.31±10.12)min,(9.51±1.03)cm,and(12.16±2.37)d],with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The levels of serum CRP,TNF-α,Cor,and ACTH in the study group on the 3rd day after the operation were(31.36±4.68)mg/L,(26.71±3.84)ng/ml,(241.28±27.45)ng/ml,and(18.65±3.01)pmol/L,respectively,which were lower than those in the control group[(35.07±5.16)mg/L,(30.29±4.15)ng/ml,(279.65±30.12)ng/ml,and(21.73±3.28)pmol/L,respectively],and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS)knee score and Knee Society Score(KSS)of the study group at 12 months after surgery were(81.24±6.85)points and(78.26±6.14)points,respectively,which were higher than those of the control group[(78.08±6.42)points and(75.53±5.82)points,respectively],with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05);at the 12th month after surgery,the width of the ACL body in the study group was(5.68±0.71)mm,which was greater than that in the control group[(5.12±0.64)mm].The amount of anterior tibial displacement was(5.81±0.43)mm,which was smaller than that in the control group(6.19±0.41)mm,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);the incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was 4.00％,which was lower than that in the control group(18.37％),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The combined treatment of medial OWHTO and personalized osteotomy guide plate can reduce surgical trauma in patients with KOA,lower the incidence of complications,facilitate patient recovery,while maintaining the morphology and function of the ACL,and improving prognosis.