Objective:To explore the clinical effect of using great toe fibular flaps of both feet on reconstruction of pulp defects of two neighbouring digits.Methods:A total of 14 digit pulp defects in 7 cases were repaired in Zhoukou Huaihai Hospital using great toe fibular flaps of both feet from August 2020 to January 2023. Of the 7 cases, there were 4 males and 3 females, with an average of 28 years old, ranging from 19 to 45 years old. Meanwhile, there were 4 cases in left hand and 3 cases in right hand. There were 3 cases of digit pulp defects in index and middle fingers, 2 in middle and ring fingers, and 2 in thumb and index fingers. The area of soft tissue defect in 1.2 cm×1.5 cm-3.0 cm×2.5 cm, and flap was 1.5 cm ×1.8 cm-3.2 cm×2.8 cm. Furthermore, 1 case underwent emergency surgery and 5 were repaired in elective surgery. The donor site of the flap was closed directly, and an intermediate-thickness skin graft was prepared from the medial plantar area for transfer in the case of high suture tension at the wound edge. After surgery, patients received postoperative by outpatient clinic and WeChat to observe the appearance, sensation, functional recovery and flap contracture of digits, as well as the movement of the great toes of both feet.Results:After the surgery, all flaps in the 7 cases survived smoothly and the donor sites healed. All patients entered scheduled follow-ups postoperatively for 6 months to 2 years, with an average of 9 months. The flap showed an aesthetic appearance and excellent sensation, with a TPD of 3-6 mm, and satisfactory digit function. The donor site of the great toe fibular flap left linear scars only, without abnormality in range of motion and gait in walking. In addition, there were 5 in excellent and 2 in good according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association.Conclusion:Application of great toe fibular flaps of both feet is an ideal option for the simultaneous repair of pulp defects of two neighbouring digits, which can achieve good reconstructive results.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Anaplasma infections in sheep and goats in Anhui Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into ovine anaplasmosis prevention and control. Methods A total of 355 fresh blood samples were collected from 7 sheep and goat farms in Linquan County of Fuyang City, Lixin County of Bozhou City, Yu'an District of Lu'an City, Wangjiang County of Anqing City, Nanling County of Wuhu City, and Tianchang City and Fengyang County of Chuzhou City in Anhui Province from June to December 2020. A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene, A. ovis major surface protein 4 (MSP4) gene and A. capra citric acid synthase (gltA) gene were amplified using PCR assay in all blood samples, and the prevalence of A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra infections was calculated in sheep and goats. In addition, the positive amplification products were sequenced and subjected to genetic evolutionary analysis. Results The overall prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 17.5% (62/355) in sheep and goats in Anhui Province, and the prevalence of A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra infections was 2.8% (10/355), 2.5% (9/355), 2.5% (9/355), and 7.0% (25/355), while the prevalence of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum and A. capra and A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis co-infections was 0.8% (3/355), 1.1% (4/355), 0.3% (1/355) and 0.3% (1/355), respectively. No Anaplasma was detected in the sheep and goat farms in Fengyang County, while at least three Anaplasma species were detected in other sheep and goat farms, with co-infections of multiple Anaplasma species identified. The prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 14.7% (24/163) in goats and 19.8% (38/192) in sheep, and the prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 31.0% (31/100) in goats and sheep under 6 months of age, and 12.2% (31/255) in goats and sheep at ages of 6 months and older, respectively. A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra were identified in sheep and goats of different breeds and ages. Conclusions Multiple Anaplasma species infections were commonly prevalent in goats and sheep in Anhui Province in 2020, notably A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra, which have zoonotic risks. Improved surveillance and prevention and control of Anaplasma infections are required in sheep and goats in Anhui Province.

Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are nano-sized bilayer vesicles that are shed or secreted by virtually every cell type.A variety of biomolecules,including proteins,lipids,coding and non-coding RNAs,and mitochondrial DNA,can be selectively encapsulated into EVs and delivered to nearby and distant recipient cells,leading to alterations in the recipient cells,suggesting that EVs play an important role in intercellular communication.EVs play effective roles in physiology and pathology and could be used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.At present,although the mechanisms of exosome biogenesis and secretion in donor cells are well understood,the molecular mechanism of EV recognition and uptake by recipient cells is still unclear.This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of EVs'biological journey in recipient cells,from recognition to uptake and cargo release.Furthermore,we highlight how EVs escape endolysosomal degradation after uptake and thus release cargo,which is crucial for studies applying EVs as drug-targeted delivery vehicles.Knowledge of the cellular processes that govern EV uptake is important to shed light on the functions of EVs as well as on related clinical applications.

Objective To improve the water solubility of natural drugs and the efficiency of their transport into the brain,to prepare nanogel dropping pills modified with lactoferrin for loading poorly soluble drugs and investigate the preparation process,and to provide a reference for drug development in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.Methods Using the insoluble drug icariin as the payload,the lactoferrin-modified zinc alginate nanogels were prepared by the reverse-phase microemulsion method.The drug loading and encapsulation rates of icariin in the nanogel were determined by HPLC.Taking the utilizing parameters such as roundness,weight difference and disintegration time as evaluation indicators,the best preparation process of dropping pills was optimized by single factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology.It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,the release behavior of nanogel in dropping pills was explored by basket rotating method,and the brain entry efficiency between sublingual and oral administration of drip pills were compared by fluorescence tracing method.Results The drug loading rate of the nanogel was(2.67±0.05)%,and the encapsulation rate was(84.74±0.03)%by HPLC.The optimal preparation process for lactoferrin modified nanogel dropping pills was as follows:the ratio of matrix to nano gel was 5:1,the drop distance was 5.5 cm,and the condensation temperature was 8.5℃.Using the modified lactoferrin as a marker,its cumulative release rate in vitro reached 92.25%.Fluorescence tracing studies showed that compared to the oral group,sublingual administration of dripping pills facilitated the faster and more effective passage of drugs through the blood-brain barrier,significantly enhanced the efficiency of drug transport into the brain.Conclusion The prepared lactoferrin-modified nanogels can be used as a loading platform for poorly soluble drugs and enhance the drug solubility.When further formulated into dripping pills,it significantly enhances the efficiency of drug transport into the brain after sublingual administration.This also enhances medication compliance among neurodegenerative patients and fulfills the clinical demand for the drug.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIAPF) in reconstruction of soft tissue defects of hand and foot in children.Methods:From August 2021 to August 2023, free SCIAPFs were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of hands and feet in 8 children at the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Zhoukou Huaihai Hospital. There were 6 boys and 2 girls aged between 2 and 7 years old. The sites of soft tissue defect were: 1 of metacarpophalangeal joint in the functional area of left thumb, 2 of dorsal right hand, 1 of dorsal left foot, 2 of medial malleolus of right foot, and 2 of right forefoot, and all were accompanied with tendon and bone exposure. The size of soft tissue defects ranged from 2.5 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×3.5 cm. After emergency debridement, the children received flap transfers, the flaps sized from 3.0 cm×3.5 cm to 7.0 cm×4.0 cm. Donor sites were closed by running intradermal suture. All children were included in the scheduled postoperative follow-up by visit of outpatient clinic, WeChat interviews and home visits to observe the appearance, colour, texture and sensation of the flaps, the functional recovery of the affected hands and feet, as well as the healing of donor sites.Results:After surgery, all 8 flaps survived beside 1 had a partial necrosis at the edge and healed with a scab after dressing change. Flap donor sites healed in one stage. Scheduled postoperative follow-up lasted from 7 to 22 months, with an average of 10 months. The flaps presented a slightly bloated appearance, soft texture with a restored protective sensation and satisfactory functional recovery of hands and feet. Linear scars were left at the donor sites. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 1 child was of excellent and 2 children of good in hand function of the 3 children with hand injury. The Maryland Foot Score revealed 3 children were of excellent and 2 of good in foot function of the 5 children with foot injury.Conclusion:Free SCIAPF is an ideal option for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of hand and foot in children, with concealed donor site, convenient flap harvesting, fewer complications and satisfactory reconstructive effect.

Background/Aims: Four-week treatment of linvencorvir (RO7049389) was generally safe and well tolerated, and showed anti-viral activity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of 48-week treatment with linvencorvir plus standard of care (SoC) in CHB patients. Methods: This was a multicentre, non-randomized, non-controlled, open-label phase 2 study enrolling three cohorts: nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC)-suppressed patients received linvencorvir plus NUC (Cohort A, n=32); treatment-naïve patients received linvencorvir plus NUC without (Cohort B, n=10) or with (Cohort C, n=30) pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFN-α). Treatment duration was 48 weeks, followed by NUC alone for 24 weeks. Results: 68 patients completed the study. No patient achieved functional cure (sustained HBsAg loss and unquantifiable HBV DNA). By Week 48, 89% of treatment-naïve patients (10/10 Cohort B; 24/28 Cohort C) reached unquantifiable HBV DNA. Unquantifiable HBV RNA was achieved in 92% of patients with quantifiable baseline HBV RNA (14/15 Cohort A, 8/8 Cohort B, 22/25 Cohort C) at Week 48 along with partially sustained HBV RNA responses in treatment-naïve patients during follow-up period. Pronounced reductions in HBeAg and HBcrAg were observed in treatment-naïve patients, while HBsAg decline was only observed in Cohort C. Most adverse events were grade 1–2, and no linvencorvir-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions 48-week linvencorvir plus SoC was generally safe and well tolerated, and resulted in potent HBV DNA and RNA suppression. However, 48-week linvencorvir plus NUC with or without Peg-IFN did not result in the achievement of functional cure in any patient.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in captive-bred Mustela putorius furo in Jiangsu Province.. Methods A total of 290 fresh stool samples were collected from a ferret farm in Jiangsu Province on May 2017, and the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium was amplified in stool samples using nested PCR assay. The actin, cowp and gp60 genes were amplified in positive samples and sequenced to characterize Cryptosporidium species/genotypes. Results A total of 18 stool samples were tested positive for Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene, with a detection rate of 6.2%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of SSU rRNA, actin and cowp genes characterized Cryptosporidium isolated from captive-bred ferrets as Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype. In addition, gp60 gene was amplified in 10 out of 18 stool samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Conclusions Cryptosporidium is widely prevalent in captive-bred ferrets in Jiangsu Province, and Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype is the only Cryptosporidium genotype in ferrets.

Objective:To investigate the application value of dual-phase 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT imaging in uremic hyperparathyroidism (uHPT). Methods:Twenty patients (10 males, 10 females, age: (46.8±12.3) years) who were diagnosed with uHPT and underwent neck ultrasound and dual-phase (5, 45 min) 18F-FCH PET/CT imaging at Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between December 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients underwent parathyroidectomy within 1 month after PET/CT imaging. The sensitivity of neck ultrasound and dual-phase 18F-FCH PET/CT imaging for the diagnosis of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands were compared based on the surgical results. The early- and late-phase 18F-FCH PET/CT images were compared visually and quantitatively, and the difference of SUV max between parathyroid hyperplasia and parathyroid adenoma was compared. The correlations between SUV max and important laboratory parameters and the volume of lesions measured on CT were tested. Fisher exact test, paired t test, independent-sample t test and Spearman rank correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 69 masses were removed in 20 patients with uHPT, and 55 parathyroid hyperplasia and 10 parathyroid adenomas were identified by pathology. Dual-phase 18F-FCH PET/CT imaging (87.69%, 57/65) was more sensitive than neck ultrasound (56.92%, 37/65) for the diagnosis of hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland ( P=0.001). The early imaging detected more lesions than late imaging (57 vs 49) respectively, which showing higher sensitivity (87.69%(57/65) vs 75.38%(49/65); P<0.001). The SUV max(5.75±2.21 vs 4.08±1.51) and the corresponding parathyroid-to-thyroid ratio (2.99±0.99 vs 3.57±1.30) were both significantly different between early and late imaging ( t values: 8.28, 4.33, both P<0.001). There were no significant differences between parathyroid hyperplasia and parathyroid adenoma in SUV max(early imaging: 5.08±2.27 vs 6.58±2.24; t=-1.90, P=0.063; late imaging: 3.89±1.54 vs 4.93±1.04; t=-1.94, P=0.059). The sum of SUV max of all lesions in early imaging was not correlated with preoperative serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) or Ca or P or lesion size ( rs values: from -0.22 to 0.06, all P>0.05). Conclusions:Dual-phase 18F-FCH PET/CT imaging has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of uHPT, and early and late imaging shows advantages in different aspects, with good preoperative localization ability. Therefore, for patients with uHPT, it is recommended to complete the dual-phase 18F-FCH PET/CT examination before surgery.

Objective:To investigate Helicobactor pylori (H. pylori) infection status and interfamilial transmission pattern in Zhengzhou area. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to march 2021, among 731 individual from 266 families randomly selected from 9 communities of Zhengzhou area. H. pylori infection status was determined by serum antibody tests, and 13C-urea breath test was performed in the previously eradicated population to clarify the current infection status. The individual and familial infection rate, infection status for couples and children and adolescent were analyzed. Results:Among 731 individuals from 266 families, 397 of them were H. pylori positive. The individual infection rate was 54.31% (397/731); among infected individuals 77.83% (307/397) were infected with type Ⅰ strain, 22.67% (90/397) were infected by type Ⅱ strain. Annual household income ( χ2=0.419, 0.410, 0.213, all P>0.05), smoking history (χ 2=0.071, P>0.05), drinking history ( χ2=0.071, P>0.05), dining place ( χ2=0.009, P>0.05), gastrointestinal symptoms ( χ2=0.047, P>0.05), family history of gastric disease ( χ2=0.069, P>0.05), and history of gastric cancer ( χ2=0.004, P>0.05) had no significant differences between H. pylori-positive and -negative groups, but the infection rate in individuals with higher education level was lower ( χ2=4.449, P<0.05). The infection rate was significantly higher in≥18 age groups compared with<18 age groups ( χ2=6.531, 23.362, 20.671, 24.244, 37.948, 14.597 and 5.170, all P<0.05). The familial H. pylori infection rate was 87.59% (233/266), and in 61 families all member were infected (26.18%, 61/233). The positive rate was 23.08% (6/26) in 50 families with children under 18 years when both parents were infected. Among 231 coupled families, both couples were infected in 78 families (33.76%), one couple was infected in 113 families (48.92%), and both couples were not infected in 40 (17.32%). With the increase of marriage time, the infection rate of both spouses increased significantly ( χ2=7.775, 12.662, 15.487, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The distribution of H. pylori infection presents a family cluster pattern, and intrafamilial infection is an important transmission rout of H. pylori. The type I strain of H. pylori is the dominate strain in this area.

Objective : To investigate the status and influencing factors of self-management behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), so as to provide insights into health management of GDM. Methods: GDM patients admitted to Medical Community General Hospital of Shaoxing Second Hospital were sampled from January to June 2023, and basic characteristics were collected using questionnaire surveys, including age, parity, education level and gestational age. The self-management behaviors were evaluated among GDM patients using the self-management behavior scale, and the social support level was evaluated using the social support scale, while the modes of coping with diseases were identified using the medical coping modes questionnaire (MCMQ). Factors affecting the self-management behaviors were identified among GDM patients using a multiple linear regression model. Results: A total of 120 GDM patients were enrolled, with a mean age of (27.58±3.73) years and gestational age of (22.16±5.82) weeks. The score for self-management behaviors was (118.19±24.86) points among GDM patients, including 15 cases with good self-management behaviors (12.50%), 61 cases with moderate behaviors (50.83%) and 44 cases with poor behaviors (36.67%). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level (high school: β'=0.168; junior college and above: β'=0.187), per capita monthly household income (≥5 000 Yuan, β'=0.305), health education for GDM (β'=0.087), coping mode (avoidance: β'=0.168; acceptance: β'=0.375) and social support level (general: β'=0.184; high: β'=0.429) were factors affecting self-management behaviors among GDM patients. Conclusion The self-management behaviors of GDM patients are associated with educational level, per capita monthly household income, health education for GDM, coping mode and social support level.