PURPOSE: The rate of complications among patients undergoing surgery has increased due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern. However, Omicron has shown decreased pathogenicity, raising questions about the risk of postoperative complications among patients who are infected with this variant. This study aimed to investigate complications and related factors among patients with recent Omicron infection prior to undergoing orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A historical control study was conducted. Data were collected from all patients who underwent surgery during 2 distinct periods: (1) between Dec 12, 2022 and Jan 31, 2023 (COVID-19 positive group), (2) between Dec 12, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022 (COVID-19 negative control group). The patients were at least 18 years old. Patients who received conservative treatment after admission or had high-risk diseases or special circumstances (use of anticoagulants before surgery) were excluded from the study. The study outcomes were the total complication rate and related factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on complications. RESULTS: In the analysis, a total of 847 patients who underwent surgery were included, with 275 of these patients testing positive for COVID-19 and 572 testing negative. The COVID-19-positive group had a significantly higher rate of total complications (11.27%) than the control group (4.90%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the OR was 3.08 (95% CI: 1.45-6.53). Patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at 3-4 weeks (OR = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.06-0.59), p = 0.005), 5-6 weeks (OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04-0.59), p = 0.010), or ≥7 weeks (OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06-1.02), p = 0.069) prior to surgery had a lower risk of complications than those who were diagnosed at 0-2 weeks prior to surgery. Seven factors (age, indications for surgery, time of operation, time of COVID-19 diagnosis prior to surgery, C-reactive protein levels, alanine transaminase levels, and aspartate aminotransferase levels) were found to be associated with complications; thus, these factors were used to create a nomogram. CONCLUSION Omicron continues to be a significant factor in the incidence of postoperative complications among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. By identifying the factors associated with these complications, we can determine the optimal surgical timing, provide more accurate prognostic information, and offer appropriate consultation for orthopedic surgery patients who have been infected with Omicron.
Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Nomograms ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Severe open tibiofibular fractures account for approximately 28.1% of all open fractures. Among them, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB/C fractures present significant clinical challenges due to associated bone and soft tissue defects, high infection rates, and risk of amputation. Inadequate preoperative assessment may lead to suboptimal emergency surgical planning or intraoperative complications. Historically, external fixation was often preferred, but this approach has been associated with limitations such as restricted joint mobility, delayed bone union, joint stiffness, and disuse osteoporosis, resulting in poor functional recovery. With advancements of debridement techniques, standardization of antibiotic use, and popularization of early soft tissue coverage, early internal fixation has gained broader acceptance. Nevertheless, controversies persist regarding the choice of fixation method, timing of definitive fixation, use of reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing, and necessity of fibular fixation. To standardize the diagnosis and early management of severe open tibiofibular fractures, reduce complication rates, and improve functional recovery, the Society of Microsurgery of the Chinese Medical Association organized a panel of domestic experts to develop the Evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures ( version 2025), using evidence-based methodology. The guidelines provided 12 recommendations covering diagnostic and early fixation strategies of severe open tibiofibular fractures, aiming to provide clinicians with scientifically grounded and standardized guidance.

Objective To verify the efficacy of a domestic human DNA quantification kit based on real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR in detecting the total human DNA concentration,male DNA concen-tration in mixed male/female DNA samples,the degree of DNA degradation and inhibitor tolerance.Methods Samples with different concentrations,different male/female ratios,different concentrations of inhibitors,and different degradation degrees were tested using the domestic human DNA quantification kit based on real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.This kit was compared with a similar product on the market and was applied to the detection of DNA from real cases.Results This human DNA quan-tification kit can effectively detect human DNA as low as 0.001 65 ng/μL,and 6.25 pg/μL of male DNA in mixed samples with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶15 000.Even when the sample contains as high as 400 ng/μL of humic acid or 1 000 μmol/L of hemin alone,the DNA concentration can still be accurately detected.The degradation index can effectively characterize the degradation degree of the sample.This kit has been successfully applied in forensic practice.Conclusion This human DNA quan-tification kit is accurate and reliable in detection.It can accurately reflect the degradation of DNA and inhibitor tolerance.It has good performance in quantitative accuracy,determination of the male/female ratio in mixed samples,and inhibitor tolerance.It has application potential in forensic case examination.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of implementing a domestic vehicle-mounted remote mobile robotic surgical system in thyroid surgery applications, integrated with 5G communication technology.Methods:Using the main system located on the vehicle-mounted mobile robot operating platform of the 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force and the slave system of Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, the remote radical thyroidectomy 5G communication technology, and analyze the clinical and information transmission data of two female patients who underwent remote mobile robot thyroid cancer surgery on October 21, 2024 at Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.Results:The remote radical thyroidectomy was conducted by the robosurgeons utilizing a vehicle-mounted mobile robotic surgical system, and the procedure was successfully completed without necessitating intermediate open surgery. The operation durations for patient 1 and patient 2 were 135 minutes and 108 minutes, respectively, with 7 and 13 lymph nodes dissected, respectively. The average delay in surgical data transmission was recorded at 61.9 milliseconds, with no instances of signal interruption or frame loss. The procedure proceeded smoothly, without any jamming, and the audio and video transmissions were consistently clear. Follow up for 21 days after surgery showed no complications such as hoarseness, skin damage, or lymphatic fistula.Conclusion:The implementation of a vehicle-mounted remote mobile robotic surgery system for thyroid surgery has demonstrated safety and feasibility. Furthermore, the utilization of the 5G network offers rapid data transmission and minimal latency, closely approximating the therapeutic efficacy of traditional robotic thyroidectomy.

Objective:To summarise the main points of operation during thyroid surgery using bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) with a domestic robot and to analyse the learning curve.Methods:From May. 2023 to Oct. 2023, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 38 patients who underwent thyroid surgery with domestically manufactured robot via BABA attending the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, proposed and constructed learning curves using cumulative and analytical methods to study the minimum number of learning cases required for the loading time of assistants and surgeon-in-charge with da Vinci surgical experience to transition from the initial learning stage to the proficiency stage. The age, BMI, surgical time (loading time, operating time), postoperative drainage time, and number of lymph nodes dissected were compared among patients at different stages of the learning curve.Results:A total of 38 thyroidectomy patients successfully underwent surgery, with an average surgical time of (176.61 ± 47.98) minutes. After 18 cases, the assistant's loading time shortened and stabilized at (42.20 ± 3.44) minutes. The operator reached peak proficiency at the 18th case (loading time, operating time), which was considered the dividing point between the learning phase and the proficiency phase. During the learning phase, the average surgical time was (209.72 ± 49.28) minutes, operation time: (165.44 ± 49.93) minutes, while in the proficiency phase, the average surgical time decreased to 146.80 ± 18.34 minutes, operation time: (104.60 ± 19.01) minutes. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, postoperative drainage time, or the number of central compartment lymph nodes dissected between the two phases ( P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Over the results of this study, it was shown that for robosurgeons with experience in da Vinci robotic surgery, the transition from the learning stage to the proficiency stage could be considered after crossing the learning curve for 18 cases, and that assistants could become proficient in loading techniques after 18 procedures.

Severe open tibiofibular fractures account for approximately 28.1% of all open fractures. Among them, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB/C fractures present significant clinical challenges due to associated bone and soft tissue defects, high infection rates, and risk of amputation. Inadequate preoperative assessment may lead to suboptimal emergency surgical planning or intraoperative complications. Historically, external fixation was often preferred, but this approach has been associated with limitations such as restricted joint mobility, delayed bone union, joint stiffness, and disuse osteoporosis, resulting in poor functional recovery. With advancements of debridement techniques, standardization of antibiotic use, and popularization of early soft tissue coverage, early internal fixation has gained broader acceptance. Nevertheless, controversies persist regarding the choice of fixation method, timing of definitive fixation, use of reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing, and necessity of fibular fixation. To standardize the diagnosis and early management of severe open tibiofibular fractures, reduce complication rates, and improve functional recovery, the Society of Microsurgery of the Chinese Medical Association organized a panel of domestic experts to develop the Evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures ( version 2025), using evidence-based methodology. The guidelines provided 12 recommendations covering diagnostic and early fixation strategies of severe open tibiofibular fractures, aiming to provide clinicians with scientifically grounded and standardized guidance.

Objective:To summarise the main points of operation during thyroid surgery using bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) with a domestic robot and to analyse the learning curve.Methods:From May. 2023 to Oct. 2023, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 38 patients who underwent thyroid surgery with domestically manufactured robot via BABA attending the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, proposed and constructed learning curves using cumulative and analytical methods to study the minimum number of learning cases required for the loading time of assistants and surgeon-in-charge with da Vinci surgical experience to transition from the initial learning stage to the proficiency stage. The age, BMI, surgical time (loading time, operating time), postoperative drainage time, and number of lymph nodes dissected were compared among patients at different stages of the learning curve.Results:A total of 38 thyroidectomy patients successfully underwent surgery, with an average surgical time of (176.61 ± 47.98) minutes. After 18 cases, the assistant's loading time shortened and stabilized at (42.20 ± 3.44) minutes. The operator reached peak proficiency at the 18th case (loading time, operating time), which was considered the dividing point between the learning phase and the proficiency phase. During the learning phase, the average surgical time was (209.72 ± 49.28) minutes, operation time: (165.44 ± 49.93) minutes, while in the proficiency phase, the average surgical time decreased to 146.80 ± 18.34 minutes, operation time: (104.60 ± 19.01) minutes. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, postoperative drainage time, or the number of central compartment lymph nodes dissected between the two phases ( P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Over the results of this study, it was shown that for robosurgeons with experience in da Vinci robotic surgery, the transition from the learning stage to the proficiency stage could be considered after crossing the learning curve for 18 cases, and that assistants could become proficient in loading techniques after 18 procedures.

Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an endogenous vasoconstrictor implicated in coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of ET-1 in the patients with stable CAD under different glucose metabolism states. Methods: In this prospective, large-cohort study, we consecutively enrolled 7,947 participants with angiography-diagnosed stable CAD from April 2011 to April 2017. Patients were categorized by baseline glycemic status into three groups (normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes) and further divided into nine groups by circulating ET-1 levels. Patients were followed for the occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVEs), including nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Results: Of the 7,947 subjects, 3,352, 1,653, and 2,942 had normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 37.5 months, 381 (5.1%) CVEs occurred. The risk for CVEs was significantly higher in patients with elevated ET-1 levels after adjustment for potential confounders. When patients were categorized by both status of glucose metabolism and plasma ET-1 levels, the high ET-1 levels were associated with higher risk of CVEs in prediabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.089; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.151 to 3.793) and diabetes (adjusted HR, 2.729; 95% CI, 1.623 to 4.588; both P<0.05). Conclusion The present study indicated that baseline plasma ET-1 levels were associated with the prognosis in prediabetic and diabetic patients with stable CAD, suggesting that ET-1 may be a valuable predictor in CAD patients with impaired glucose metabolism.

Background: Triglyceride glucose (TyG) and TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are reliable surrogate indices of insulin resistance and used for risk stratification and outcome prediction in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Here, we inserted estimated average glucose (eAG) into the TyG (TyAG) and TyG-BMI (TyAG-BMI) as derived parameters and explored their clinical significance in cardiovascular risk prediction. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of 9,944 Chinese patients with ASCVD. The baseline admission fasting glucose and A1C-derived eAG values were recorded. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) that occurred during an average of 38.5 months of follow-up were recorded. We stratified the patients into four groups by quartiles of the parameters. Baseline data and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Distribution of the TyAG and TyAG-BMI indices shifted slightly toward higher values (the right side) compared with TyG and TyG-BMI, respectively. The baseline levels of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary severity increased with quartile of TyG, TyAG, TyG-BMI, and TyAG-BMI (all P<0.001). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for CVEs when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared from low to high were 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.36; TyG), 1.29 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.73; TyAG), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.58; TyG-BMI), and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.16 to 3.15; TyAG-BMI). The latter two showed statistical significance. Conclusion This study suggests that TyAG and TyAG-BMI exhibit more information than TyG and TyG-BMI in disease progression among patients with ASCVD. The TyAG-BMI index provided better predictive performance for CVEs than other parameters.

Objective To analyze the causes of changes in the prevalence of respiratory diseases and the reason for changes in medical visit behavior of children in Zhejiang Province during the winter and spring seasons of 2019-2021, and to provide important reference for the allocation of hospital resources, implementation of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, and epidemic prevention and control. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 256 937 outpatient medical records from January 23rd to April 23rd of each year from 2019 to 2021 at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Statistical methods were used for data analysis. Results A total of 256 937 cases were selected in the present study, including 157 000 cases in 2019, 22 192 cases in 2020, and 77 745 cases in 2021. The number of patients to the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from outside Hangzhou accounted for 41.74%, 14.36% , and 18.53% in 2019-2021, respectively. For 0~2 years old , 3~6 years old , and 7~14 years old groups , the percentages of patients with upper respiratory tract infections were 49.54%, 45.95%, and 46.74%, respectively ; with lower respiratory tract infections were 42.90% , 31.76% , and 22.95% ; with influenza were 2.23% , 3.15% and 4.09%; and with asthma were 1.37%, 5.08%, and 8.15%, respectively. Conclusion From 2019 to 2021, there have been significant changes in the total number of respiratory diseases in children, the proportion of disease types, and the proportion of children's geographical composition. It is necessary to continue to monitor children's respiratory diseases, grasp the dynamic changes in their medical visits in real time, adjust the hospital admission model , implement the graded treatment policy, and promote the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in children.