1.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
2.Guidelines on the Technical Plan for Emergency Health Response to Acute Gelsemium Poisoning
Jiaxin JIANG ; Ruibo MENG ; Zhongxiang GAO ; Rongzong LI ; Weifeng RONG ; Weihui LIANG ; Shibiao SU ; Jian HUANG ; Cheng JIN ; LlU XIAOYONG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):203-206
Acute Gelsemium poisoning is a systemic disease primarily affecting the central nervous system and respiratory symptoms caused by the ingestion of a substantial amount of Gelsemium within a short period. It manifests as sudden onset and rapid progression, primarily caused by accidental ingestion due to misidentification, and posing significant health risks. The compilation of the Technical Plan for Emergency Health Response to Acute Gelsemium Poisoning describes in detail the specialized practice and technical requirements in the process of handling acute Gelsemium poisoning, including accident investigation and management, laboratory testing and identification, in-hospital treatment, and health monitoring. The guidelines clarify key procedures and requirements such as personal protection, investigation elements, etiology determination, medical rescue, and health education. The key to acute Gelsemium poisoning investigation lies in promptly identifying the toxin through exposure history, clinical manifestations, and sample testing. Because there is no specific antidote for Gelsemium poisoning, immediate removal from exposure, rapid elimination of the toxin, and respiratory monitoring are critical on-site rescue measures. Visual identification of food or herbal materials, followed by laboratory testing to determine Gelsemium alkaloids in samples is a rapid effective screening method. These guidelines offer a scientific, objective, and practical framework to support effective emergency responses to acute Gelsemium poisoning incidences.
3.Chemical and pharmacological research progress on Mongolian folk medicine Syringa pinnatifolia.
Kun GAO ; Chang-Xin LIU ; Jia-Qi CHEN ; Jing-Jing SUN ; Xiao-Juan LI ; Zhi-Qiang HUANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Pei-Feng XUE ; Su-Yi-le CHEN ; Xin DONG ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2080-2089
Syringa pinnatifolia, belonging to the family Oleaceae, is a species endemic to China. It is predominantly distributed in the Helan Mountains region of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia of China. The peeled roots, stems, and thick branches have been used as a distinctive Mongolian medicinal material known as "Shan-chen-xiang", which has effects such as suppressing "khii", clearing heat, and relieving pain and is employed for the treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and joint pain. Over the past five years, significant increase was achieved in research on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. There were a total of 130 new constituents reported, covering sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and alkaloids. Its effects of anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, sedation, and analgesia were revealed, and the mechanisms of agarwood formation were also investigated. To better understand its medical value and potential of clinical application, this review updates the research progress in recent five years focusing on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. pinnatifolia, providing reference for subsequent research on active ingredient and support for its innovative application in modern medicine system.
Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Syringa/chemistry*
4.Anti-endometritis effect of carbonized Scutellariae Radix in mice induced by LPS via inhibiting cell pyroptosis through IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis.
Hong TAO ; Rang-Rang TANG ; Qing SU ; Li HUANG ; Li-Li LI ; De-Ling WU ; Qi HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3024-3034
This paper investigated the inhibitory effect of carbonized Scutellariae Radix(Cb-SR) on pyroptosis in endometrial epithelial cells of mice with endometritis and its correlation with the IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis. Mice model of endometritis was established by using an intrauterine injection of 10 μL polysaccharides(LPS, 5 mg·mL~(-1)), and the mice were randomly divided into model group(LPS), low-dose group of Cb-SR(L-Cb-SR, 0.55 g·kg~(-1)), medium-dose group of Cb-SR(M-Cb-SR, 1.10 g·kg~(-1)), high-dose group of Cb-SR(H-Cb-SR, 2.20 g·kg~(-1)), crude Scutellariae Radix group(Cr-SR, 1.63 g·kg~(-1)), and Fuke Qianjin Capsule group(FQC, 0.30 g·kg~(-1)), with 10 mice in each group. Ten healthy female mice were selected and injected with PBS of equal volume into the bilateral uterus, and they were set as the sham group. The mice in the drug treatment groups were given the corresponding doses of Cb-SR, Cr-SR, FQC, or physiological saline of equal volume by gavage twice a day for seven days. Thirty minutes after the last administration, each mouse was euthanized by cervical dislocation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy were applied to observe the histopathological morphology of the uterine tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CD38 and CD138. Myeloperoxidase(MPO) values in neutrophils were measured by the kit; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the secretion of interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to analyze the expression of the proteins related to the IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis. Mouse endometrial epithelial cells(MEECs) were separated and purified from the uterine tissue of pregnant female mice through in vitro experiments and injured by LPS for 24 h, and then they were cultured with Cb-SR-containing serum. The anti-endometritis effect of Cb-SR was investigated by CCK-8 assay, scanning electron microscopy, and Western blot. The results showed that Cb-SR significantly reduced MPO values, attenuated uterine tissue damage, inhibited the expression of CD38 and CD138, decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α, and inhibited the expression of proteins associated with IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis in mice with endometritis. In addition, Cb-SR-containing serum reduced swelling of MEECs organelles induced by LPS, decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, and suppressed the expression of IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis-related proteins. These results suggest that Cb-SR can inhibit endometrial epithelial cell pyroptosis in endometritis by suppressing the IKBKE/NLRP3 signaling axis.
Animals
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Female
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Mice
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Pyroptosis/drug effects*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Endometritis/chemically induced*
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Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects*
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Scutellaria baicalensis/chemistry*
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Humans
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Epithelial Cells/drug effects*
5.Chromatin landscape alteration uncovers multiple transcriptional circuits during memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
Qiao LIU ; Wei DONG ; Rong LIU ; Luming XU ; Ling RAN ; Ziying XIE ; Shun LEI ; Xingxing SU ; Zhengliang YUE ; Dan XIONG ; Lisha WANG ; Shuqiong WEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jianjun HU ; Chenxi QIN ; Yongchang CHEN ; Bo ZHU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Xia WU ; Lifan XU ; Qizhao HUANG ; Yingjiao CAO ; Lilin YE ; Zhonghui TANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):575-601
Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation
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Chromatin/immunology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Immunologic Memory
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Gene Regulatory Networks
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Enhancer Elements, Genetic
6.Preclinical and clinical studies on Qin-Zhu-Liang-Xue decoction: insights from network pharmacology and implications for atopic dermatitis treatment.
Keke HUANG ; Qingkai LIU ; Ruoxi ZHANG ; Hua NIAN ; Ying LUO ; Yue LUO ; Xiaoya FEI ; Le KUAI ; Bin LI ; Yimei TAN ; Su LI ; Xin MA
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):134-148
To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Qin-Zhu-Liang-Xue decoction (QZLX) in atopic dermatitis (AD) and glucocorticoid resistance, we conducted a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this concoction. Network pharmacology analysis was performed and validated through clinical studies. The efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of QZLX and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) α recombinant protein were assessed in AD mice induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Correlation analysis was performed to determine the clinical relevance of GRα. The trial demonstrated that patients who received QZLX showed considerable improvements in their Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores compared with those who received mizolastine at week 4. Network pharmacological analysis identified GRα as a key target for QZLX in AD treatment. QZLX administration increased the serum GRα expression in AD patients, alleviated AD symptoms in mice, decreased inflammatory cytokine expression, and increased GRα expression without affecting liver or kidney function. In addition, GRα recombinant protein improved AD-like skin lesions in DNFB-induced mice. A negative correlation was observed between GRα expression and clinical parameters, including SCORAD, DLQI, and serum IgE levels. QZLX alleviates AD symptoms through the upregulation of GRα and thus presents a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of glucocorticoid resistance in AD management.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy*
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Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Humans
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Mice
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Network Pharmacology
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Male
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Female
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Adult
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Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Single-Blind Method
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Middle Aged
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Young Adult
7.6-Gingerol Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Glioma Cells via MnSOD and ERK Phosphorylation Modulation
Sher-Wei LIM ; Wei-Chung CHEN ; Huey-Jiun KO ; Yu-Feng SU ; Chieh-Hsin WU ; Fu-Long HUANG ; Chien-Feng LI ; Cheng Yu TSAI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):129-142
6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.
8.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
9.Suture tape and headless compression screws in treatment of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the first and second proximal metatarsal bones
Haobo HUANG ; Xinyuan LIANG ; Guozhong YE ; Qingxiang XIE ; Boyuan SU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1803-1809
BACKGROUND:Lisfranc ligament is an important structure to maintain the transverse and longitudinal arch of the foot.This injury is a serious middle-foot injury.Lisfranc ligamentous injuries are complex,and their treatment,along with the preferred method of fixation,is controversial. OBJECTIVE:To compare the short-term efficacy of plate combined with Suture tape versus plate combined with headless compression screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on 48 patients with Lisfranc injury due to comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones in Seventh Department of Orthopedics,Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2022.Among them,25 were fixed with plate combined with Suture tape(observation group)and 23 were fixed with plate combined with headless compression screw(control group).Preoperative classification was performed according to Myerson classification system based on preoperative imaging data.Postoperative follow-up was performed according to fracture healing time,visual analog scale,and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)criteria to assess the recovery of foot functions.Postoperative complications were compared and analyzed between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All cases completed the operation successfully and obtained follow-up in the two groups.The postoperative follow-up time of the two groups was 12-36 months,with a mean of(18.0±5.42)months.(2)There were no significant differences in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)The fracture healing time of observation group was slightly longer than that of control group(P<0.05).(4)After 3,6,and 12 months of follow-up,the visual analog scale score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).(5)At 6 and 12 months after operation,AOFAS score of foot function in the observation group was significantly improved compared with the screw group at various time points after operation(P<0.05),and was significantly higher than that before operation(P<0.05).(6)The postoperative complications were 1 case of traumatic arthritis in the observation group and 1 case of incision infection,1 case of screw fracture,and 2 cases of traumatic arthritis in the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05),considering the correlation with a small sample size.(7)It is indicated that as for the surgical method of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones,the application of plate combined with Suture tape internal fixation has a reliable effect in the treatment of Lisfranc joint injury,which can improve the function of the foot joint of patients,and has the advantages of less surgical trauma,fewer postoperative complications,and lower risk of long-term iatrogenic traumatic arthritis.Compared with headless compression screw,it is more beneficial to the recovery of foot function.
10.Precise application of O-arm navigation system in thoracolumbar fractures with developmental pedicle stenosis
Lintao SU ; Jianfeng JIANG ; Jun MA ; Liangliang HUANG ; Changyu LEI ; Yaozheng HAN ; Hui KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1855-1862
BACKGROUND:For thoracolumbar spine fractures with developmental stenosis of the vertebral arch,accurate nail placement is difficult using traditional fluoroscopy-assisted techniques.O-arm navigation assistance systems offer higher precision in general vertebral arch nail placement,but there is scarce literature on the application of O-arm navigation-assisted nail placement in thoracolumbar spine fractures with developmental stenosis of the vertebral arch both domestically and abroad. OBJECTIVE:To explore the accuracy of percutaneous vertebral arch nail placement assisted by O-arm navigation in patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures complicated by developmental stenosis of the vertebral arch. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 53 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebral arch screw fixation surgery at Department of Orthopedics,General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLA for thoracolumbar spine fractures complicated by developmental stenosis of the vertebral arch from January 2021 to March 2023.Totally 208 cases of vertebral arch developmental stenosis were found(cases with multiple vertebral arch developmental stenosis were counted separately).Based on the surgical approach,the patients were divided into two groups:O-arm navigation group(n=98)and C-arm fluoroscopy group(n=110).Postoperative imaging data were compared between the two groups,including anatomical perforation score,functional perforation score,actual vs.expected nail trajectory in the horizontal plane,and sagittal plane angle differences. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant difference in the narrowest width of the pedicle isthmus(pow)between the two groups of patients(P>0.05).The proportions of different degrees of narrowing(mild:6 mm≤pow<7 mm,moderate:5 mm≤pow<6 mm,severe:pow<5 mm)were also not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).(2)The overall grade and scores of anatomical perforation and functional perforation were lower in the O-arm group compared to the C-arm group,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).In terms of the angular deviation between the actual and planned screw trajectories,the O-arm group had smaller deviations,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)In the mild and moderate narrowing groups,the O-arm group showed significant advantages in anatomical perforation,functional perforation,and angular deviation between actual and planned screw trajectories,and these differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).(4)The O-arm group demonstrated better performance in anatomical perforation and functional perforation,especially in the T12-L2 segment,with more significant advantages.Additionally,the O-arm group had better angular deviations in actual and planned screw trajectories in all segments compared to the C-arm group.(5)Therefore,the use of O-arm navigation-assisted percutaneous screw placement for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures with developmental pedicle isthmal narrowing provides higher accuracy and safer surgery.

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