Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Research has indicated that the disease burden of alopecia areata (AA) in China exceeds the global average. Therefore, accurate and updated epidemiological information is crucial for policymakers. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the disease burden of AA in China. METHODS: The following four key indicators were utilized: the prevalence of cases; disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs); the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR); and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of AA according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. We analyzed the epidemiological burden of AA in China during 2021, examined changes between 1990 and 2021, and performed a Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis to predict trends over the course of the next decade (2022-2030). Additionally, a Gaussian process regression model was applied to estimate the relationship between the gross domestic product (GDP) and the ASPR and ASDR of AA at the provincial level between 1992 and 2021. RESULTS: In 2021, the estimated number of patients with AA in China was approximately 3.49 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.37-3.62 million); of these patients, 1.20 million (95% UI, 1.16-1.25 million) were male and 2.29 million (95% UI, 2.20-2.37 million) were female. This large number of patients with AA resulted in a total of 114,431.25 DALYs (95% UI, 74,780.27-160,318.96 DALYs). Additionally, the ASPR and ASDR were 224.61 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 216.73-232.65 per 100,000 population) and 7.41 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 4.85-10.44 per 100,000 population), respectively; both of these rates were higher than the global averages. The most affected demographic groups were young and female individuals 25-39 years of age. Slight regional disparities were observed, with the northern and central regions of China bearing comparatively higher burdens. Between 1990 and 2021, the health loss and disease burden caused by AA in China remained relatively stable. The ASPR and ASDR of AA increased with the GDP when the annual GDP was less than 2 trillion Chinese yuan; however, a downward trend was observed as the GDP surpassed 2 trillion Chinese yuan. A slight upward trend in the disease burden of AA in China is predicted to occur over the next decade. CONCLUSIONS AA continues to be a public health concern in China that shows no signs of declining. Targeted efforts for young individuals and females are necessary because they experience a disproportionately high burden of AA.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Alopecia Areata/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Bayes Theorem ; Child ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Child, Preschool

AIM: To identify the primary active components and underlying mechanisms of Yijing Decoction(YJD)in treating early diabetic retinopathy(DR)based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and network pharmacology.METHODS: Active components of YJD were characterized through LC-MS. Components with optimal ADME(absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)properties were selected as key bioactive candidates. Network pharmacology approaches were employed to predict YJD-DR therapeutic targets. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks, gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were subsequently conducted to predict core targets and networks. Critical targets and pathways were experimentally validated through Western blot.RESULTS: Ten core therapeutic targets were identified, including TNF, Alb, EGFR, STAT3, PTGS2, ESR1, PPAR, MMP9, TLR4, and MAPK. YJD was related to cancer-related signaling, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, encompassing key biological processes such as inflammatory response regulation, programmed cell death activation, and enhanced cell migration. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that YJD significantly inhibited high glucose-induced phosphorylation of STAT3(P-STAT3/STAT3)and ERK(P-ERK/ERK)in rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells.CONCLUSION: This study revealed YJD's pharmacodynamical basis and its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-paths pharmacology. YJD exerts therapeutic effects on DR by coordinately regulating critical signaling pathways and alleviating intraocular inflammation, thus preserving retinal vascular endothelial cells, maintaining blood-retinal barrier integrity, and facilitating retinal neurovascular repair.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune-mediated, hair follicle-targeting, inflammatory, non-scarring hair loss. The treatment of severe AA has long been a focus and challenge. Currently, novel therapeutic agents, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have been increasingly employed in the treatment of severe AA. This review provides an overview of new small-molecule targeted drugs and biologics for AA.

A 20-year old female patient diagnosed with right distal tibial giant cell tumor underwent a surgery of resection of distal tibial giant cell tumor, residual cavity liquid nitrogen and electrocauterization inactivation and local arthroplasty on March 17, 2023. Preoperatively a life-size distal tibia model was 3D printed using polylactic acid (PLA) material based on the CT data of patient's distal tibia. Tumor resection was simulated on the model, preserving the surrounding normal bone and articular cartilage unaffected by the tumor. The residual cavity was filled with bone cement and the distal tibial articular surface was shaped using the talar articular surface as a template. The 3D CT data of bone cement was collected and reconstructed. The irregular bone and cartilage defect data were trimmed to form a regular arc shape, which was used as the data for fabricating local arthroplasty prosthesis. The local arthroplasty prosthesis composed of a titanium base and a VE polyethylene liner was 3D printed. During the operation, the test models of titanium alloy base and VE polyethylene liner were used to test the matching degree with the bone and cartilage defect. Minor adjustments were made by removing a portion of the lateral wall of the residual cavity and modifying the base height to achieve proper alignment of the distal tibial articular surface with the talar surface. After confirming a satisfactory fit, the local arthroplasty prosthesis was implanted. Intraoperative fluoroscopic confirmed accurate placement of the prosthesis, good anatomical match with the defect, and restoration of the joint line. The postoperative follow-up was conducted at 2, 4, 12, 20, 48, 72 and 92 weeks. Wound healing was closely monitored, along with radiologic assessment for prosthesis bone ingrowth and local tumor recurrence. Functional evaluations were performed using the AOFAS and Kofoed scoring systems. Postoperatively, the patient experienced plantar numbness and sensory disturbance, which gradually resolved after three weeks. Assisted ambulation began at two weeks postoperatively, and the patient resumed a normal gait by 12 weeks. The Mayo ankle arthroplasty evaluation criteria at postoperative at 48 weeks were excellent. The AOFAS score and Kofoed score were 97 points and 94 points respectively, indicating excellent functional outcomes. Postoperative X-ray indicated that no bone ingrowth was observed at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the operation, minor ingrowth at 12 weeks postoperatively, significant bone ingrowth at 20 weeks, and complete osseointegration by 48 to 64 weeks. Postoperative CT imaging at 92 weeks confirmed full prosthesis osseointegration, while MRI at 72 weeks showed no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune-mediated, hair follicle-targeting, inflammatory, non-scarring hair loss. The treatment of severe AA has long been a focus and challenge. Currently, novel therapeutic agents, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, have been increasingly employed in the treatment of severe AA. This review provides an overview of new small-molecule targeted drugs and biologics for AA.

Objective:To develop and validate a Self-care Ability Scale for Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) in Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) patients.Methods:Guided by Orem's self-care theory, the initial item pool of the scale was developed through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and group discussions. The initial scale was finalized after two rounds of expert consultation using the Delphi method. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 418 MHD patients using AVF in January 2024 for item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing. Another 293 MHD patients using AVF were recruited in March 2024 for confirmatory factor analysis.Results:The self-care ability scale for AVF in MHD patients included four dimensions: knowledge and skills of AVF self-care, willingness and attitude toward AVF self-care, recognition and prevention of AVF complications, and patient self-adjustment and adaptation, comprising 38 items. The content validity index at the scale level was 0.98. Exploratory factor analysis extracted four common factors with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 84.706%. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit, strong convergent validity, and ideal discriminant validity. The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.987; the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.902, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.979.Conclusions:The Self-care Ability Scale for AVF in MHD patients demonstrates excellent reliability and validity, making it a suitable tool for assessing patients' ability to self-care for their AVF.

A 20-year old female patient diagnosed with right distal tibial giant cell tumor underwent a surgery of resection of distal tibial giant cell tumor, residual cavity liquid nitrogen and electrocauterization inactivation and local arthroplasty on March 17, 2023. Preoperatively a life-size distal tibia model was 3D printed using polylactic acid (PLA) material based on the CT data of patient's distal tibia. Tumor resection was simulated on the model, preserving the surrounding normal bone and articular cartilage unaffected by the tumor. The residual cavity was filled with bone cement and the distal tibial articular surface was shaped using the talar articular surface as a template. The 3D CT data of bone cement was collected and reconstructed. The irregular bone and cartilage defect data were trimmed to form a regular arc shape, which was used as the data for fabricating local arthroplasty prosthesis. The local arthroplasty prosthesis composed of a titanium base and a VE polyethylene liner was 3D printed. During the operation, the test models of titanium alloy base and VE polyethylene liner were used to test the matching degree with the bone and cartilage defect. Minor adjustments were made by removing a portion of the lateral wall of the residual cavity and modifying the base height to achieve proper alignment of the distal tibial articular surface with the talar surface. After confirming a satisfactory fit, the local arthroplasty prosthesis was implanted. Intraoperative fluoroscopic confirmed accurate placement of the prosthesis, good anatomical match with the defect, and restoration of the joint line. The postoperative follow-up was conducted at 2, 4, 12, 20, 48, 72 and 92 weeks. Wound healing was closely monitored, along with radiologic assessment for prosthesis bone ingrowth and local tumor recurrence. Functional evaluations were performed using the AOFAS and Kofoed scoring systems. Postoperatively, the patient experienced plantar numbness and sensory disturbance, which gradually resolved after three weeks. Assisted ambulation began at two weeks postoperatively, and the patient resumed a normal gait by 12 weeks. The Mayo ankle arthroplasty evaluation criteria at postoperative at 48 weeks were excellent. The AOFAS score and Kofoed score were 97 points and 94 points respectively, indicating excellent functional outcomes. Postoperative X-ray indicated that no bone ingrowth was observed at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the operation, minor ingrowth at 12 weeks postoperatively, significant bone ingrowth at 20 weeks, and complete osseointegration by 48 to 64 weeks. Postoperative CT imaging at 92 weeks confirmed full prosthesis osseointegration, while MRI at 72 weeks showed no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Objective:To develop and validate a Self-care Ability Scale for Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) in Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) patients.Methods:Guided by Orem's self-care theory, the initial item pool of the scale was developed through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and group discussions. The initial scale was finalized after two rounds of expert consultation using the Delphi method. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 418 MHD patients using AVF in January 2024 for item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and reliability testing. Another 293 MHD patients using AVF were recruited in March 2024 for confirmatory factor analysis.Results:The self-care ability scale for AVF in MHD patients included four dimensions: knowledge and skills of AVF self-care, willingness and attitude toward AVF self-care, recognition and prevention of AVF complications, and patient self-adjustment and adaptation, comprising 38 items. The content validity index at the scale level was 0.98. Exploratory factor analysis extracted four common factors with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 84.706%. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit, strong convergent validity, and ideal discriminant validity. The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.987; the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.902, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.979.Conclusions:The Self-care Ability Scale for AVF in MHD patients demonstrates excellent reliability and validity, making it a suitable tool for assessing patients' ability to self-care for their AVF.