ObjectiveTo explore the effect of piercing electroacupuncture on ankle muscle strength, dynamic balance and subjective stability in patients with functional ankle instability (FAI). MethodsA total of 48 patients with FAI admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University from April, 2024 to July, 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 24) and experimental group (n = 24). The control group received multimodal functional training, while the experimental group received piercing electroacupuncture in addition, for six weeks. Relative peak torque of ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion were measured with isokinetic muscle strength testing system before and after treatment, while Y-Balance Test (YBT) and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) were adopted for evaluation. ResultsOne case dropped out in each group. Relative peak torque of ankle plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion at each angular velocity, the normalized distance in each direction and composite score of YBT, as well as the score of CAIT increased in both groups after treatment (|t| > 2.891, P < 0.01), while all the indicators were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.104, P < 0.05), except dorsiflexion muscle strength. ConclusionCombination of piercing electroacupuncture can further improve perimalleolar muscle strength, dynamic balance and subjective stability in patients with FAI.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

This study aims to reveal the effect and mechanism of Gentianella turkestanorum total extract(GTI) in ameliorating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical components in GTI. SwissTarget-Prediction, GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD were utilized to screen the targets of GTI components and NASH. The common targets shared by GTI components and NASH were filtered through the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 to identify core targets, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. AutoDock was used for molecular docking of key components with core targets. A mouse model of NASH was established with a methionine-choline-deficient high-fat diet. A 4-week drug intervention was conducted, during which mouse weight was monitored, and the liver-to-brain ratio was measured at the end. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius red staining, and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. The levels of various biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), hydroxyproline(HYP), total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and glutathione(GSH), in the serum and liver tissue were determined. RT-qPCR was conducted to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin 6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), collagen type I α1 chain(COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Western blotting was conducted to determine the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and potential drug targets identified through network pharmacology. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 581 chemical components of GTI, and 534 targets of GTI and 1 157 targets of NASH were screened out. The topological analysis of the common targets shared by GTI and NASH identified core targets such as IL-1β, IL-6, protein kinase B(AKT), TNF, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma(PPARG). GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the ameliorating effect of GTI on NASH was related to inflammatory responses and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway. The staining results demonstrated that GTI ameliorated hepatocyte vacuolation, swelling, ballooning, and lipid accumulation in NASH mice. Compared with the model group, high doses of GTI reduced the AST, ALT, HYP, TC, and TG levels(P<0.01) while increasing the HDL-C, SOD, and GSH levels(P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed that GTI down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COL1A1, and α-SMA(P<0.01). Western blot results indicated that GTI down-regulated the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha(p-IκBα), and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(P<0.01). In summary, GTI ameliorates inflammation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress associated with NASH by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics* ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Liver/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Molecular Docking Simulation

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of closed reduction and internal fixation combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and non-operative treatment for intertrochanteric fracture combined with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in the elderly.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 59 patients with intertrochanteric fracture combined with OVCF admitted to Tianjin Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023, including 16 males and 43 females, aged 66-91 years [(80.2±6.8)years]. The injured vertebral segments included T 10 in 3 patients, T 11 in 9, T 12 in 18, L 1 in 17, L 2 in 8, and L 3 in 4. According to the Genant semi-quantitative classification of vertebral fracture, 42 patients were scaled into grade 1 and 17 into grade 2. Based on the AO classification of intertrochanteric fracture, 33 patients were classified as type A1, 21 type A2, and 5 type A3. All the patients underwent closed reduction and internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures, among whom 26 patients received PKP after the internal fixation of OVCF (PKP group) and 33 patients received non-surgical treatment after the internal fixation of OVCF (non-surgical group). The healing of the hip incision at 2 weeks after internal fixation and the healing of intertrochanteric fractures at 6 months after surgery were observed in both groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back pain was compared between the two groups before PKP, immediately after PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index (ODI), anterior vertebral height ratio, and Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae were compared between the two groups before PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up. The Harris hip function score was compared between the two groups at 3 months after internal fixation and at the last follow-up. Cement leakage was observed. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities after internal fixation were compared between the two groups. Results:All the patients were followed up for 10-46 months [(25.5±9.9)months]. The hip incisions of both groups all healed by first intention at 2 weeks after internal fixation, and the intertrochanteric fracture in both groups had bony union at 6 months after surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups in VAS or ODI before PKP ( P>0.05). Immediately after PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up, the VAS scores for low back pain were (2.6±0.6)points, (2.4±0.9)points, and (1.5±0.5)points in the PKP group, which were lower than those in the non-surgical group [(8.2±0.8)points, (3.7±1.2)points, and (3.3±0.6)points] ( P<0.01). At 3 months after PKP and at the last follow-up, the ODI values were (21.4±6.9)% and (16.2±6.3)% in the PKP group, which were lower than (38.6±11.6)% and (32.7±12.0)% in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). The VAS for low back pain and ODI in both groups were gradually improved at each time point after PKP compared with those before PKP ( P<0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in the anterior vertebral height ratio or Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae in the two groups before PKP ( P>0.05). At 3 months after PKP and at the last follow-up, the anterior vertebral height ratio was (79.8±9.6)% and (79.3±9.4)% in the PKP group, which were higher than (73.4±9.3)% and (62.0±10.4)% in the non-surgical group ( P<0.05 or 0.01); the values of the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae were (12.6±3.6)° and (12.0±3.3)°in the PKP group, which were lower than (15.5±2.6)° and (20.4±4.9)° in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the anterior vertebral height ratio and Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae in the PKP group before PKP and at each time point after PKP ( P>0.05) while in the non-surgical group, the anterior vertebral height ratio at each time point after PKP was lower than that before PKP and the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae was increased compared with that before PKP ( P<0.01). At 3 months after internal fixation and at the last follow-up, the Harris hip function scores in the PKP group were (76.4±3.4)points and (87.7±4.5)points, which were higher than (57.0±6.8)points and (76.3±8.9)points in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). The Harris hip function scores in both groups were improved at the last follow-up, compared with those at 3 months after internal fixation. Five patients had cement leakage in the PKP group, all of which were lateral leakage.There was no occurrence of radiating pain in the lower extremities. The incidence of DVT at 1 month after internal fixation was 19.2% (5/26) in the PKP group, which was lower than 57.6% (19/33) in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with non-operative treatment after the closed reduction and internal fixation, PKP after internal fixation can significantly relieve low back pain in the early stage, improve the functional restoration of the vertebral column, maintain vertebral height, prevent kyphosis, promote the recovery of the hip joint function, and reduce the occurrence of DVT in the lower extremities in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture combined with OVCF.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of closed reduction and internal fixation combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and non-operative treatment for intertrochanteric fracture combined with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in the elderly.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 59 patients with intertrochanteric fracture combined with OVCF admitted to Tianjin Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023, including 16 males and 43 females, aged 66-91 years [(80.2±6.8)years]. The injured vertebral segments included T 10 in 3 patients, T 11 in 9, T 12 in 18, L 1 in 17, L 2 in 8, and L 3 in 4. According to the Genant semi-quantitative classification of vertebral fracture, 42 patients were scaled into grade 1 and 17 into grade 2. Based on the AO classification of intertrochanteric fracture, 33 patients were classified as type A1, 21 type A2, and 5 type A3. All the patients underwent closed reduction and internal fixation for intertrochanteric fractures, among whom 26 patients received PKP after the internal fixation of OVCF (PKP group) and 33 patients received non-surgical treatment after the internal fixation of OVCF (non-surgical group). The healing of the hip incision at 2 weeks after internal fixation and the healing of intertrochanteric fractures at 6 months after surgery were observed in both groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back pain was compared between the two groups before PKP, immediately after PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index (ODI), anterior vertebral height ratio, and Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae were compared between the two groups before PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up. The Harris hip function score was compared between the two groups at 3 months after internal fixation and at the last follow-up. Cement leakage was observed. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities after internal fixation were compared between the two groups. Results:All the patients were followed up for 10-46 months [(25.5±9.9)months]. The hip incisions of both groups all healed by first intention at 2 weeks after internal fixation, and the intertrochanteric fracture in both groups had bony union at 6 months after surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups in VAS or ODI before PKP ( P>0.05). Immediately after PKP, at 3 months after PKP, and at the last follow-up, the VAS scores for low back pain were (2.6±0.6)points, (2.4±0.9)points, and (1.5±0.5)points in the PKP group, which were lower than those in the non-surgical group [(8.2±0.8)points, (3.7±1.2)points, and (3.3±0.6)points] ( P<0.01). At 3 months after PKP and at the last follow-up, the ODI values were (21.4±6.9)% and (16.2±6.3)% in the PKP group, which were lower than (38.6±11.6)% and (32.7±12.0)% in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). The VAS for low back pain and ODI in both groups were gradually improved at each time point after PKP compared with those before PKP ( P<0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in the anterior vertebral height ratio or Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae in the two groups before PKP ( P>0.05). At 3 months after PKP and at the last follow-up, the anterior vertebral height ratio was (79.8±9.6)% and (79.3±9.4)% in the PKP group, which were higher than (73.4±9.3)% and (62.0±10.4)% in the non-surgical group ( P<0.05 or 0.01); the values of the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae were (12.6±3.6)° and (12.0±3.3)°in the PKP group, which were lower than (15.5±2.6)° and (20.4±4.9)° in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the anterior vertebral height ratio and Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae in the PKP group before PKP and at each time point after PKP ( P>0.05) while in the non-surgical group, the anterior vertebral height ratio at each time point after PKP was lower than that before PKP and the Cobb angle of the injured vertebrae was increased compared with that before PKP ( P<0.01). At 3 months after internal fixation and at the last follow-up, the Harris hip function scores in the PKP group were (76.4±3.4)points and (87.7±4.5)points, which were higher than (57.0±6.8)points and (76.3±8.9)points in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). The Harris hip function scores in both groups were improved at the last follow-up, compared with those at 3 months after internal fixation. Five patients had cement leakage in the PKP group, all of which were lateral leakage.There was no occurrence of radiating pain in the lower extremities. The incidence of DVT at 1 month after internal fixation was 19.2% (5/26) in the PKP group, which was lower than 57.6% (19/33) in the non-surgical group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Compared with non-operative treatment after the closed reduction and internal fixation, PKP after internal fixation can significantly relieve low back pain in the early stage, improve the functional restoration of the vertebral column, maintain vertebral height, prevent kyphosis, promote the recovery of the hip joint function, and reduce the occurrence of DVT in the lower extremities in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture combined with OVCF.

Objective To investigate the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)on the cardiac structure and function in obese patients with heart failure(HF)and compare the efficacy of LSG across obese patients with different HF types.Methods This study included 33 obese patients with HF who underwent LSG.The clinical indicators were compared between before operation and 12 months after operation.Repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to evaluate the changes in echocardiographic parameters before operation and 3,6,and 12 months after operation.Patients were allocated into a HF with preserved ejection fraction group(n=17),a HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction group(n=5)and a HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)group(n=11)based on left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)before operation for subgroup analyses of the effects of LSG on the cardiac structure and function of obese patients with HF.The paired samples t-test was conducted to assess the degree of cardiac structural and functional alterations after LSG.Results The 33 patients included 69.7% males,with an average age of(35.3±9.9)years,and a body mass index(BMI)of(51.2±9.8)kg/m².The median follow-up was 9.0(5.0,13.3)months.Compared with the preoperative values,the postoperative BMI(P=0.002),body surface area(BSA)(P=0.009),waist circumference(P=0.010),hip circumference(P=0.031),body fat content(P=0.007),and percentage of patients with cardiac function grades Ⅲ-IV(P<0.001)decreased.At the 12-month follow-up left atrial diameter(P=0.006),right atrial long-axis inner diameter(RAD1)(P<0.001),right atrial short-axis inner diameter(RAD2)(P<0.001),right ventricular inner diameter(P=0.002),interventricular septal thickness at end-diastolic(P=0.002),and left ventricular end-diastolic volumes(P=0.004)and left ventricular end-systolic volumes(P=0.003) all significantly reduced compared with preoperative values.Additionally,left ventricular fractional shortening and LVEF improved(both P<0.001).Subgroup analyses revealed that cardiac structural parameters significantly decreased in the HF with preserved ejection fraction,HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction,and HFrEF subgroups compared with preoperative values.Notably,the HFrEF group demonstrated the best performance in terms of left atrial diameter(P=0.003),left ventricular inner diameter at end-diastole(P=0.008),RAD1(P<0.001),RAD2(P=0.004),right ventricular inner diameter(P=0.019),left ventricular end-diastolic volume(P=0.004)and left ventricular end-systolic volume(P=0.001),cardiac output(P=0.006),tricuspid regurgitation velocity(P=0.002),and pulmonary artery systolic pressure(P=0.001) compared to preoperatively.Postoperative left ventricular fractional shortening(P<0.001,P=0.003,P<0.001)and LVEF(P<0.001,P=0.011,P=0.001)became higher in all the three subgroups than the preoperative values.Conclusions LSG decreased the body weight,BMI,and BSA,improved the cardiac function grade,reversed the enlargement of the left atrium and left ventricle,reduced the right atrium and right ventricle,and enhanced the left ventricular systolic function.It was effective across obese patients with different HF types.Particularly,LSG demonstrates the best performance in improving the structures of both atria and ventricles in obese patients with HFrEF.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Heart Failure/complications* ; Adult ; Obesity/physiopathology* ; Laparoscopy ; Middle Aged ; Heart/physiopathology* ; Stroke Volume