BACKGROUND:With changing lifestyles and aging,sagittal spinal imbalance has become a common orthopedic issue significantly affecting knee and pelvic function.Understanding the impact of sagittal spinal imbalance and its compensatory mechanisms is crucial for improving the clinical management of chronic pain.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the alignment of the spine-pelvis-lower extremities using whole-body EOS imaging,analyze the correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters,and explore their compensatory mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain or patellofemoral pain who visited Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 1,2021 and December 31,2023 were included.Radiographic measurements were performed using whole-body EOS to determine pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar lordosis,sagittal vertical axis,global tilt,hip-knee-angle,knee flexion angle,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle.Patients were classified into normal group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis＜10°),compensated group(10°＜pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis＜20°),and decompensated group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis＞20°)based on the SRS-Schwab spinal deformity classification according to pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis difference.The differences in radiographic parameters among the groups were analyzed.The differences in American Knee Society Knee Score and Oswestry Disability Index scores were compared among each group.Patients were divided into chronic low back pain group and non-chronic low back pain group,patellofemoral pain group and non-patellofemoral pain group based on clinical symptoms,and the relationship between radiographic parameter differences and clinical symptoms was analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was less than 20°,lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle tended to stabilize.When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was greater than 20°,it showed a linear correlation with lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle,with lateral distal femoral angle increasing and medial proximal tibial angle decreasing with increasing pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values.(2)Compared with the normal group,the compensated group had significantly increased pelvic tilt(P＜0.01),while knee joint parameters hip-knee-angle and knee flexion angle showed no significant differences;the decompensated group showed significant increases in pelvic tilt(P＜0.01),and decreases in hip-knee-angle,and knee flexion angle(P＜0.01).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in hip-knee-angle(P＜0.05),but had no significant differences in pelvic tilt and knee flexion angle.(3)Compared with the non-patellofemoral pain group,patients with patellofemoral pain had significant decreases in spinal lumbar lordosis,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle(P＜0.05)and a significant increase in pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis(P＜0.05).(4)Patients with low back pain had significant differences in radiographic parameters compared with the non-chronic low back pain group(P＜0.05).(5)Compared with the normal group,both the compensated and decompensated groups showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P＜0.05).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P＜0.05).(6)Pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values increased with age and were higher in females compared with males.(7)This study systematically reveals the spine and lower limbs play an important role in disease progression and clinical symptoms.Associated symptoms low back pain and patellofemoral pain are related to the stability of the spine-pelvis-lower extremity alignment.Furthermore,spinal sagittal imbalance is more severe in elderly and female patients.

BACKGROUND:With changing lifestyles and aging,sagittal spinal imbalance has become a common orthopedic issue significantly affecting knee and pelvic function.Understanding the impact of sagittal spinal imbalance and its compensatory mechanisms is crucial for improving the clinical management of chronic pain.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the alignment of the spine-pelvis-lower extremities using whole-body EOS imaging,analyze the correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters,and explore their compensatory mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain or patellofemoral pain who visited Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 1,2021 and December 31,2023 were included.Radiographic measurements were performed using whole-body EOS to determine pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar lordosis,sagittal vertical axis,global tilt,hip-knee-angle,knee flexion angle,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle.Patients were classified into normal group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis＜10°),compensated group(10°＜pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis＜20°),and decompensated group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis＞20°)based on the SRS-Schwab spinal deformity classification according to pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis difference.The differences in radiographic parameters among the groups were analyzed.The differences in American Knee Society Knee Score and Oswestry Disability Index scores were compared among each group.Patients were divided into chronic low back pain group and non-chronic low back pain group,patellofemoral pain group and non-patellofemoral pain group based on clinical symptoms,and the relationship between radiographic parameter differences and clinical symptoms was analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was less than 20°,lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle tended to stabilize.When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was greater than 20°,it showed a linear correlation with lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle,with lateral distal femoral angle increasing and medial proximal tibial angle decreasing with increasing pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values.(2)Compared with the normal group,the compensated group had significantly increased pelvic tilt(P＜0.01),while knee joint parameters hip-knee-angle and knee flexion angle showed no significant differences;the decompensated group showed significant increases in pelvic tilt(P＜0.01),and decreases in hip-knee-angle,and knee flexion angle(P＜0.01).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in hip-knee-angle(P＜0.05),but had no significant differences in pelvic tilt and knee flexion angle.(3)Compared with the non-patellofemoral pain group,patients with patellofemoral pain had significant decreases in spinal lumbar lordosis,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle(P＜0.05)and a significant increase in pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis(P＜0.05).(4)Patients with low back pain had significant differences in radiographic parameters compared with the non-chronic low back pain group(P＜0.05).(5)Compared with the normal group,both the compensated and decompensated groups showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P＜0.05).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P＜0.05).(6)Pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values increased with age and were higher in females compared with males.(7)This study systematically reveals the spine and lower limbs play an important role in disease progression and clinical symptoms.Associated symptoms low back pain and patellofemoral pain are related to the stability of the spine-pelvis-lower extremity alignment.Furthermore,spinal sagittal imbalance is more severe in elderly and female patients.

ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative quality analysis of Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos and calyx of Inulae Flos， elucidating the scientific connotation of the "removing calyx" process in the traditional processing of Inulae Flos. MethodsInulae Flos decoction pieces were collected， and the fuzz and calyx of Inulae Flos were prepared according to the experiences of old medicine workers. Subsequently， according to the methods under the "Inulae Flos" item in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， the appearance characteristics and thin-layer chromatography（TLC） identification of these samples were tested， and the moisture content， total ash content， extract content were also measured. The characteristic fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established by high-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）， followed by similarity evaluation， principal component analysis（PCA）， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA）. The contents of cryptochlorogenic acid， caffeic acid， 1，3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid， 1，5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid， and 1-O-acetyl britannilactone were determined to compare the quality differences of Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos， and calyx of Inulae Flos. ResultsThe moisture content of Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos， and calyx of Inulae Flos was all<10%. The determination results of total ash content were as follows：Calyx of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>fuzz of Inulae Flos， and the determination results of alcohol-soluble extract content were as follows：Fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. HPLC fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established， and 22 common peaks were identified. The similarity analysis and PCA showed that the overall quality of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos was similar， while the overall quality of calyx of Inulae Flos differed significantly from that of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos. PLS-DA results showed that Inulae Flos， fuzz of Inulae Flos， and calyx of Inulae Flos clustered into distinct groups， indicating significant differences among them. Cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid had relatively high contents in calyx of Inulae Flos， the contents of 1，3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid and 1，5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid in Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were higher than those in calyx of Inulae Flos. The order of 1-O-acetyl britannilactone content was determined as follows：fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. ConclusionThe scientific nature of "Removing Calyx" process in the cleansing of Inulae Flos by old medicine workers is demonstrated by the resulting fuzz of Inulae Flos decoction pieces exhibiting enhanced cleanliness and higher content of the index component 1-O-acetyl britannilactone. This study provides a reference basis for further improving and enhancing the processing method and quality control standards of Inulae Flos.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the retroauricular transmeatal approach in the treatment of condylar head and neck fractures, and to provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods: This study has been reviewed and approved by the institutional medical ethics committee and has obtained informed consent from the patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with condylar head and neck fractures treated via the retroauricular transmeatal approach between March and October 2024. Postoperative follow-up was performed for at least 3 months, including clinical and radiographical evaluations. The assessed parameters included facial nerve function, temporal region numbness, hematoma, infection, salivary fistula, mouth opening, malocclusion, mandibular movement function, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and clicking, external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis, hearing function impairment, surgical scar concealment, postoperative reduction and fixation outcomes. Results: A total of 16 patients with condylar fractures were treated via the retroauricular transmeatal approach, including 10 unilateral and 6 bilateral cases. Specifically, 18 sides were condylar head fractures, and 4 sides were condylar neck fractures. All patients achieved a House-Brackmann Grade I, indicating normal facial nerve function postoperatively. On postoperative day 1, 3 sides experienced temporal numbness in the temporal region on the surgical side, with spontaneous resolution in all cases. All patients recovered after surgery without hematoma, infection, or salivary fistula. Limited mouth opening was improved (14 cases with restricted mouth opening preoperatively vs. 3 cases postoperatively). No malocclusion occurred in any patient. All patients achieved satisfactory recovery of postoperative mandibular movement function, manifested as restored range of motion without pain. No TMJ clicking was observed within 3 months after surgery. One keloid-prone patient developed progressive EAC stenosis (2 mm lumen constriction) accompanied by conductive hearing impairment, which recovered after dilation therapy. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. Radiographically parametric assessment demonstrated satisfactory fracture reduction and fixation; with no loosening of titanium plates or screws. Conclusion The retroauricular transmeatal approach effectively reduces the risk of facial nerve injury and salivary fistulas formation with providing concealed scarring and high patient satisfaction. However, caution should be exercised regarding EAC stenosis, especially for keloid-prone patients.

Colorectal cancer， a leading malignant gastrointestinal tumor globally in terms of incidence and mortality， has seen a consistent annual rise in newly diagnosed cases. While conventional therapies like radiotherapy， chemotherapy， and surgery are available， problems such as lack of early diagnosis， poor prognosis， and drug resistance remain significant burdens for patients. Given the complex and diverse pathogenesis of colorectal cancer， there is an urgent clinical need for safe， effective， reliable， and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway， closely linked to mechanisms like tumorigenesis， cancer cell invasion， migration， and drug resistance， extensively participates in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer， so targeting the signaling pathway for cancer prevention and treatment has become a crucial research direction in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） offers multi-faceted， multi-pathway， and multi-target advantages and becomes an important therapy for colorectal cancer by enhancing patients' immunity， improving the life quality， and prolonging survival. Studies show that the active components of TCM， including flavonoids， terpenoids， phenols， alkaloids， quinones， lignans， and saponins， as well as TCM compounds such as modified Sijunzi decoction， Jiedu Sangen decoction， Jianpi Jiedu compound， and Quyu Jiedu decoction， exhibit significant targeting effects on the Hippo signaling pathway. These TCMs can exert an anti-colorectal cancer effect through various mechanisms， such as inducing cancer cell autophagy and apoptosis， inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition， reversing drug resistance of the tumor， and blocking the cancer cell cycle. This paper reviewed and analyzed Chinese and international research on the action mechanisms of TCM in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer with a comprehensive overview presentation， aiming to provide new references and ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the development of new pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer， a leading malignant gastrointestinal tumor globally in terms of incidence and mortality， has seen a consistent annual rise in newly diagnosed cases. While conventional therapies like radiotherapy， chemotherapy， and surgery are available， problems such as lack of early diagnosis， poor prognosis， and drug resistance remain significant burdens for patients. Given the complex and diverse pathogenesis of colorectal cancer， there is an urgent clinical need for safe， effective， reliable， and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway， closely linked to mechanisms like tumorigenesis， cancer cell invasion， migration， and drug resistance， extensively participates in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer， so targeting the signaling pathway for cancer prevention and treatment has become a crucial research direction in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） offers multi-faceted， multi-pathway， and multi-target advantages and becomes an important therapy for colorectal cancer by enhancing patients' immunity， improving the life quality， and prolonging survival. Studies show that the active components of TCM， including flavonoids， terpenoids， phenols， alkaloids， quinones， lignans， and saponins， as well as TCM compounds such as modified Sijunzi decoction， Jiedu Sangen decoction， Jianpi Jiedu compound， and Quyu Jiedu decoction， exhibit significant targeting effects on the Hippo signaling pathway. These TCMs can exert an anti-colorectal cancer effect through various mechanisms， such as inducing cancer cell autophagy and apoptosis， inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition， reversing drug resistance of the tumor， and blocking the cancer cell cycle. This paper reviewed and analyzed Chinese and international research on the action mechanisms of TCM in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer with a comprehensive overview presentation， aiming to provide new references and ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the development of new pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV) in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) at a single-center children’s hospital in Shanghai, thereby providing evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HBoV infection. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 19 537 hospitalized children with ALRTI at Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis was used to detect HBoV and 12 other common respiratory viruses /atypical pathogens. The positive detection rate, demographic characteristics (sex, age), temporal distribution (year, season) of HBoV, as well as the clinical characteristics of severe and non-severe pneumonia were analyzed. ResultsThe overall HBoV-positive rate was 2.57% (503/19 537), with 59.44% (299/503) being single infections and 40.56% (204/503) being co-infections. The positive detection rate was significantly higher in boys than that in girls (2.78% vs 2.33%, χ²=3.88, P=0.049). The highest infection rate was observed in toddlers, followed by infants (χ²=379.57, P<0.001). The positive rate peaked in 2021 and reached its lowest point in 2023 (χ²=45.49, P<0.001), with epidemics mainly prevalent in summer and autumn. The main clinical symptoms were cough (90.06%, 453/503), fever (75.94%, 382/503), and wheezing (39.96%, 201/503). Children with severe pneumonia showed a higher incidence of wheezing compared with the non-severe group (P<0.001), while underlying diseases and co-infections had no significant association with disease severity (P>0.05). ConclusionHBoV was an important pathogen of ALRTI in children, predominantly affecting infants and toddlers, with higher susceptibility in boys and seasonal peaks in autumn and summer. The main clinical manifestations included cough, fever, and wheezing, with wheezing being more prevalent in children with severe pneumonia.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of a cluster of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in a kindergarten in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City in May 2024, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of similar outbreaks. MethodsAn on-site investigation was conducted using an epidemiological case investigation form. Throat swab specimens collected from cases were screened for 13 respiratory pathogens using real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For HMPV nucleic acid positive specimens, the F gene of HMPV was used as the target gene for amplification and sequencing. The sequencing results were then compared with sequences in GenBank database to determine the virus subtypes and perform phylogenetic analyses. ResultsThe outbreak occurred in a kindergarter junior class with a total of 28 preschoolers and 3 teachers and childcare workers. A total of 11 cases (10 preschoolers and 1 teacher) were identified, including 8 male cases and 3 female cases. Clinical manifestations included fever in all 11 cases (100.00%), cough in 8 cases (72.72%), catarrhal symptoms in 4 cases (36.36%), and headache in 3 cases (27.27%). All symptoms were mild, and no severe cases were observed. A total of 11 throat swab samples were collected. Real-time fluorescent PCR test results showed that 3 samples were positive for HMPV nucleic acid, 2 samples were positive for both HMPV and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 1 sample was positive for both HMPV and rhinovirus. The sequences of the 6 HMPV nucleic acid positive specimens were amplified and analyzed using specific primers, and all were determined to be HMPV subtype A2b. The F gene fragment sequence showed the highest similarity to PV081665.1/Brazil/2024 (99.65%), and also exhibited high similarity to PP683455.1/Indonesia/2021 (99.48%), PV016275.1/Beijing/2024 (99.31%), and PV052230.1/USA/2024 (99.13%). ConclusionThis cluster of acute respiratory tract infection was caused by HMPV subtype A2b, with co-infection of rhinovirus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The F gene fragment sequences of the HMPV in this outbreak were highly homologous to those of the A2b strains isolated from Brazil, Beijing, Indonesia, and the the United States.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC₉₀ values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.

OBJECTIVE To establish the UPLC fingerprint and the method for multi-component content determination in Jingangteng capsules， and to evaluate its quality by combining chemical pattern recognition analysis. METHODS An UPLC method was established. Separation was performed on a Zorbax SB-C 18 Rapid Resolution HD column， with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase for gradient elution.Using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicines （2012 edition）， UPLC fi ngerprints were established for 10 batches of Jingangteng capsules， and similarity was evaluated. SPSS 22.0 and SIMCA 14.1 software were used to perform hierarchial-cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA）， respectively. The same UPLC method was employed to determine the contents of chlorogenic acid， 3，5-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid-3- O -glucoside （M1）， caffeic acid， astilbin， oxyresveratrol， quercitrin and resveratrol in the 10 batches of samples. RESULTS A total of 17 common peaks were identified in UPLC fingerprints of the 10 batches of samples， of which 7 were identified as chlorogenic acid， M1， caffeic acid， astilbin， oxyresveratrol， quercitrin， and resveratrol. The similarities of 10 batches of samples ranged from 0.820 to 0.985. The results of hierarchial-cluster analysis showed that 10 batches of samples were grouped into four categories： S1-S4 formed one group， S5 and S6 formed another， S7， S8 and S10 formed a third， and S9 formed a fourth， consistent with the OPLS-DA results； the variable importance projection values for peaks 7， 10， 2， 16 （resveratrol）， 13 （oxyresveratrol）， 11， 6 （caffeic acid）， 5 （M1） and 15 （quercitrin） were ＞1. Quantitative analysis results showed that the contents of chlorogenic acid， M1， caffeic acid， astilbin， oxyresveratrol， quercitrin， and resveratrol were 1.650 8-4.213 7， 0.636 2-2.161 7， 0.031 0-0.086 5， 0.239 1-1.069 3， 0.211 9-1.104 0， 0.488 8-2.399 2， and 0.164 0-0.699 8 mg/g， respectively. CONCLUSIONS UPLC fingerprint and content determination methods established in this study are simple to operate， accurate， reliable and reproducible； when combined with chemical pattern recognition analysis， they can be used to evaluate the quality of Jingangteng capsules. Nine components， such as resveratrol， oxyresveratrol， caffeic acid， M1 and quercitrin， may serve as markers of quality variation.