Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

China prospective multicenter birth cohort (Prospective Omics Health Atlas birth cohort, POHA birth cohort) study was officially launched in 2022. This study, in collaboration with 12 participating units, aims to establish a high-quality, multidimensional cohort comprising 20 000 naturally conceived families and assisted reproductive families. The study involves long-term follow-up of parents and offspring, with corresponding biological samples collected at key time points. Through multi-omics testing and analysis, the study aims to conduct multi-omics big data research across the entire maternal and infant life cycle. The goal is to identify new biomarkers for maternal and infant diseases and provide scientific evidence for risk prediction related to maternal diseases and neonatal health.

In infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia(sBPD),severe pulmonary lobar emphysema may occur as a complication,contributing to significant impairment in ventilation.Clinical management of these infants is extremely challenging and some may require lobectomy to improve ventilation.However,prior to the lobectomy,it is very difficult to assess whether the remaining lung parenchyma would be able to sustain adequate ventilation postoperatively.In addition,preoperative planning and perioperative management are also quite challenging in these patients.This paper reports the utility of selective bronchial occlusion in assessing the safety and efficacy of lobectomy in a case of sBPD complicated by severe right upper lobar emphysema.Since infants with sBPD already have poor lung development and significant lung injury,lobectomy should be viewed as a non-traditional therapy and be carried out with extreme caution.Selective bronchial occlusion test can be an effective tool in assessing the risks and benefits of lobectomy in cases with sBPD and lobar emphysema.However,given the technical difficulty,successful application of this technique requires close collaboration of an experienced interdisciplinary team.

Objective To study the composition,abundance,and functional profiles of the intestinal microbiota in infants and young children with Kawasaki disease(KD)during the acute phase,and to explore the potential role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of KD.Methods Six children aged 0-3 years with acute KD admitted to the Department of Cardiology,Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from July to October 2021 were prospectively included as the KD group.Six age-and sex-matched healthy children who underwent physical examinations at the hospital during the same period were selected as the healthy control group.Metagenomics sequencing was used to detect and compare the differences in the microflora structure and functional profiles of fecal samples between the two groups.Results There were significant differences in the structural composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota between the two groups(P<0.05).Compared with the healthy control group,the abundance of Listeria_monocytogenes(family Listeriaceae and genus Listeria),Bifidobacterium_rousetti,Enterococcus_avium,and Enterococcus_hirae was significantly higher in the intestinal microbiota in the KD group(|LDA|>2.0,P<0.05).The steroid degradation and apoptosis pathways were significantly upregulated in the KD group compared with the healthy control group,while the Bacterial_secretion_system,Sulfur_metabolism,Butanoate_metabolism,Benzoate_degradation,β-alanine metabolism,and α-linolenic acid pathways were significantly downregulated(|LDA|>2,P<0.05).Conclusions There are significant differences in the structure and diversity of intestinal microbiota between children aged 0-3 years with acute KD and healthy children,suggesting that disturbances in intestinal microbiota occur during the acute phase of KD.In particular,Listeria_monocytogenes,Enterococcus_avium,and Enterococcus_hirae may be involved in the pathogenesis of KD through steroid degradation and apoptosis pathways.

Traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (TSOFS) is a symptom complex caused by nerve entrapment in the supraorbital fissure after skull base trauma. If the compressed cranial nerve in the supraorbital fissure is not decompressed surgically, ptosis, diplopia and eye movement disorder may exist for a long time and seriously affect the patients′ quality of life. Since its overall incidence is not high, it is not familiarized with the majority of neurosurgeons and some TSOFS may be complicated with skull base vascular injury. If the supraorbital fissure surgery is performed without treatment of vascular injury, it may cause massive hemorrhage, and disability and even life-threatening in severe cases. At present, there is no consensus or guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS that can be referred to both domestically and internationally. To improve the understanding of TSOFS among clinical physicians and establish standardized diagnosis and treatment plans, the Skull Base Trauma Group of the Neurorepair Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Traumatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome ( version 2024) based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment. This consensus puts forward 12 recommendations on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, efficacy evaluation and follow-up of TSOFS, aiming to provide references for neurosurgeons from hospitals of all levels to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS.

BACKGROUND:Although traditional screw fixation has been successful in treating ankle fractures,rigid fixation solutions tend to restrict ankle movement and delay fracture healing,whereas elastic fixation is more compatible with human mechanics and has unique advantages in patients with ankle fractures. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical effectiveness of elastic fixation and absolute fixation in repairing ankle fractures in the elderly with lower tibiofibular instability. METHODS:The clinical data of 108 elderly ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in Hengshui People's Hospital from August 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively collected.They were divided into screw group and elastic fixation group(n=54 per group)according to the surgical protocol,and traditional screw internal fixation and elastic internal fixation were performed respectively.The perioperative indicators,surgical results,economic benefits,and American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores were collected and compared between the two groups.Serum tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-8 levels,ankle cavity width,depth,and lower tibiofibular space were compared before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The full weight-bearing time was shorter in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group;the operating angle was greater in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group,and the complication rate was lower in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group(P<0.05).(2)Serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 levels in the elastic fixation group were lower than those in the screw group 3 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores in the two groups were higher than those before surgery at 6 and 12 months after surgery,and the depth and width of the inferior tibiofibular space and ankle cavity were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05);but no significant difference was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05).(5)There was no significant difference in the comparison of direct non-medical costs,direct medical costs,and total costs between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)It is indicated that elastic fixation for the repair of ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in the elderly can obtain effective outcomes,which can shorten the time of complete weight-bearing,diminish complications,and alleviate inflammatory stress.

BACKGROUND:The displacement change parameters of the bone structure of the first metatarsal bone at the two-dimensional level of hallux valgus deformity are of great significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment,while the quantitative analysis of the three-dimensional deformity index may have some influences on the postoperative efficacy. OBJECTIVE:To explore the quantitative change of the three-dimensional deformity index of the first metatarsal bone after routine osteotomy and orthosis for hallux valgus deformity and to provide reference for clinical work. METHODS:100 patients with hallux valgus deformity(foot)in Hengshui People's Hospital from October 2020 to April 2023 were selected and all of them underwent conventional osteotomy and orthosis.Foot function was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale 6 months after surgery.Anterolateral X-rays of the foot in weight-bearing position and CT images in simulated weight-bearing position were taken before surgery and 6 months after surgery.The three-dimensional deformity indexes of the first metatarsal bone before and after surgery were quantitatively analyzed in patients with different ages,genders and therapeutic effects,including first-second intermetatarsal angle,hallux valgus angle,distal metatarsal articular angle,tibial sesamaid position,and first metatarsal rotation α angle.The value of the difference of three-dimensional deformity indexes of the first metatarsal bone before and after operation in evaluating the curative effect was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Six months after operation,the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 75-98(88.25±4.14)points,among which 56 cases were excellent,28 cases were good,14 cases were average,and 2 cases were poor.The excellent and good rate was 84%(84/100).(2)Compared with the preoperative results,first-second intermetatarsal angle,hallux valgus angle,distal metatarsal articular angle,tibial sesamaid position,and first metatarsal rotation α angle were significantly improved in patients of different ages and genders 6 months after surgery(P<0.05).First-second intermetatarsal angle,hallux valgus angle,distal metatarsal articular angle,tibial sesamaid position,and first metatarsal rotation α angle were all lower in patients with good curative effect 6 months after surgery than those with poor curative effect,and the difference before and after surgery was greater than those with poor curative effect(P<0.05).(3)The area under the curve of the difference evaluation of the first metatarsal three-dimensional deformity index before and after surgery was above 0.7,and the area under the curve of the combined evaluation of all indexes was the largest(0.902),which was significantly greater than the first metatarsal rotation α angle and distal metatarsal articular angle(P<0.05).(4)The quantitative analysis of the three-dimensional deformity index of the first metatarsal in patients with hallux valgus deformity is related to the postoperative effect,which has important guiding significance for improving the accuracy and comprehensiveness of preoperative evaluation and improving the treatment plan.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.

Objective To explore the difference in efficacy of metoprolol versus ivabradine in the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS)in the elderly after COVID-19 infection.Methods A total of 110 patients diagnosed with POTS at our department from Decem-ber 1,2022 to January 31,2023 were included.According to their drug regimen,they were divided into metoprolol group(62 patients)and ivabradine group(48 patients).On the 28th day of out-patient follow-up,the resting heart rate,heart rate of 10 min of standing,symptom disappearance rate,hospitalization rate,and mortality rate were compared between the two groups.Results On the 28th day of treatment,the resting heart rate and postural heart rate for 10 min were decreased in both groups when compared with the levels at initial diagnosis(P＜0.01).And there were no significant differences in the two types of heart rate between the two groups on the 28th day(71.0±7.0 vs 72.1±7.0,P=0.401;76.5±7.2 vs 77.4±7.6,P=0.573).No obvious differences were observed between the two groups in symptom disappearance rate,hospitalization rate,or mortality rate(88.7％vs 89.6％,3.2％vs2.1％,0％vs 0％,P＞0.05).Conclusion Metoprolol and ivabradine can effectively treat POTS in the elderly patients after COVID-19 infection.

Objective Pancreatic cancer(PC)is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract that is difficult to diagnose early,easily metastasizes and relapses,and resistant to conventional chemotherapy.PC is a very difficult disease to treat.The key regulatory factors of PC resistance,such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotypic cells,tumor stem cells,and miRNAs,have been reviewed in the past few years,and some new regulatory factors have been discovered as supplements.This review mainly focuses on the characteristics and properties of the key regulatory factors of PC chemotherapy resistance including long noncoding RNAs,nuclear factor KB and exosomes,drug resistance mechanisms,and treatment related strategies,and future treatment directions were predicted.