BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.

Objective To investigate the early clinical efficacy of a 3D-printed external fixation guide combined with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of flail chest, and to provide evidence for its clinical application. Methods Patients with flail chest admitted to Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital between January 2010 and January 2023 were retrospectively selected as the study subjects. Based on the surgical methods, the patients were divided into two groups: patients treated with the 3D-printed external fixation guide combined with VATS were assigned to a 3D group, and those who underwent open reduction and internal fixation were assigned to an internal fixation group. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of chest tube drainage, recovery of thoracic volume, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 1 month postoperatively, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 40 patients were included, with 20 patients in each group. The 3D group consisted of 13 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (45.7±3.8) years; the internal fixation group consisted of 14 males and 6 females, with a mean age of (47.3±4.1) years. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, number of rib fractures, or preoperative VAS scores (P>0.05). The surgeries were performed successfully in both groups, primary wound healing was achieved in all patients, and pain symptoms were significantly alleviated compared to preoperation. No postoperative complications occurred in the 3D group, whereas 1 patient each of chronic postoperative pain, fracture malunion, and incision infection occurred in the internal fixation group, resulting in a complication rate of 15.0%. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and duration of chest tube drainage in the 3D group were significantly shorter or less than those in the internal fixation group (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the recovery of thoracic volume or the VAS scores at 1 month postoperatively between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The early clinical efficacy of a 3D-printed external fixation guide combined with VATS in the treatment of flail chest is satisfactory. This technique offers the advantages of being minimally invasive, highly efficient, promoting rapid recovery, and resulting in fewer postoperative complications, and can effectively reconstruct the thoracic contour and restore thoracic volume.

BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.

Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Tic Disorders/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVES: To explore the factors related to prognosis and treatment failure in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to collect and analyze clinical data of ALL children admitted to the Department of Pediatric Hematology at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2012 to December 2019, with follow-up until June 2024. RESULTS: A total of 341 children with ALL were included. Among the 69 children with treatment failure, 55 (80%) experienced relapse, while 14 (20%) had non-relapse-related deaths, and no secondary tumors were observed. Initial WBC count ≥50×10⁹/L, positive minimal residual disease, and severe adverse events were identified as independent risk factors for treatment failure (P<0.05). Among the 55 relapsed patients, early relapses were predominant (36%), and the primary site of relapse was the bone marrow (56%). Immunophenotyping (P=0.009), initial WBC count (P=0.011), and fusion genes (P=0.040) were associated with the timing of relapse. High-risk status, T-cell ALL, relapse, and severe adverse events were independent risk factors affecting long-term survival (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prognosis of children with ALL is related to risk stratification, immunophenotyping, relapse status, and occurrence of severe adverse events. Among these factors, relapse is the primary cause of treatment failure. Actively preventing relapse may reduce the treatment failure rate and improve long-term survival.
Humans ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Treatment Failure ; Adolescent ; Infant ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genomic characteristics and prognostic factors of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) with RAS mutations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of JMML children with RAS mutations treated at the Hematology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from January 2008 to November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 34 children were included, with 17 cases (50%) having isolated NRAS mutations, 9 cases (27%) having isolated KRAS mutations, and 8 cases (24%) having compound mutations. Compared to children with isolated NRAS mutations, those with NRAS compound mutations showed statistically significant differences in age at onset, platelet count, and fetal hemoglobin proportion (P<0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and hepatomegaly (≥2 cm below the costal margin) were factors affecting the survival rate of JMML children with RAS mutations (P<0.05); hepatomegaly was a factor affecting survival in the non-HSCT group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with NRAS compound mutations have a later onset age compared to those with isolated NRAS mutations. At initial diagnosis, children with NRAS compound mutations have poorer peripheral platelet and fetal hemoglobin levels than those with isolated NRAS mutations. Liver size at initial diagnosis is related to the prognosis of JMML children with RAS mutations. HSCT can improve the prognosis of JMML children with RAS mutations.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Juvenile/therapy* ; Mutation ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Child ; Infant ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Prognosis

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.

Objective:To evaluate the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality.Methods:A total of 61 421 fall-related mortality from 2013 to 2022 in 7 provinces of China were included in a time-stratified case-crossover design, with daily meteorological data derived from the fifth generation European Reanalysis dataset produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Conditional logistic regression chimeric distributed lag nonlinear model was used to analyze the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality and stratified analysis was conducted according to gender and age.Results:Heatwaves were associated with an increased risk of fall-related morality. The risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves was higher than during non-heatwave periods ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18). The attributable fraction of fall-related motality due to heatwaves was 10.25% (95% CI: 4.49%-15.36%). For each 1 ℃ increase above the heatwave threshold, the risk of fall-related mortality increased by 34% ( OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76). The effect of heatwave duration on fall-related mortality was not statistically significant. Stratified analyses indicated that women experienced a higher risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves ( OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22) compared to man ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17). Conclusions:Heatwave increases the risk of fall-related mortality, and the intensity of heatwaves modify this risk. Women are vulnerable populations.

In recent years, the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education has created new opportunities for teaching Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while also offering innovative solutions to the pedagogical challenges associated with protein structure and function. Focusing on the case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this study integrates AI into case-based learning (CBL) to develop an AI-CBL hybrid teaching model. This model features an intelligent case-generation system that dynamically constructs ALK mutation scenarios using real-world clinical data, closely linking molecular biology concepts with clinical applications. It incorporates AI-powered protein structure prediction tools to accurately visualize the three-dimensional structures of both wild-type and mutant ALK proteins, dynamically simulating functional abnormalities resulting from conformational changes. Additionally, a virtual simulation platform replicates the ALK gene detection workflow, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills. As a result, a multidimensional teaching system is established—driven by clinical cases and integrating molecular structural analysis with experimental validation. Teaching outcomes indicate that the three-dimensional visualization, dynamic interactivity, and intelligent analytical capabilities provided by AI significantly enhance students’ understanding of molecular mechanisms, classroom engagement, and capacity for innovative research. This model establishes a coherent training pathway linking “fundamental theory-scientific research thinking-clinical practice”, offering an effective approach to addressing teaching challenges and advancing the intelligent transformation of medical education.