ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula （LPYJWF） in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control， model， high-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-H， 27.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-M， 13.65 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， low-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-L， 6.83 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group， other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole （6.06 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + amoxicillin （303 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + clarithromycin （151.67 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + colloidal pectin capsules （30.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa， and Warthin-Starry （W-S） silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue， and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM） and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 （TOMM20）. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA）， respectively， in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 （PINK1）， Parkin， p62， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18）. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， p62， and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage， colonization of a large number of Hp， severe mitochondrial damage， vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy， reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue， and reduced SOD and increased MDA （P<0.01）. In addition， the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 （P<0.01， as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa， reduced Hp colonization， mitigated mitochondrial damage， and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group （P<0.01）， and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin， and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 （P<0.01）. The LPYJWF-M， LPYJWF-H， and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated protein level of p62 （P<0.01）. The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice， which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy， thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula （LPYJWF） in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control， model， high-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-H， 27.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-M， 13.65 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， low-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-L， 6.83 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group， other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole （6.06 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + amoxicillin （303 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + clarithromycin （151.67 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + colloidal pectin capsules （30.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa， and Warthin-Starry （W-S） silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue， and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM） and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 （TOMM20）. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA）， respectively， in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 （PINK1）， Parkin， p62， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18）. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， p62， and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage， colonization of a large number of Hp， severe mitochondrial damage， vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy， reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue， and reduced SOD and increased MDA （P<0.01）. In addition， the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 （P<0.01， as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa， reduced Hp colonization， mitigated mitochondrial damage， and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group （P<0.01）， and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin， and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 （P<0.01）. The LPYJWF-M， LPYJWF-H， and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated protein level of p62 （P<0.01）. The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice， which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy， thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

BACKGROUND: The main cause of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is the excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Lin28a has been reported to play critical regulatory roles in this process. However, whether CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins β (C/EBPβ) binds to the Lin28a promoter and drives the progression of restenosis has not been clarified. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to clarify the role of C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis in restenosis. METHODS: Restenosis and atherosclerosis rat models of type 2 diabetes ( n   =  20, for each group) were established by subjecting to PTA. Subsequently, the difference in DNA methylation status and expression of C/EBPβ between the two groups were assessed. EdU, Transwell, and rescue assays were performed to assess the effect of C/EBPβ on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. DNA methylation status was further assessed using Methyltarget sequencing. The interaction between Lin28a and ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) was analysed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. Student's t -test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: C/EBPβ expression was upregulated and accompanied by hypomethylation of its promoter in restenosis when compared with atherosclerosis. In vitroC/EBPβ overexpression facilitated the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and was associated with increased Lin28a expression. Conversely, C/EBPβ knockdown resulted in the opposite effects. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated that C/EBPβ could directly bind to Lin28a promoter. Increased C/EBPβ expression and enhanced proliferation and migration of VSMCs were observed after decitabine treatment. Further, mechanical stretch promoted C/EBPβ and Lin28a expression accompanied by C/EBPβ hypomethylation. Additionally, Lin28a overexpression reduced C/EBPβ methylation via recruiting TET1 and enhanced C/EBPβ-mediated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The opposite was noted in Lin28a knockdown cells. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis is a driver of restenosis progression, and presents a promising therapeutic target for restenosis.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism* ; Rats ; DNA Methylation/physiology* ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta/genetics* ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Cells, Cultured ; Coronary Restenosis/metabolism*

The " liver disease affecting to the spleen" theory first appeared in Nanjing and was further elaborated in Jingui Yaolue. This theory encapsulates the traditional Chinese medicine principles of the " unity of the five viscera" and the " preventive treatment of disease" . The theory emphasizes that the spleen is the pivotal point where depression may progress from a functional disorder to an organic disease. The liver governs the emotions and qi flow, whereas the spleen is responsible for qi, blood, and body. In the early stages of the disease, emotional disorders and qi flow disorders primarily affect the liver, manifesting as depression or low mood. As the condition progresses, the liver (Wood) overacts on the spleen (Earth), disrupting liver and spleen functions and causing qi and blood disharmony. This stage is marked by fatigue and psychomotor retardation. Prolonged illness depletes qi and blood, eventually involving all five viscera, disrupting the harmony of the five spirits, and affecting both body and spirit. At this advanced phase, intense emotional distress or agitation often arises, accompanied by a heightened risk of suicide. The disease progression follows a dynamic " qi-blood-spirit" pattern, in which depression begins in the liver, characterized by qi stagnation, then affects the spleen, involving blood disharmony. In later stages, the disease eventually affects all viscera, with profound effects on both physical and mental health. Treatment strategies should align with the disease stage. Early intervention should focus on regulating the flow of qi, treating the liver, and strengthening the spleen. In the middle stages, qi and blood should be harmonized while promoting the harmonized functions of the liver and spleen. In the later stages, treatment should harmonize the five viscera to restore balance between body and spirit. Guided by this theory, integrating modern medical understanding of the progression of depression from emotional to somatic symptoms and adopting a stage-based approach to treatment in clinical practice can yield effective therapeutic outcomes for managing depression and related disorders.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula for reconstructing bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 54 patients who underwent pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula reconstruction for bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors at the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Treatment Center of Peking University People's Hospital from September 2015 to September 2023. There were 39 males and 15 females, with an age of 12.4±5.6 years (range, 4 to 23 years). The tumor types included 33 cases of osteosarcoma, 19 cases of Ewing sarcoma, and 2 cases of soft tissue sarcoma. All cases were at Enneking stage IIB. The tumor locations were 30 cases in the femur, 19 cases in the tibia, 4 cases in the ilium, and 1 case in the humerus. The survival rate, bone healing time, tumor recurrence, and metastasis were observed. The limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS)-93 score.Results:All patients successfully completed the surgery and were followed up, with a follow-up time of 44.6±27.1 months (range, 12 to 96 months). The operation time was 527±132 min (range, 150 to 730 min), and the blood loss was 730±591 ml (range, 300 to 2,800 ml). The length of inactivated tumor bone was 16.5±4.5 cm (range, 9.1 to 24.0 cm), the defect length accounted for 43.4%±12.2% of the total length of the affected bone (range, 23.8% to 75.5%), the proximal osteotomy of the long bones in the extremities was 14.1±8.3 cm from the articular surface (range, 1.9 to 31.1 cm), the distal osteotomy was 9.4±6.2 cm from the articular surface (range, 1.7 to 22.9 cm), and the length of the harvested vascularized fibula was 18.0±4.0 cm (range, 11.0 to 26.4 cm). At the last follow-up, 51 patients were alive, including 47 with no evidence of tumor and 4 with tumor; 3 patients died of tumor progression. Local recurrence occurred in 5 patients, including 4 with soft tissue recurrence in the surgical area (3 underwent surgical resection and 1 received radiotherapy) and 1 with recurrence at the site of inactivated bone. Distant metastasis occurred in 11 patients, including 5 with lung metastasis only, 2 with bone metastasis only, and 4 with combined lung and bone metastasis. Among the 5 patients with lung metastasis only, lung metastases were resected, with 3 surviving with tumor, 2 surviving without tumor; the 2 patients with bone metastasis only underwent surgical resection of bone metastases, both surviving without tumor. Among the 4 patients with combined lung and bone metastasis, 3 died of tumor progression and 1 survived with tumor. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed a 5-year survival rate of 90.8%±6.2% and a 5-year recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rate of 68.7%±7.9%. The osteotomy healing time at the diaphysis was 8.4±2.3 months (range, 4 to 13 months), the osteotomy healing time at the metaphysis was 5.9±1.7 months (range, 3 to 10 months), and the healing time between inactivated tumor bone and fibula was 6.4±2.0 months (range, 4 to 11 months). No nonunion occurred. The MSTS-93 score at the last follow-up was 94.4%±4.8% (range, 80% to 100%).Conclusion:Pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula reconstruction for bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents has satisfactory clinical efficacy, high bone healing rate, and low rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis.

Objective:To discuss the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on mitophagy in the vascular dementia(VaD)rats through reactive oxygen species(ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:Forty-five male adult SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,unloaded group,BMSCs group,and MSCs+ML385(Nrf2 inhibitor)group(combination group),and there were 9 rats in each group.After intraperitoneal anesthesia,the VaD models were established in all groups except sham operation group.Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of the rats in various groups;HE staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of brain tissue of the rats in various groups;Nissl staining was used to observe the changes of Nissl bodies in hippocampus region of brain tissue of the rats in various groups;transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampus region of the rats in various groups;fluorescence probe method was used to detect the ROS levels in hippocampus neurons in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1),parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(Parkin),Beclin-1,ubiquitin-binding protein p62(P62),and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3(LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ)ratio in brain tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:The Morris water maze results showed that compared with sham operation group,the escape latency of the rats in model group was significantly increased(P<0.01),while the number of crossing time and residence time were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the escape latency of the rats in BMSCs group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the number of crossing time and residence time were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with BMSCs group,the escape latency of the rats in combination group was significantly increased(P<0.01),while the number of crossing time and residence time were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that hippocampus neurons of the rats in sham operation group were normal in quantity and morphology,with uniform staining and clear structure.Compared with sham operation group,the hippocampus tissue of the rats in model group showed sparse arrangement,disordered structure,reduced neuronal quantity,varied morphology,uneven staining,nuclear pyknosis,and partial neuronal necrosis.Compared with model group,the neuronal damage of the rats in hippocampus regio in BMSCs group was alleviated,with restored morphology and improved neuronal loss.Compared with BMSCs group,the neurons of the rats in hippocampus region in combination group showed irregular morphology,disordered structure,unclear cell boundaries,uneven staining,and nuclear pyknosis.The Nissl staining results showed that the hippocampal neurons in sham operation group were tightly arranged with intact morphology,obvious nucleoli,and abundant darkly stained Nissl bodies.Compared with sham operation group,the neurons in hippocampus region of the rats in model group showed pyknosis,vacuolization,and sparse Nissl bodies.Compared with model group,the BMSCs group showed reduced neuronal pyknosis,relatively intact morphology,and increased Nissl bodies.Compared with BMSCs group,the combination group showed neuronal pyknosis,loss of morphological integrity,and fragmented Nissl bodies.The transmission electron microscope results showed that mitochondria in sham operation group exhibited oval shape with intact double-membrane structure and cristae.Compared with sham operation group,the mitochondria in model group showed swelling,disrupted membranes,broken cristae,and numerous autophagosomes.Compared with model group,the BMSCs group showed improved mitochondrial structure and reduced autophagosomes.Compared with BMSCs group,the combination group showed swollen mitochondria,disrupted membranes,broken cristae,and visible autophagosomes.The fluorescence probe results showed that compared with sham operation group,the ROS levels in the hippocampus neurons in brain tissue of the rats in model group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the ROS levels in hippocampus neurons in brain tissue of the rats in BMSCs group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with BMSCs group,the ROS levels in hippocampus neurons in brain tissue of the rats in combination group were significantly increased(P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with sham operation group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in brain tissue of the rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in brain tissue of the rats in BMSCs group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with BMSCs group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in brain tissue of the rats in combination group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with sham operation group,the expression levels of Parkin,PINK1,and Beclin-1 proteins,and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio of the rats in model group were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the expression level of P62 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Parkin,PINK1,and Beclin-1 proteins,as well as the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio,of the rats in BMSCs group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the expression level of P62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with BMSCs group,the expression levels of Parkin,PINK1,and Beclin-1 proteins,as well as the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio,of the rats in combination group were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the expression level of P62 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:BMSCs can alleviate the hippocampal neuronal pathological changes and improve cognitive function in the VaD rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of ROS/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit mitophagy.

Objective To analyze stroke-related risk factors and their impact on urban community residents in Beijing,focusing on chronic diseases,psychological health,and quality of life,to provide evidence for community screening and intervention strategies.Methods Data were collected from residents aged 50+in 19 communities by using questionnaires and a WeChat App.Propensity score matching(PSM)balanced baseline characteristics.Logistic regression(univariate and stepwise)and mediation effect analysis were conducted by using SPSS and R.Results After PSM,87 stroke cases and 348 controls showed balanced baseline characteristics.The stroke group had higher chronic disease prevalence and lower psychological and quality of life scores.Hypertension increased stroke risk(P=0.002).Cognitive-12 Scale(Cog-12)was positively,and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions(EQ-5D)negatively,associated with stroke(P＜0.001).Hypertension mediated stroke risk through Cog-12 and EQ-5D,with EQ-5D contributing 26.72％.Conclusion In this urban community study,stroke prevention should focus on managing chronic diseases,improving cognitive health and quality of life,and addressing psychological health.Digital tools can enhance follow-up and assessment,optimizing community-based stroke management strategies.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of four-dimensional traction in elderly patients with degenera-tive lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS),focusing on changes in lumbar muscle morphology and mechanical properties.Methods Elderly patients with DLSS admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to February 2024 were enrolled.Based on the treatment method,they were categorized into the study group(muscle exercise combined with four-dimensional traction,n=40)and the control group(routine muscle exercise,n=40).All participants underwent a 4-week treatment regimen and subsequently received multimodal ultrasound examinations.The morphology and mechanical properties of the lumbar muscle group,lumbar range of motion,walking distance in intermittent claudication,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,the study group exhibited significantly greater improvements in multifidus muscle thickness,circumference,cross-sectional area,pressure pain threshold,and lumbar range of motion(P<0.05).In contrast,the shear wave velocity(SWV),Young's modulus,muscle tension,and flexion-extension ratio of the multifidus muscle were significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05).Additionally,the walking distance in intermittent claudication for the study group was markedly longer(P<0.05).During the 12-month follow-up period after treatment,the VAS and ODI scores of the study group remained significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion Four-dimensional traction in combination with muscle exercise can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,enhance muscle function,and improve mechanical properties in elderly patients with DLSS.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula for reconstructing bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 54 patients who underwent pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula reconstruction for bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors at the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Treatment Center of Peking University People's Hospital from September 2015 to September 2023. There were 39 males and 15 females, with an age of 12.4±5.6 years (range, 4 to 23 years). The tumor types included 33 cases of osteosarcoma, 19 cases of Ewing sarcoma, and 2 cases of soft tissue sarcoma. All cases were at Enneking stage IIB. The tumor locations were 30 cases in the femur, 19 cases in the tibia, 4 cases in the ilium, and 1 case in the humerus. The survival rate, bone healing time, tumor recurrence, and metastasis were observed. The limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS)-93 score.Results:All patients successfully completed the surgery and were followed up, with a follow-up time of 44.6±27.1 months (range, 12 to 96 months). The operation time was 527±132 min (range, 150 to 730 min), and the blood loss was 730±591 ml (range, 300 to 2,800 ml). The length of inactivated tumor bone was 16.5±4.5 cm (range, 9.1 to 24.0 cm), the defect length accounted for 43.4%±12.2% of the total length of the affected bone (range, 23.8% to 75.5%), the proximal osteotomy of the long bones in the extremities was 14.1±8.3 cm from the articular surface (range, 1.9 to 31.1 cm), the distal osteotomy was 9.4±6.2 cm from the articular surface (range, 1.7 to 22.9 cm), and the length of the harvested vascularized fibula was 18.0±4.0 cm (range, 11.0 to 26.4 cm). At the last follow-up, 51 patients were alive, including 47 with no evidence of tumor and 4 with tumor; 3 patients died of tumor progression. Local recurrence occurred in 5 patients, including 4 with soft tissue recurrence in the surgical area (3 underwent surgical resection and 1 received radiotherapy) and 1 with recurrence at the site of inactivated bone. Distant metastasis occurred in 11 patients, including 5 with lung metastasis only, 2 with bone metastasis only, and 4 with combined lung and bone metastasis. Among the 5 patients with lung metastasis only, lung metastases were resected, with 3 surviving with tumor, 2 surviving without tumor; the 2 patients with bone metastasis only underwent surgical resection of bone metastases, both surviving without tumor. Among the 4 patients with combined lung and bone metastasis, 3 died of tumor progression and 1 survived with tumor. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed a 5-year survival rate of 90.8%±6.2% and a 5-year recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rate of 68.7%±7.9%. The osteotomy healing time at the diaphysis was 8.4±2.3 months (range, 4 to 13 months), the osteotomy healing time at the metaphysis was 5.9±1.7 months (range, 3 to 10 months), and the healing time between inactivated tumor bone and fibula was 6.4±2.0 months (range, 4 to 11 months). No nonunion occurred. The MSTS-93 score at the last follow-up was 94.4%±4.8% (range, 80% to 100%).Conclusion:Pasteurization-inactivated tumor bone replantation combined with intramedullary vascularized fibula reconstruction for bone defects after surgery for malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents has satisfactory clinical efficacy, high bone healing rate, and low rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of four-dimensional traction in elderly patients with degenera-tive lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS),focusing on changes in lumbar muscle morphology and mechanical properties.Methods Elderly patients with DLSS admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to February 2024 were enrolled.Based on the treatment method,they were categorized into the study group(muscle exercise combined with four-dimensional traction,n=40)and the control group(routine muscle exercise,n=40).All participants underwent a 4-week treatment regimen and subsequently received multimodal ultrasound examinations.The morphology and mechanical properties of the lumbar muscle group,lumbar range of motion,walking distance in intermittent claudication,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,the study group exhibited significantly greater improvements in multifidus muscle thickness,circumference,cross-sectional area,pressure pain threshold,and lumbar range of motion(P<0.05).In contrast,the shear wave velocity(SWV),Young's modulus,muscle tension,and flexion-extension ratio of the multifidus muscle were significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05).Additionally,the walking distance in intermittent claudication for the study group was markedly longer(P<0.05).During the 12-month follow-up period after treatment,the VAS and ODI scores of the study group remained significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion Four-dimensional traction in combination with muscle exercise can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,enhance muscle function,and improve mechanical properties in elderly patients with DLSS.