ObjectiveTo investigate the potential machanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture （消肿止痛合剂， XZM） in the treatment of diabetes foot ulcer （DFU）. MethodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， XZM group， inhibitor group， XZM plus inhibitor group （combination group）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， rats were fed with high-sugar， high-fat， high-cholesterol diet， intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin， and subjected to skin defect to establish DFU model. After successful modeling， the XZM group and the combination group were given 1 ml/（100 g·d）of XZM by gavage， while the blank group， model group， and inhibitor group were all given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection by gavage. Thirty minutes later， the inhibitor group and the combination group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/（kg·d） of Notch1 inhibitor DAPT. All groups were treated once a day. After 14 days of administration， the skin tissue from the dorsal foot of the blank group rats and wound tissue from the other groups were collected. The pathological changes of granulation tissue in the wound were detected using hematoxylin eosin （HE） staining. The microvascular density （MVD） in wounds was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 homolog （Notch1）， Delta-like ligand 4 （Dll4）， Delta-like ligand 4 （VEGF）， and angiopoietin 2 （Ang-2）， respectively. ResultsHistological results showed that the epidermal structure in the dorsal foot skin tissue of the rats in the blank group was intact. In the wound tissue of the model group， the epidermis exhibited excessive keratinization， vacuolar cytoplasm， and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tissue， while in the XZM group， a large amount of scab formation was observed in the epidermis， with no significant inflammatory cell infiltration and a noticeable increase in fibroblasts. In the combination group and the inhibitor group， partial epidermal scab formation was observed in the wound tissue with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to those in the blank group， the MVD in the wound tissue increased in the model group， as well as the mRNA expression and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4， while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the MVD in the wound tissue of all medication groups significantly increased， and the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4 decreased， while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the XZM group， the inhibitor group and the combination group showed decreased MVD in wound tissue， increased Notch1 and Dll4 mRNA and protein levels， and decreased expression of VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA and proteins （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionXZM can effectively promote wound healing in DFU rats， and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 signaling pathway in the wound tissue， therey promoting angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the distribution and drug resistance of the pathogens causing the abdominal(pelvic)soft tissue infections in secondary or above medical institutions of Suzhou so as to provide bases for pre-vention and control of the infections.METHODS The surveillance data of abdominal(pelvic)soft tissue infections that were reported regularly from 58 member institutions of Suzhou from Jan.2020 to Dec.2023 were collected from the regional nosocomial infection surveillance platform by Suzhou nosocomial infection management and qual-ity control center.Totally 26 tertiary hospitals and 32 secondary hospitals were involved.RESULTS Most of the 1178 strains of pathogens were isolated from the tertiary hospitals,the proportion of gram-negative bacteria was the highest;Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecium ranked the top 3 species.The constituent ratio of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)strains the was highest among the mul-tidrug-resistant organisms.The K.pneumoniae and CRKP strains were sensitive to tigecycline;the E.coli strains were highly sensitive to carbapenems,minocycline and piperacillin-tazobactam;Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains were highly resistant to most of the antibiotics;Enterobacter cloacae strains were highly resistant to ampi-cillin-sulbactam but were highly sensitive to carbapenems;the drug resistance rate of the A.baumannii strains to tigecycline was less than 5％;the drug resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains to ticarcillin-clavulanic acid was highest.CONCLUSIONS The abdominal(pelvic)soft tissue infection is always mixed infections.The pathogens show severe drug resistance.It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance of etiological spectrum and drug resistance and conduct targeted guidance for clinical practice of diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND:Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty has the advantages of minimal trauma and bone cement dispersion,but whether it is safe and effective for the treatment of compression fractures in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body needs further study.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of the upper 1/3 compression fractures of the osteoporotic vertebrae.METHODS:Medical records of 66 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar upper 1/3 compression fracture admitted to Department of Orthopedics of PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center from January 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,32 cases were treated with percutaneous curved vertebroplasty(observation group)and 34 cases were treated with"noncoplanar bipedicular puncture"percutaneous vertebroplasty(control group).Pain visual analog scale score,Oswestry Disability Index,anterior edge height of injured vertebra,and Cobb angle of injured vertebra were compared and analyzed between the two groups before surgery,the first day after surgery,and the last follow-up.The operative time,bone cement leakage rate,bone cement injection volume,and bone cement dispersion score of the two groups were statistically analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operations were successfully completed in both groups of patients,and no complications such as bone cement allergy,bone cement embolism,nerve damage,or epidural hematoma occurred.(2)Pain visual analog scale score,Oswestry disability index,anterior edge height,and Cobb angle of injured vertebra of the two groups at the first day after surgery and the last follow-up were all better than those before surgery,with statistically significant difference(P＜0.05),but there was no statistical significance between the two groups(P＞0.05).The Oswestry disability index of the two groups at the last follow-up was better than that on the first day after surgery(P＜0.05).(3)The operation time and bone cement leakage rate of the observation group were lower than those of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)There were no significant differences in bone cement injection volume and bone cement dispersion score between the two groups(P＞0.05).(5)The results show that percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebrae compression fractures in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body can effectively relieve pain,maintain vertebral height,and reduce operative time and bone cement leakage rate.

Objective To analyze the occurrence and risk factors of needlestick and sharps injuries(NSIs)among oral health care workers(HCWs).Methods NSIs reported by West China Hospital of Stomatology from 2020 to 2023 were collected,and factors relevant to NSIs were analyzed.Results A total of 391 cases of NSIs were repor-ted.Only one case of injury was caused by a sterile device,while the remaining 390 cases were caused by contamina-ted devices.There were 85,107,113,and 86 cases in 2020,2021,2022,and 2023,respectively.Most NSIs oc-curred among interns(n=235,60.1％).294 cases(75.2％)of NSIs occurred among HCWs who had less than 3 years of clinical experience.The distribution of NSIs among 235 interns in different months showed that NSIs ac-counted for a relatively high proportion from April to June and July to September,and the difference was statistica-lly significant(P＜0.05).The ventral side of the left thumb was the most common site of NSIs(n=53,13.6％),followed by the ventral side of the right index finger(n=45,11.5％)and the ventral side of the left index finger(n=44,11.3％).The most common devices involved in NSIs were various types of syringe needles(n=84,21.5％),followed by various types of dental burs(n=76,19.4％)and suture needles(n=49,12.5％).Injuries mainly oc-curred during the treatment process(n=212,54.2％)and in the department of endodontics(n=86,22.0％).This study didn't find any occupational bloodborne infection case caused by NSIs.Conclusion NSIs mainly occur among inexperienced oral interns,and devices causing NSIs are related to the treatment process.

Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics and differences in antimicrobial resistance be-tween catheter-associated urinary tract infection(CAUTI)and non-CAUTI of healthcare-associated infection(HAI),and provide scientific basis for precise clinical prevention and control.Methods Based on the regional HAI surveillance platform in Suzhou City,urinary tract infection(UTI)surveillance data reported by 61 member units from January 2020 to December 2024 were analyzed retrospectively.Pathogen distribution,detection rate of multi-drug-resistant organisms(MDROs),and antimicrobial resistance spectrum characteristics of patients in the CAUTI group and non-CAUTI group were compared.Results The incidence of CAUTI in patients in CAUTI group was 0.99‰,the incidence of healthcare-associated UTI in patients in non-CAUTI group was 0.14％.There was statis-tically significant difference in the distribution of UTI pathogens between the two groups(P＜0.05).The patho-gens of the CAUTI group were mainly Gram-negative bacteria(56.1％),with high proportions of Escherichia coli(19.6％)and Klebsiella pneumoniae(15.0％).In the non-CAUTI group,the proportion of Gram-negative bacteria was higher(64.7％).Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results showed that the resistance rates of Escherichia co-li to tobramycin,cephalosporins,and carbapenems in the CAUTI group were all higher than those in the non-CAU-TI group(all P＜0.05).Except for tigecycline,the resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to other antimicrobial agents in the CAUTI group were all significantly different from the non-CAUTI group(all P＜0.05).The resis-tance rates of Acinetobacterbaumannii to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid,quinolones,most cephalosporins,carbapenems,and aminoglycosides in the CAUTI group were higher than those of the non-CAUTI group(all P＜0.05).The de-tection rates of MDROs were higher in the CAUTI group,especially that of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneu-moniae,accounting for 57.8％.Conclusion There are significant differences in pathogen distribution and antimi-crobial resistance of UTI between the CAUTI group and the non-CAUTI group.It is necessary to establish a re-gional antimicrobial resistance surveillance system for pathogens in UTI,and provide basis for the rational use of an-timicrobial agents in clinical practice.

Objective:To analyze the selection of internal fixation methods, surgical outcomes, and complications in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) accompanied by dystrophic lumbosacral deformities, and to evaluate the indications for pelvic fixation.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 patients with NF1 and associated dystrophic lumbosacral malformations (L 4 to sacrum) who underwent spinal deformity correction surgery at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2009 to November 2022. The cohort included 11 males and 10 females, with a mean surgical age of 15.4±4.7 years (range, 7-24 years). Patients were divided into two groups based on whether pelvic fixation was performed: 10 patients in the non-pelvic fixation group (NP group) and 11 in the pelvic fixation group (P group), where fixation involved second sacral alar-iliac (S 2AI) screws or iliac screws. Radiographic parameters, including the Cobb angle of the lumbosacral fractional curve, main curve, and focal kyphosis, were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Results:The NP group had a significantly lower mean age (13.2±4.9 years) compared to the P group (17.5±3.5 years; t=2.287, P=0.034). Spinal instability (rotational subluxation or spondylolisthesis) due to dystrophic changes was observed in 2 patients in the NP group and 8 in the P group, a statistically significant difference (χ 2=5.838, P=0.030). In the P group, five patients underwent unilateral fixation and six underwent bilateral fixation. Implant types included 2 cases with iliac screws, 1 case with iliac screws plus S 2AI, and 8 cases with S 2AI screws alone. The utilization rate of hooks was significantly higher in the NP group (12.6%±11.5%) compared to the P group (3.5%±6.9%; t=2.230, P=0.038). The preoperative Cobb angle of the lumbosacral fractional curve was significantly smaller in the NP group (13.8°±9.0°) than in the P group (25.5°±13.9°; t=2.228, P=0.039). Postoperatively, the angles were corrected to 6.3°±6.1° and 6.4°±5.3°, respectively ( t=0.901, P=0.969), with correction rates of 57.3%±13.6% and 74.1%±17.8% ( t=2.369, P=0.029). At final follow-up, the angles remained stable (6.6°±6.6° vs. 6.3°±4.8°; t=0.116, P=0.909). For the main curve, preoperative Cobb angles were 52.5°±15.1° (NP) and 61.1°±16.9° (P; t=1.200, P=0.246), corrected to 31.3°±13.8° and 28.0°±8.4°, respectively ( t=0.646, P=0.526). Correction rates were 41.3%±13.0% in the NP group and 53.2%±11.6% in the P group ( t=2.206, P=0.037). At the final follow-up, these values were 32.4°±14.2° and 31.7°±10.3° ( t=0.133, P=0.896). Focal kyphosis, seen in 9 patients, was corrected from 19.7°±10.9° preoperatively to -13.6°±9.5° postoperatively, and remained at -14.1°±9.6° at the final follow-up ( F=33.547, P<0.001). Multi-rod systems were used in 6 cases (NP group) and 7 cases (P group), with no significant difference (χ 2=0.153, P=0.926). Two patients in the NP group developed coronal decompensation three years postoperatively, and one required revision surgery. In the P group, rod breakage occurred in 3 patients, two of whom underwent revision. Conclusions:Dystrophic rotational subluxation or spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine is a primary indication for pelvic fixation in patients with NF1-associated deformities. However, complications related to internal fixation remain common. The combined use of a multi-rod screw-hook hybrid system, particularly when extending across the lumbosacral region, may reduce the risk of instrumentation failure.

This study aims to explore the specific mechanism by which puerarin inhibits ferroptosis and improves the myocardial contractile function in myocardial hypertrophy through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidant response element(ARE)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway. The hypertrophic cardiomyocyte model was established using phenylephrine, and H9c2 cells were divided into control group, model group, puerarin group, and puerarin+ML385 group. Cell viability and surface area were detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) and immunofluorescence experiments. The mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca~(2+) concentration were measured. The ferroptosis-related indicators were detected by biochemical and fluorescence staining methods. The expression of proteins related to ferroptosis and the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. A myocardial hypertrophy model was established, and 40 rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, puerarin group, and puerarin+Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) group, with 10 rats in each group. Echocardiogram, hemodynamic parameters, and myocardial hypertrophy parameters were measured. Histopathological changes of myocardial tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining. Biochemical methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and fluorescence staining were used to detect inflammatory factors and ferroptosis-related indicators. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of proteins related to ferroptosis and the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway. Cell experiments showed that puerarin intervention significantly enhanced the viability of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, reduced their surface area, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca~(2+) homeostasis. Mechanism studies revealed that puerarin promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, upregulated the expression of HO-1, solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and decreased malondialdehyde(MDA), reactive oxygen species(ROS), and iron levels. These protective effects were reversed by ML385. In animal experiments, puerarin improved cardiac function in rats with myocardial hypertrophy, alleviated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, inhibited inflammatory responses and ferroptosis, and promoted nuclear Nrf2 translocation and HO-1 expression. However, combined intervention with ML385 led to deterioration of hemodynamics and a rebound in ferroptosis marker levels. In conclusion, puerarin may inhibit cardiomyocyte ferroptosis through the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby improving myocardial contractile function in myocardial hypertrophy.
Animals ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics* ; Rats ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Isoflavones/pharmacology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Cardiomegaly/genetics* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Antioxidant Response Elements/drug effects* ; Myocardial Contraction/drug effects* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics* ; Cell Line

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different puncture methods of the flexible bone cement delivery device in unilateral percutaneous curved vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral upper 1/3 compression fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 67 patients with osteoporotic vertebral upper 1/3 compression fractures who were admitted and met the selection criteria between January 2023 and April 2024. The patients were divided into two groups based on the puncture method of the flexible bone cement delivery device: the oblique puncture group ( n=37) and the parallel puncture group ( n=30). There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) between the two groups in terms of gender, age, bone mineral density (T value), distribution of fractured vertebrae, time from injury to operation, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), anterior vertebral height of the fractured vertebra, and Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra. The following parameters were compared between the two groups: operation time, incidence of secondary puncture, incidence of bone cement leakage, volume of injected bone cement, bone cement distribution score, as well as VAS score, ODI, anterior vertebral height of the fractured vertebra, and Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra at 1 day after operation and at last follow-up. RESULTS: Two cases in the oblique puncture group and 7 cases in the parallel puncture group underwent secondary puncture during operation, and the difference in the incidence of secondary puncture was significant ( P<0.05). No complications such as bone cement hypersensitivity, bone cement embolism, nerve injury, or epidural hematoma occurred in both groups. There was no significant difference in operation time, volume of injected bone cement, incidence of bone cement leakage, distribution score and rating of bone cement between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 12.0 months), and there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). No further fracture collapse or compression occurred in the fractured vertebra during follow-up. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in VAS score, ODI, anterior vertebral height, and Cobb angle of the fractured vertebra after operation compared to baseline ( P<0.05). There were also significant differences between the two time points after operation ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For osteoporotic vertebral upper 1/3 compression fractures treated with unilateral percutaneous curved vertebroplasty, both oblique and parallel puncture methods of the flexible bone cement delivery device can effectively relieve pain, but the former is more conducive to reducing the incidence of secondary puncture.
Humans ; Bone Cements/therapeutic use* ; Fractures, Compression/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Vertebroplasty/instrumentation* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Female ; Male ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Punctures/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over

Artificial intelligence(AI)has emerged as a cutting-edge technology leading the future and is a key engine for China's development.In the innovation and research of medical devices,AI has provided critical support in the areas of intelligent diagnostic assistance,intelligent therapeutic assis-tance,intelligent monitoring,life support,et al.Ma-chine learning-enabled device software functions(ML-DSFs)have become an essential component of many medical devices.Recently,the United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA)released a draft guidance titled"Marketing Submission Rec-ommendations for a Predetermined Change Con-trol Plan for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learn-ing(AI/ML)-Enabled Device Software Functions(Draft)."that aimed to provide a forward-looking approach to foster the development of ML medical devices.By supporting iterative updates through modifications,this approach ensures the continu-ous safety and effectiveness of the devices.This guidance represents the latest in regulatory direc-tion and is especially beneficial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of clinical trials for AI prod-ucts.Therefore,we plan to provide a detailed intro-duction and interpretation of the guidance,with the aim of learning from international advanced regulatory concepts and experiences to promote the development of ML-DSFs with more profound international influence.

Objective:To report the nationwide surveillance results of pathogenic profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Gram-positive bloodstream infections in China in 2023.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-posttive bacteria from blood cultures were collected in member hospitals of National Bloodstream Infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System（BRICS）during January to December 2023. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the dilution method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute（CLSI）. Statistical analyses were conducted using WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software.Results:A total of 4 385 Gram-positive bacterial isolates were obtained from 60 participating center. The top five pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus（ n=1 544，35.2%），coagulase-negative Staphylococci（ n=1 441，32.9%）， Enterococcus faecium（ n=574，13.1%）， Enterococcus faecalis（ n=385，8.8%），and α-hemolytic Streptococci（ n=187，4.3%）. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus（MRSA）and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci（MRCNS）was 26.2%（405/1 544）and 69.8%（1 006/1 441），respectively. Notably，all Staphylococci remained susceptible to glycopeptide or daptomycin. Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated excellent susceptibility（>97.0%）to cephalobiol，rifampicin，trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole，linezolid，minocycline，tigecycline，and eravacycline. No Enterococcus exhibiting resistance to linezolid were detected. Glycopeptide resistance was uncommon but more frequent in Enterococcus faecium（resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin：both 1.7%）compared to Enterococcus faecalis（both 0.3%）. The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS exhibited significant regional variations across the country（ χ2=17.674 and 148.650，respectively，both P<0.001）. No vancomycin-resistant Enterococci were detected in central China. Institutional comparison demonstrated higher prevalence of MRSA（ χ2=14.111， P<0.001）and MRCNS（ χ2=4.828， P=0.028）in provincial hospitals than that in municipal hospitals. Socioeconomic analysis identified elevated detection rates of both MRSA（ χ2=18.986， P<0.001）and MRCNS（ χ2=4.477， P=0.034）in less developed regions（per capita GDP