BACKGROUND:Micro-robots have the characteristics of small size,flexibility,and strong targeting,and can complete complex tasks in a single or clustered manner in a narrow environment.With the continuous optimization of materials,preparation processes,and driving approaches,they have shown increasingly important application value in the field of biomedicine. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the application of field-driven micro-robots in medical field and to look forward to their application prospect. METHODS:Using"microrobots,nanorobots,drivers,biomedical,medical"as Chinese keywords and"microrobots,micro-robots,nanorobots,micromachine,microswimmer,medical"as English keywords,WanFang Data and PubMed databases were searched,respectively.The search time range was from January 2010 to January 2024,and a small number of long-term articles were included.Through reading the titles and preliminarily screening the abstracts,the repetitive studies,low-quality journals,and irrelevant literature were excluded.After reading the entire text,66 papers were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Field-driven medical micro-robots mainly include magnetic,optical,thermal,ultrasonic,and multi-mixed factor-driven robots.Field-driven robots have been used in intestinal diagnosis,drug targeting therapy,and stem cell therapy.Medical micro-robots are currently only used in a small number of clinical applications,but most of which are still in the theoretical and experimental stages.Medical micro-robots will face many challenges in future,such as large-scale preparation,precise control of micro-robots,recycling or degradation in vivo,whether the materials used will cause adverse reactions to the human body,and the related minimally invasive medical procedures.

Hepatic encephalopathy （HE） is a common complication of severe liver disease in the end stage， and it is urgently needed to improve the rate of effective treatment and clarify the pathogenesis of HE. The liver is a crucial hub for immune regulation， and disruption of immune homeostasis is a key factor in the pathological mechanisms of HE. As the main metabolites of intestinal flora， short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs） play a vital role in the biological processes of both innate and adaptive immunity and can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells maintain the homeostasis of intestinal microenvironment and the integrity of barrier function. Studies have shown that SCFAs participate in bidirectional and dynamic interactions with the liver-gut-brain axis through immunomodulatory pathways， thereby playing an important role in the diagnosis， treatment， and prognostic evaluation of HE. Starting from the immunoregulatory effect of SCFAs， this article summarizes and analyzes the crosstalk relationship between SCFAs and the liver-gut-brain axis and the significance of SCFAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HE， in order to provide new ideas for optimizing clinical prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective To study the spatial distribution of the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Hubei Province and its influencing factors, so as to improve the theoretical basis for scientific development of tuberculosis prevention and control measures in the future. Methods The data of reported incidence of tuberculosis and related influencing factors in various counties and districts of Hubei Province in 2020 were collected. Global Moran's I index, hotspot analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR) model analysis were used to calculate the spatial autocorrelation of the incidence of tuberculosis, and to analyze the influencing factors affecting the incidence rate of tuberculosis. Results There were obvious regional differences in the space distribution of the incidence rate of tuberculosis. Hot spot analysis showed positive spatial correlation and obvious clustering. The GWR model (AICc=784.251) in this study had higher AICc value compared to the ordinary least squares regression (OLS) model (AICc=804.2585). The GWR model showed that the increase in the proportion of the population aged 65 and above and the proportion of the ethnic minority population had a significant promoting effect on the increase of the incidence rate of tuberculosis, and there was significant spatial heterogeneity. The effect of PM_2.5 concentration on the incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis varied in different regions, and the degree of effect was also different. Conclusion The proportion of people aged 65 and above and the proportion of ethnic minorities may significantly influence the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The effect of PM_2.5 concentration varies in different regions, so targeted measures should be formulated according to the situation in different regions.

Nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） is an important intracellular transcription factor widely involved in the processes such as immune response， inflammatory response， cell proliferation， and apoptosis. The abnormal activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in various liver diseases including chronic hepatitis， liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， and hepatocellular carcinoma. Extensive studies have shown that inhibiting NF-κB activity may effectively reduce inflammation and fibrosis and improve metabolic disorders. Several natural compounds， such as matrine and salvianolic acid B， have shown the potential in suppressing NF-κB activity， thereby exerting anti-inflammatory， anti-fibrotic， and anti-tumor effects. This article systematically reviews the critical role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in liver diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target， in order to highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for liver diseases and provide new directions for the treatment of liver diseases.

Background The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a vast area with a wide array of ecological environments, resulting in considerable regional variations in air pollution characteristics. Current research is limited by a scarcity of systematic, region-wide studies and risk assessments. Objective To assess the health risks associated with inhalation exposure to nine heavy metal and metalloid elements in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) for the population of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Methods From the 10th to the 16th of each month throughout 2023, atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at designated monitoring sites in 12 leagues (cities) across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to analyze the characteristics and trends in concentration. The health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was employed to evaluate both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the heavy metal elements beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), hydrargyrum (Hg), plumbum (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) and the metalloid elements stibium (Sb) and arsenic (As). Results In 2023, a total of 1206 valid PM_2.5 samples were analyzed from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The annual average PM_2.5 concentrations in Inner Mongolia, as well as in the cities of Ordos, Wuhai, and the Alxa League, all exceeded the national limit of 35 μg·m⁻³. The PM_2.5 concentrations across the leagues (cities) exhibited a clear seasonal variation, peaking in winter, followed by spring, and reaching a minimum in summer and autumn. The median PM_2.5 concentration in Ordos throughout the year was higher than that in the other leagues (cities) of the region. Concerning health risks, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the 9 elements detected in each league (city) were all below 1, indicating acceptable levels. However, the non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn, Cr, and As were relatively high; specifically, Ordos City displayed the highest non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn (7.74×10⁻¹) and Cr (2.97×10⁻²), while Chifeng City recorded the highest value for As (2.34×10⁻³). The carcinogenic risk values for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni fell within the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁵, representing an acceptable level. The health risks varied with age, and the elderly residents faced the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Conclusion While the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metals and metalloids within atmospheric PM_2.5 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are generally within acceptable limits, the potential risks that Mn, As, and Cr pose to the health of elderly people warrants particular attention, and Ordos and Chifeng cities exhibit notably higher health risks among other areas. It is recommended that regular, long-term monitoring be conducted, taking into account the specific conditions at monitoring sites across each league (city), and that targeted air quality management strategies be implemented to protect public health.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive osteotomy with preservation of blood supply to the transversely transported bone segment in the treatment of chronic ischemic lower limb diseases using tibial transverse bone transport. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 12 patients with chronic ischemic lower limb diseases who met the selection criteria and were treated between June 2016 and December 2023. The cohort included 7 males and 5 females, aged 26-87 years (mean, 61.2 years). Among them, 7 patients had diabetic foot (DF), including 2 cases complicated by arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO), with a DF duration ranging from 1.7 to 23.0 months (mean, 9.6 months) and ulcer sizes ranging from 3.2 cm×2.4 cm to 10.0 cm×6.6 cm. Three patients had ASO with a disease duration of 1.7-23.0 months (mean, 10.4 months) and ulcer or post-amputation wound sizes ranging from 2.2 cm×2.1 cm to 12.0 cm×7.7 cm. Additionally, 2 patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) had a disease duration of 7 and 12 months, respectively. Preoperatively, the mean foot skin temperature was (27.63±0.34)℃, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 8.5±0.7. All patients underwent tibial transverse bone transport using minimally invasive osteotomy while preserving the blood supply to the transported bone segment. Postoperative complications and foot ulcer healing were observed. The effectiveness of tibial transverse bone transport was evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative foot skin temperature, VAS scores, as well as through CT angiography (CTA). RESULTS: One DF patient with ASO was lost to follow-up, while the remaining 11 patients were followed up 10-29 months (mean, 20.5 months). One DF patient had a displaced fracture at the site of tibial transport due to trauma, which healed after plaster immobilization; 1 DF patient had a small amount of pigmentation in the skin of the donor site, but the blood circulation was good; no complication such as pin tract infection, skin necrosis, or osteomyelitis occurred in the donor site of all patients. At 2-3 weeks postoperatively, the foot skin temperature was (34.21±0.65)℃, and the VAS score was 0.3±0.1, both significantly improved compared to preoperative ones ( t=-31.578, P<0.001; t=49.000, P<0.001). Two TAO patients experienced recurrent, persistent, intolerable pain at 7-10 days postoperatively, with no reduction in ulcer size or necrotic areas; 1 underwent toe amputation, and the other required a mid-leg amputation. The remaining patients achieved complete ulcer healing, with healing time ranging from 5.1 to 9.2 weeks (mean, 6.8 weeks). CTA showed no new vascular occlusions or embolisms. X-ray films at 4 months postoperatively demonstrated proper repositioning and good healing of the transported tibial bone segment. CONCLUSION The application of minimally invasive osteotomy with preserved blood supply to the transversely transported bone segment in tibial transverse bone transport for the treatment of chronic ischemic lower limb diseases effectively minimizes extensive soft tissue dissection, reduces surgical soft tissue damage, and better maintains local blood supply. This approach lowers the risk of postoperative infection and skin necrosis while accelerating postoperative recovery.
Humans ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Tibia/surgery* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diabetic Foot/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Arteriosclerosis Obliterans/surgery* ; Ischemia/surgery* ; Lower Extremity/blood supply*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the method and effectiveness of index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of superficial branch of radial nerve for treatment of thumb skin and soft tissue defect. METHODS: Between August 2019 and December 2024, 12 patients with thumb skin and soft tissue defects caused by trauma accompanied by variation of the first dorsal metacarpal artery were treated. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged 19-55 years, with an average age of 32 years. The wound area ranged from 2.2 cm×2.0 cm to 5.5 cm×3.5 cm. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 hours, with an average of 4.5 hours. After thorough debridement, the wound was repaired with a index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. The flap area ranged from 2.4 cm×2.2 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. The donor site was repaired with free skin grafting. Regular follow-up was conducted postoperatively to observe the appearance, texture, sensory recovery of the flap, and the condition of the donor site. RESULTS: The operation time ranged from 30 to 72 minutes, with an average of 47 minutes; intraoperative blood loss ranged from 30 to 70 mL, with an average of 46 mL. After operation, partial necrosis occurred at the skin edge of the radial incision on the dorsum of the hand in 1 case, which healed after dressing changes; all other flaps survived uneventfully, with primary wound healing. The skin grafts at the donor sites all survived. All 12 patients were followed up 5-36 months, with an average of 14 months. The appearance and texture of the flaps were good. At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination of the flaps ranged from 4 to 9 mm, with an average of 5.2 mm. According to the functional evaluation criteria for upper limb issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 1 case. No scar contracture, pain, or joint movement limitation was observed at the donor sites. CONCLUSION For patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the thumb accompanied by variation of the first dorsal metacarpal artery, the index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of the superficial branch of the radial nerve can be selected. This method has advantages such as shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, and good postoperative appearance and sensation of the flap.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Thumb/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Radial Nerve/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Surgical Flaps/innervation* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Fingers/surgery* ; Skin/injuries*

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective association between physical activity (PA),independently or in conjunction with other contributing factors,and osteoporosis (OP) outcomes. Methods The Physical Activity in Osteoporosis Outcomes (PAOPO) study was a community-based cohort investigation. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the participants' sociodemographic characteristics. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were performed to assess OP outcomes,and the relationship between BMD and OP was evaluated within this cohort. Results From 2013 to 2014,8,471 participants aged 18 years and older were recruited from Tangshan,China's Jidong community. Based on their PA level,participants were categorized as inactive,moderately active,or very active. Men showed higher physical exercise levels than women across the activity groups. BMD was significantly higher in the very active group than in the moderately active and inactive groups. Individuals aged>50 years are at a higher risk of developing OP and osteopenia. Conclusion The PAOPO study offers promising insights into the relationship between PA and OP outcomes,encouraging the implementation of PA in preventing and managing OP.

Objective To study the population genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships by combining Y-STR haplotype genetic information from the Han population in Dalian with 32 domestic and foreign groups.Methods Blood samples of 958 Han male volunteers from Dalian were collected.Genetic typing of 42 genetic loci was completed using Y-STR fluorescent reagent kits and capillary electrophoresis.Related forensic parameters were calculated.Nei's standard genetic distances among 33 populations based on 17 Y-STR loci were computed,in order to create a principal coordinate analysis as well as construct a phylogenetic tree.Results The analysis of genetic polymorphisms at 42 Y-STR loci revealed 30 unconventional alleles at 10 loci.Genetic analysis of the population based on 17 Y-STR loci confirmed that Dalian's Han population had the closest genetic distance to the Anshan's Han population,followed by populations from Henan,Heilongjiang,Jilin,Shandong,and Chongqing.Furthermore,the genetic distances between the Han population in Dalian and the Qiang population in Beichuan or the Miao population in Guizhou were relatively closer than that to the Manchu population living in Liaoning.Conclusion The genetic distance between the Han population in Dalian and other groups is not entirely proportional to ethnicities and geographical proximity.Both population migration and ethnic assimilation or isolation may have influence on it.

BACKGROUND:In recent years,the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury has become more and more mature.However,there are still disputes about the timing of surgery,the choice of surgical methods,the choice of grafts,and the methods to promote graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament injury. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the latest research progress of surgical timing,surgical methods,graft selection and methods to promote graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament injury,and to find new treatment directions for anterior cruciate ligament injury. METHODS:Relevant articles concerning anterior cruciate ligament injury were retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Date,VIP,SinoMed,ScienceDirect,Springer and Cochrane Library.After the screening,72 related articles were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Surgical timing:Compared with delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,early reconstruction can reduce meniscus injury,elevate quality of life,and improve functional recovery.However,it is still uncertain whether the different operation timing will accelerate cartilage injury.(2)Surgical methods:Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a common surgical method for anterior cruciate ligament injury.Dynamic internal stabilization repair of anterior cruciate ligament can bring similar results to traditional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in short-term and long-term effects.(3)Graft selection:Autogenous hamstring tendon is the first choice of anterior cruciate ligament graft,while bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts and allografts are the secondary choices.(4)Among the methods to promote graft healing,suture band strengthening can increase knee joint stability and ensure graft healing.Stem cells promote the tendon-bone healing of grafts through anti-inflammatory action,angiogenesis,inhibition of osteolysis and promotion of chondrocyte differentiation.Preserving the residual end of the anterior cruciate ligament can maintain the stability of the knee joint,promote the recovery of proprioception,and provide a prerequisite for the healing of the graft.The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in promoting graft healing remains to be discussed.However,biomaterials,gene therapy,stem cell application and other methods to promote tendon healing remain in the stage of molecular and animal researches.Clinical transformation is also needed in the future.