OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic discectomy with a lateral approach and dual-channel method in treating highly free lumbar disc herniation(LDH). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with highly free LDH who were treated with spinal endoscopic techniques from January 2021 to December 2022. Twenty-seven patients were treated with lateral approach dual-channel(lateral approach dual-channel group), including 16 males and 11 females, with an average age of (54.6±10.5) years old. Twenty-seven patients were treated with unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE group), including 17 males and 10 females, with an average age of (52.9±12.3) years old. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation time and hospital stay, as well as visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry diability index (ODI) of low back and leg pain between two patients before operation, 1 day, 1, 3, and 12 months after operation, and the efficacy was evaluated by the modified MacNab criteria at 12 mohths after operation. RESULTS: All patients were successfully completed surgical and were followed up, the time raged from 12 to 22 months with an average of (13.57±4.12) months. There was no statistically significant difference in operation time between two groups (P>0.05). The hospital stay of lateral approach dual-channel group was (3.9±1.1) days, which was shorter than that of UBE group (6.5±1.4) days, the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy in lateral approach dual-channel group was (12.7±2.1) times, which was more than that in UBE group (6.6±1.3) times, the differences were statistically significant (t=5.197, -7.532;P<0.05). VAS and ODI for low back pain at 1 day and 1 month after operation, and VAS for leg pain at 1 day after operation of lateral approach dual-channel group were superior to those of UBE group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS and ODI for low back and leg pain between two groups before operation and 3 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). VAS and ODI of low back and leg pain were significantly improved at each time point before and after operation in both groups, and the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, according to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rates of therapeutic effects between lateral approach dual-channel group and UBE group were 92.6% (25/27) and 88.9% (24/27), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ²=0.22, P>0.05). CONCLUSION For patients with highly free lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, both of lateral approach dual-channel method and UBE endoscopic surgery are safe and effective. Endoscopic surgery with lateral approach and dual-channel method could be performed under local anesthesia, allowing for the removal of the nucleus pulposus under direct vision. It is simpler, more efficient.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Diskectomy, Percutaneous/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged

PURPOSE: The rate of complications among patients undergoing surgery has increased due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern. However, Omicron has shown decreased pathogenicity, raising questions about the risk of postoperative complications among patients who are infected with this variant. This study aimed to investigate complications and related factors among patients with recent Omicron infection prior to undergoing orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A historical control study was conducted. Data were collected from all patients who underwent surgery during 2 distinct periods: (1) between Dec 12, 2022 and Jan 31, 2023 (COVID-19 positive group), (2) between Dec 12, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022 (COVID-19 negative control group). The patients were at least 18 years old. Patients who received conservative treatment after admission or had high-risk diseases or special circumstances (use of anticoagulants before surgery) were excluded from the study. The study outcomes were the total complication rate and related factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on complications. RESULTS: In the analysis, a total of 847 patients who underwent surgery were included, with 275 of these patients testing positive for COVID-19 and 572 testing negative. The COVID-19-positive group had a significantly higher rate of total complications (11.27%) than the control group (4.90%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the OR was 3.08 (95% CI: 1.45-6.53). Patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at 3-4 weeks (OR = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.06-0.59), p = 0.005), 5-6 weeks (OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04-0.59), p = 0.010), or ≥7 weeks (OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06-1.02), p = 0.069) prior to surgery had a lower risk of complications than those who were diagnosed at 0-2 weeks prior to surgery. Seven factors (age, indications for surgery, time of operation, time of COVID-19 diagnosis prior to surgery, C-reactive protein levels, alanine transaminase levels, and aspartate aminotransferase levels) were found to be associated with complications; thus, these factors were used to create a nomogram. CONCLUSION Omicron continues to be a significant factor in the incidence of postoperative complications among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. By identifying the factors associated with these complications, we can determine the optimal surgical timing, provide more accurate prognostic information, and offer appropriate consultation for orthopedic surgery patients who have been infected with Omicron.
Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Nomograms ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Hemorrhagic shock is a common clinical emergency that can aggravate cell injury after resuscitation. Astrocytes are crucial for the survival of neurons because they regulate the surrounding ionic microenvironment of neurons. Although hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) injury can impair cognition, it remains unclear how this insult directly affects astrocytes. In this study, we established an HSR model by bleeding and re-transfusion in mice. The social interaction test and new object recognition test were applied to evaluate post-operative cognitive changes, and the results suggest that mice experience cognitive impairment following exposure to HSR. In the HSR group, the power spectral density of β and γ oscillations decreased, and the coupling of the θ oscillation phase and γ oscillation amplitude was abnormal, which indicated abnormal neuronal oscillation and cognitive impairment after HSR exposure. In brief, cognitive impairment in mice is strongly correlated with Ca²⁺ signal strength in lateral septum astrocytes following HSR.
Animals ; Astrocytes/metabolism* ; Shock, Hemorrhagic/metabolism* ; Resuscitation/adverse effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Calcium Signaling/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Septal Nuclei/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cognition Disorders/etiology*

BACKGROUND:In recent years,there have been many novel tympanic membrane repair materials,including patches and 3D-printed scaffolds.However,the tympanic membrane repaired by these materials is different from the natural tympanic membrane in terms of thickness and internal structure. OBJECTIVE:To explore the efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-loaded high-porosity polycaprolactone/collagen nanofiber membrane scaffolds in repairing chronic tympanic membrane perforation. METHODS:Polycaprolactone,polycaprolactone-collagen,and high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning technology,and the surface morphology,porosity and cell compatibility of the scaffolds were characterized.The tympanic membrane perforation model of 50 male SD rats was established by puncturing the posterior lower part of both eardrums with a sterile 23-measure needle combined with mitomycin C and hydrocortisone.After 12 weeks of modeling,the rats were divided into five groups by the random number table method.The blank control group did not receive any treatment.In the other four groups,polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane(polycaprolactone group),polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membrane(polycaprolactone-collagen group),high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membrane(high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen group)and high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membrane containing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen group)were implanted at the perforation of the tympanic membrane,respectively.Each group consisted of 10 animals.The healing of the tympanic membrane was examined by otoendoscopy after 1,2,3 and 4 weeks of stent implantation.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining were performed on the tympanic membrane after 4 weeks of implantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scaffold characterization:Scanning electron microscopy showed that compared with other nanofiber membranes,the high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membranes had more orderly nanofiber structure,larger surface pore size,and higher porosity(P<0.001).Live/dead staining showed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells adhered well on the three scaffolds,and the number of living cells on the high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membrane was more than that on the other two scaffolds.Almarin staining showed that the proliferation rate of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membrane was higher than that of the other two fiber membranes.(2)Animal experiments:Except for the blank control group,the tympanic membrane of the other four groups healed gradually with the extension of the time of fibrous membrane implantation,among which the healing speed of the cell-loaded high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen group was the fastest.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,Masson staining,and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining showed that the tympanic membrane of rats in the cell-carrying high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen group was moderate in thickness and a three-layer structure with uniform collagen fiber layers,similar to the normal tympanic membrane,and the repair quality of tympanic membrane was better than that of other fiber membrane groups.(3)The results showed that the high-porosity polycaprolactone-collagen nanofiber membrane containing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells could not only rapidly repair the perforation of the tympanic membrane,but also the newly healed tympanic membrane was similar to normal tympanic membrane in structure and thickness.

Background::There is a need for effective and safe therapies for psoriasis that provide sustained benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab, an anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody, for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in Chinese patients.Methods::In this multi-center, double-blind, phase III trial, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive subcutaneous tildrakizumab 100 mg or placebo at weeks 0 and 4. Patients initially assigned to placebo were switched to receive tildrakizumab at weeks 12, 16, and every 12 weeks thereafter. Patients in the tildrakizumab group continued with tildrakizumab at week 16, and every 12 weeks until week 52. The primary endpoint was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) response rate at week 12.Results::At week 12, tildrakizumab demonstrated significantly higher PASI 75 response rates (66.4% [73/110] vs. 12.7% [14/110]; difference, 51.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 40.72, 62.13]; P <0.001) and Physician’s Global Assessment (60.9% [67/110] vs. 10.0% [11/110]; difference, 49.1% [95% CI, 38.64, 59.62]; P <0.001) compared to placebo. PASI 75 response continued to improve over time in both tildrakizumab and placebo-switching to tildrakizumab groups, reaching maximal efficacy after 28 weeks (86.8% [92/106] vs. 82.4% [89/108]) and maintained up to 52 weeks (91.3% [95/104] vs. 87.4% [90/103]). Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild and not related to tildrakizumab. Conclusion::Tildrakizumab demonstrated durable efficacy through week 52 and was well tolerated in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Trial registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05108766.

Objective:To observe the efficacy of cosmetic suturing techniques combined with topical recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rh-bFGF) in repairing facial trauma.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 140 patients with facial trauma admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People＇s Hospital from January to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on different treatment methods using a random number table method: treatment group (70 cases), including 38 males and 32 females aged 3 to 54 (23.1±8.2) years, received cosmetic suturing techniques combined with topical rh-bFGF for wound repair; control group (70 cases), including 36 males and 34 females aged 2 to 49 (22.3±7.5) years, only received cosmetic suturing techniques for wound repair. Patients were followed up 2 weeks post-surgery to evaluate wound healing quality. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Six months post-surgery, scar conditions were evaluated using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS).Results:In the treatment group, 65 cases were directly sutured, and 5 cases were repaired with skin flaps, with a first-class healing rate of 100% (70/70). In the control group, 66 cases were directly sutured, and 4 cases were repaired with skin flaps, with a first-class healing rate of 91.4% (64/70). The first-class healing rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.037). Two weeks post-surgery, the VAS score for surgical satisfaction in the treatment group was (1.13±0.52) scores, which was lower than that in the control group (2.56±1.32) scores, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.001). Six months post-surgery, the VSS score for the treatment group was (2.49±1.27) scores, which was lower than that in the control group (4.67±1.93) scores, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In repairing facial trauma, the combination of cosmetic suturing techniques and topical rh-bFGF can improve wound healing quality, reduce wound scarring, and enhance patient satisfaction with surgery.

According to the requirements of the regulatory authorities, degree of modification (DP) should be included in the characterisation of the PEGylated protein drug substance, and is one of the critical quality attributes for quality control. In this study, based on the fundamental assumption that the refractive index (RI) signal and the ultraviolet (UV) signal of PEGylated protein are equal to the sum of the corresponding signal produced by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) and protein parts of the conjugates in their uncoupled state, we developed a method to determine the DP of PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (inpegsomatropin). In this method, 20 μL of 1 mg·mL^-1 human growth hormone (hGH) standard, 2 mg·mL^-1 PEG reference substance and 1 mg·mL^-1 drug substance solution were each injected to size exclusion chromatographic (SEC) column for separation, detected with ultraviolet and refractive index (UV-RI) detectors in series. Finally, the DP was calculated as the formula derived from the fundamental assumption. The developed SEC-UV-RI method showed good specificity, repeatability (RSD = 0.63%, n = 9) and accuracy, with a recovery of 100.0%, compared with the result obtained from the simultaneously established classical acid hydrolysis method, demonstrating pretty handleability and accessibility, and is appropriate for quality control test of DP for this drug substance.

Objective:This study evaluates the agreement between a new low-load sleep monitoring system, QSA600, based on millimeter-wave radar technology, and polysomnography (PSG) in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods:A total of 155 subjects were recruited for a parallel agreement study in the sleep laboratory of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital from July to September 2023. The subjects underwent simultaneous monitoring with both PSG and the QSA600 system. One hundred and forty-five subjects consisting of 75 males and 70 females included in the final analysis, with an average age of (35.30±12.41) years, an average height of (168.23±8.08) cm, and an average weight of (68.28±13.74) kg. The subjects were divided into four groups based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): <5.0 events/h (non-OSA group, 39 cases), ≥5.0-<15.0 events/h (mild OSA group, 47 cases), ≥15.0-<30.0 events/h (moderate OSA group, 25 cases), and≥30.0 events/h (severe OSA group, 34 cases). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Pearson correlation coefficients ( r), and Bland-Altman analysis were employed to assess the agreement between the two monitoring techniques regarding AHI and other parameters. Sensitivity and specificity of the QSA600 in diagnosing OSA were evaluated at different AHI thresholds. Statistical analyses were conducted using MATLAB R2022a. Results:Using AHI 5 events/h, 15 events/h and 30 events/h as thresholds, the sensitivity for diagnosing mild, moderate, and severe OSA was 88.68%, 89.83% and 97.06%, respectively. The specificity was 94.87%, 98.84% and 99.10%, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.973 4, 0.990 9 and 0.999 5, respectively. The comparison of key indicators between QSA600 and PSG diagnostic results revealed:a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.987 2( P<0.001) between the AHI measurement values. The mean difference between the Bland-Altman measurement values of the two was -1.43(95% CI:-8.74-5.88) events/h and the ICC between the two was 0.985 0(95% CI: 0.975 4-0.990 4). Conclusions:As a new low-load sleep monitoring system, QSA600 demonstrates high concordance with traditional PSG in diagnosing OSA and stratifying its severity, which has promising potential for clinical application. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT06038006)

In this study, we established a novel bioassay to determine the activity of polyethylene glycolated recombinant human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH) using Nb2-11 cells. We performed experimental condition optimization and methodological verification, and then detected the relative potency of PEG-rhGH products using this method. We demonstrated that the bioactivity of PEG-rhGH in promoting Nb2-11 cell proliferation displays a dose-response relationship, which conformed to the four-parameter model. Using PEG-rhGH reference as a control, we analyzed the relative potency of six batches of PEG-rhGH products, as well as linearity, regression and parallelism of the obtained curves. The relative potency of six batches of PEG-rhGH products was 95% to 105%. These results implied that the new bioassay established may be employed in quality control of PEG-rhGH products.

Uncontrolled and persistent inflammation is closely related to numerous acute and chronic diseases. However, effective targeting delivery systems remain to be developed for precision therapy of inflammatory diseases. Herein we report a novel strategy for engineering inflammation-accumulation nanoparticles via phenolic functionalization. Different phenol-functionalized nanoparticles were first developed, which can undergo in situ aggregation upon triggering by the inflammatory/oxidative microenvironment. Phenolic compound-decorated poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles, in particular tyramine (Tyr)-coated nanoparticles, showed significantly enhanced accumulation at inflammatory sites in mouse models of colitis, acute liver injury, and acute lung injury, mainly resulting from in situ cross-linking and tissue anchoring of nanoparticles triggered by local myeloperoxidase and reactive oxygen species. By combining a cyclodextrin-derived bioactive material with Tyr decoration, a multifunctional nanotherapy (TTN) was further developed, which displayed enhanced cellular uptake, anti-inflammatory activities, and inflammatory tissue accumulation, thereby affording amplified therapeutic effects in mice with colitis or acute liver injury. Moreover, TTN can serve as a bioactive and inflammation-targeting nanoplatform for site-specifically delivering a therapeutic peptide to the inflamed colon post oral administration, leading to considerably potentiated in vivo efficacies. Preliminary studies also revealed good safety of orally delivered TTN. Consequently, Tyr-based functionalization is promising for inflammation targeting amplification and therapeutic potentiation of nanotherapies.