OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of TiRobot-assisted minimally invasive treatment for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 176 patients with FFP who were admitted between July 2018 and July 2024 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 95 patients underwent TiRobot-assisted closed reduction and minimally invasive cannulated screw fixation (robot group), while 81 patients underwent traditional open reduction and plate screw fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, fracture classification, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The following parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion rate, volume of intraoperative blood transfusion, maximum incision length, hospital stay, maximum residual displacement, reduction quality, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, VAS scores, Majeed pelvic function scores, and functional grading. RESULTS: All surgeries in both groups successfully completed. The robot group exhibited significantly shorter operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, lower intraoperative transfusion rate, smaller volume of intraoperative blood transfusion, shorter maximum incision length, and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group ( P<0.05). In the robot group, a total of 14 INFIX internal fixation frames and 280 cannulated screws were implanted, among which 250 screws were rated as excellent, 17 as good, and 13 as poor, resulting in a screw placement excellent and good rate of 95.36%. Radiological review revealed that the excellent and good rate of reduction quality was in 91.58% (87/95) in the robot group and 81.48% (66/81) in the control group, with no significant difference in postoperative maximum residual fracture displacement or reduction quality between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up 12-66 months, with an average of 28.9 months, and there was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fracture healing time in the robot group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement in VAS scores compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05); the change values of VAS scores, Majeed scores, and the excellent and good rate of Majeed pelvic function were significantly higher in the robot group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Regarding postoperative complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gait changes, secondary surgeries, heterotopic ossification, incision infections, walking difficulties, internal fixation failure, or mortality rates ( P>0.05); however, the incidence of delayed wound healing was significantly lower in the robot group than in the control group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION TiRobot-assisted minimally invasive treatment of elderly FFP is superior to traditional open reduction and internal fixation in terms of surgical trauma control, postoperative rehabilitation speed, and functional recovery.
Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Pelvic Bones/surgery* ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Bone Plates ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Operative Time ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Fracture Healing ; Fractures, Bone/surgery*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with nystatin for treatment of vaginal Candida albicans biofilm infection. METHODS: In vitro cultured Candida albicans biofilm were treated with LIPUS, nystatin, or both, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nystatin was determined. Crystal violet staining, confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify the biofilm and observe the activity and morphological changes of the biofilms; DCFH-DA was used to detect the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Twenty female New Zealand White rabbits with vaginal inoculation of Candida albicans biofilm were randomized into 4 groups for treatment with normal saline, LIPUS, nystatin, or both LIPUS and nystatin. The changes in vulvar symptoms of the rabbits were observed, and the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the vagina before and after treatment were observed using HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In the combined treatment group, the MIC₅₀ and MIC₈₀ of nystatin in Candida albicans biofilms were both reduced by 50% compared with those in nystatin group, and the biofilm clearance rate increased by 26% and 68% compared with nystatin and LIPUS groups, respectively. Compared with nystatin and LIPUS treatment alone, the combined treatment produced stronger effects for inhibiting biofilm activity, causing structural disruption and promoting ROS production. In the rabbit models, the combined treatment more effectively improved vulvar symptoms and inflammatory infiltration, reduced residual vaginal hyphae/strains, and improved ultrastructure of the vaginal epithelium than LIPUS and nystatin treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS LIPUS combined with nystatin produces a significant synergistic antifungal effect against Candida albicans biofilm both in vitro and in vivo.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Female ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Candida albicans/physiology* ; Nystatin/therapeutic use* ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology* ; Ultrasonic Waves ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use* ; Vagina/microbiology* ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Combined Modality Therapy

Objective To investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease through big data combined with Mendelian randomization analysis.Methods Data from 2005 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States were utilized.Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease,while analyzing relevant influencing factors.A two-sample Mendelian randomization approach was implemented using Genome-Wide Association Studies to establish causal relationships.Results Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease(P＜0.001),with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio serving as a mediating factor in this relationship(P＜0.001).Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a positive correlation between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease(OR=1.030,95％CI:1.01-1.04).Conclusion Sleep disorders can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by activating inflammatory factors.

Objective To investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease through big data combined with Mendelian randomization analysis.Methods Data from 2005 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States were utilized.Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease,while analyzing relevant influencing factors.A two-sample Mendelian randomization approach was implemented using Genome-Wide Association Studies to establish causal relationships.Results Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease(P＜0.001),with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio serving as a mediating factor in this relationship(P＜0.001).Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a positive correlation between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease(OR=1.030,95％CI:1.01-1.04).Conclusion Sleep disorders can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by activating inflammatory factors.

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of the intelligent robot-assisted fracture reduction system (RAFR) in the treatment of Tile-type C1-2 pelvic fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of the 15 patients who had been treated for Tile-type C pelvic fractures at Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2022 and November 2023. The cohort were 7 males and 8 females, with an age of (51.6±22.1) years and a body mass index of (22.35±2.14) kg/m 2. According to the Tile classification, there were 9 cases of type C1 and 6 cases of type C2. The interval from injury to surgery was (11.3±3.9) days. Minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation of pelvic fractures were performed with the assistance of RAFR system. The anterior pelvic ring was fixed with percutaneous hollow screws from the pubic branch, and the posterior pelvic ring fixed with percutaneous hollow screws from the sacroiliac joint. If necessary, external fixation brackets and internal stent fixation technique for the anterior pelvic ring were used to enhance the stability of the pelvic ring. The frequency and time of intraoperative fluoroscopy, reduction time, surgical time, intraoperative bleeding volume, fracture reduction quality, follow-up time, fracture healing time, pelvic function recovery at the last follow-up, and incidence of complications were recorded. Results:With the assistance of RAFR system, 15 patients were all successfully treated with minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation for pelvic fractures. For this cohort, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency was 31 (20, 55) times, fluoroscopy time 25.8 (18.0, 33.0) seconds, reduction time (57.7±3.5) minutes, surgical time 205 (200, 210) minutes, intraoperative bleeding volume 100 (100, 200) mL, and residual displacement (7.55±3.51) mm. According to the Matta scoring, the postoperative quality of fracture reduction was evaluated as excellent in 4 cases, as good in 8 cases, and as fair in 3 cases. Fourteen patients were followed up for 15.0 (10.8, 18.0) months after surgery, and 1 patient was lost to the follow-up. The fracture healing time for the 14 patients was 3.6 (3.2, 4.7) months. The Majeed functional score at the last follow-up was (83.4±6.4) points, giving 4 excellent and 10 good cases.Conclusion:The RAFR system can facilitate precise and minimally invasive closed reduction for the majority of patients with Tile-type C1-2 pelvic fracture, achieving satisfactory fracture reduction quality and short-term efficacy.

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of the effect of active music therapy on cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment based on International Classification of Diseases, the 11th Revision (ICD-11), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsA PICO framework was constructed. Thematic keyword searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang data, for literature on the effect of active music therapy on cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment, published up to November 5th, 2023. Information on authors, countries, publication date, sample characteristics, study designs, intervention methods, measurement tools and outcomes were extracted. The methodological quality of the researches was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. ResultsEight researches from six countries were included, which were all randomized controlled trials involving 356 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The articles were published from 2014 to 2020, with an average of 7.4 of the PEDro scale. Active music therapy was used by singing and playing instruments. Interventions took place in hospitals, nursing homes, and health centers. The intervention duration ranged from mostly 30 to 60 minutes a time, with a few 120 minutes a time. Interventions were implemented mostly one to three times a week, lasting from eight to twelve weeks. Health outcomes focused on cognitive function, including overall cognitive function, executive function, attention function and memory function. ConclusionA theoretical framework for the benefits of active music therapy on the cognitive function for older adults with cognitive impairment has been constructed based on ICD-11 and ICF. Active music therapy can improve overall cognitive function, executive function, attention function and memory function for older adults with cognitive impairment.

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of the health benefits of mindfulness interventions for older adults with insomnia disorders. MethodsThematic keyword search was conducted in databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang data, for literature on the impact of mindfulness intervention on sleep quality in older adults with insomnia disorders, published up to August, 2023. The methodological quality of the researches was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Insomnia disorders, sleep function and mindfulness interventions were coded using International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and International Classification of Health Interventions Beta-3； and a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA. ResultsNine researches from four countries were included, involving 800 participants, and all the researches were randomized controlled trials. The average score of PEDro scale was 7.1. The health-related conditions were insomnia disorders and insomnia disorders complicated with mild cognitive impairment. Mindfulness interventions used included mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia, mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and mindfulness meditation. Interventions were implemented in institutions or health centers, care facilities, and community health service centers, varying from six to eight weeks. Health benefits of mindfulness intervention included improvements in sleep quality and psychological and behavioral health. ConclusionMindfulness interventions effectively improve sleep quality in older adults with insomnia disorders, alleviate negative emotional states such as depression, anxiety and perceived stress, and improve the quality of life.

Objective:To explore the clinical and electro-physiological characteristics of reflex epilepsy induced by thinking activities.Methods:Five patients of reflex epilepsy induced by thinking activities during electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring in the EEG Monitoring Center, Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital,the Air Force Military Medical University from January 2017 to September 2019 were studied and followed up.Results:All the 5 patients are male, aged 14 to 33 years, with the disease course of 3 to 9 years and the follow-up of 1 to 4 years. The myoclonic jerks, spasms seizure and generalized tonic and clonic seizure occured to the 5 patients. The EEG background of low amplitude alpha rhythm was recorded in the 5 patiens. The ictal-EEG of 2 cases showed the spike wave or spike slow complex waves in the central, parietal area, and the ictal-EEG of 1 case showed the generalized spike-wave discharge. There were no seizures occuring to the 2 cases during video-electroencephalography monitoring. There were no abnormalities in cranial magnetic resonance imaging. The arterial spin labeling of 2 cases suggested that the right cerebral hemisphere cerebral blood flow was lower than contralateral. Antiseizure drugs (levetiracetam in 4 cases and levetiracetam+magnesium valproate in 1 case) were administered, 4 cases were seizure free and 1 case was uncontrolled.Conclusions:The reflex epilepsy induced by thinking activities is common in young men, and the EEG background with low amplitude alpha rhythm may be the characteristic of the reflex epilepsy induced by thinking activities. The levetiracetam may be the good choice for the reflex epilepsy induced by thinking activities and the prognosis of reflex epilepsy induced by thinking activities is good.

BACKGROUND: Sweat secreted by eccrine sweat glands is transported to the skin surface through the lumen. The eccrine sweat gland develops from the initial solid bud to the final gland structure with a lumen, but how the lumen is formed and the mechanism of lumen formation have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lumen formation of eccrine gland organoids (EGOs). METHODS: Human eccrine sweat glands were isolated from the skin for tissue culture, and the primary cultured cells were collected and cultured in Matrigel for 14 days in vitro. EGOs at different development days were collected for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to observe morphological changes and for immunofluorescence staining of proliferation marker Ki67, cellular motility marker filamentous actin (F-actin), and autophagy marker LC3B. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Ki67, F-actin, and LC3B. Moreover, apoptosis was detected using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay kit, and the expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and Caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. In addition, 3-methyladenine (3MA) was used as an autophagy inhibitor to detect whether the formation of sweat glands can be effectively inhibited. RESULTS: The results showed that a single gland cell proliferated rapidly and formed EGOs on day 4. The earliest lumen formation was observed on day 6. From day 8 to day 14, the rate of lumen formation in EGOs increased significantly. The immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses showed that the expression of Ki67 gradually decreased with the increase in days, while the F-actin expression level did not change. Notably, the expression of autophagy marker LC3B was detected in the interior cells of EGOs as the apoptosis signal of EGOs was negative. Compared with the control group, the autophagy inhibitor 3MA can effectively limit the formation rate of the lumen and reduce the inner diameter of EGOs. CONCLUSION Using our model of eccrine gland 3D-reconstruction in Matrigel, we determined that autophagy rather than apoptosis plays a role in the lumen formation of EGOs.
Apoptosis ; Autophagy ; Eccrine Glands ; Epithelial Cells ; Humans ; Organoids

Objective To investigate the influencing factors for low-level viremia (LLV) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or hepatitis B liver cirrhosis (LC) receiving antiviral therapy and the association of LLV with the progression of liver inflammation and liver fibrosis. Methods A total of 417 patients with CHB or LC who attended the outpatient service of liver diseases in The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from July 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021 were enrolled, and all patients received oral administration of nucleos(t)ide analogues as antiviral therapy for ≥1 year and had an HBV DNA level of < 2000 IU/mL. According to the HBV DNA level, the patients were divided into LLV group (10 IU/mL ≤HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL) and complete virologic response (CVR) group (HBV DNA < 10 IU/mL). The two groups were compared in terms of general data, virology, biochemistry, and liver fibrosis markers before and after antiviral therapy to investigate the influencing factors for LLV. Meanwhile, the degree of changes in liver inflammation and liver fibrosis markers after antiviral therapy was compared between the two groups to analyze the association of LLV with the progression of liver inflammation and liver fibrosis. The independent samples t -test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Kendall's tau- b method was used for correlation analysis, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for LLV. Results Among the 417 patients with CHB or LC, 173 developed LLV, and the constituent ratio of LLV was 41.5%; the patients with 10 IU/mL≤HBV DNA < 1000 IU/mL accounted for 94.8%. The logistic regression analysis showed that positive HBeAg (odds ratio [ OR ]=3.009, 95% CI : 1.346-6.729, P =0.007), a family history of LC or HCC ( OR =2.929, 95% CI : 1.344-6.383, P =0.007), and HBV DNA > 1.0×10 8 IU/mL ( OR =10.790, 95% CI : 1.265-92.007, P =0.030) before antiviral therapy were risk factors for the development of LLV, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 40 U/L ( OR =0.355, 95% CI : 0.171-0.737, P =0.005) was a protective factor against LLV; positive HBeAg after antiviral therapy ( OR =4.394, 95% CI : 1.962-9.841, P < 0.001) was still a risk factor for LLV, and course of antiviral therapy ≥2 years and < 3 years ( OR =0.175, 95% CI : 0.046-0.674, P =0.010) and course of antiviral therapy ≥3 years ( OR =0.170, 95% CI : 0.048-0.600, P =0.006) were protective factors against LLV. Compared with the LLV group, the CVR group had significantly greater changes in AST, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) (ΔAST, ΔAFP, ΔAPRI, and ΔFIB-4, respectively) (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that ΔAST ( τ =-0.192, P = < 0.001), ΔAFP ( τ =-0.192, P < 0.001), ΔAPRI ( τ =-0.210, P =0.002), and ΔFIB-4 ( τ =-0.202, P =0.003) were all negatively correlated with LLV. Conclusion A highly sensitive HBV DNA detection method helps with the early diagnosis of LLV. Strong antiviral therapy should be given to patients with a family history of LC or HCC, a high HBV DNA level, positive HBeAg, or a low AST level, and HBV DNA, AST, and HBeAg should be closely monitored to identify LLV as early as possible.