BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that metformin has anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-aging and vasoprotective effects,and can inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis,but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of metformin on cartilage protection in a rat model of osteoarthritis. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):blank,control,sham-operated,and metformin groups.The blank group did not undergo any surgery.In the sham-operated group,the joint cavity was exposed.In the model group and the metformin group,the modified Hulth method was used to establish the osteoarthritis model.At 1 day after modeling,the rats in the metformin group were given 200 mg/kg/d metformin by gavage,and the model,blank,and sham-operated groups were given normal saline by gavage.Administration in each group was given for 4 weeks consecutively.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological structure of rat knee joints.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect the protein expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5(ADAMTS5),Beclin1,P62,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),p-PI3K,protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,mammalian target of rapamycin(Mtor),and p-Mtor in rat cartilage tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of hematoxylin-eosin,toluidine blue and safranin O-fast green staining showed smooth cartilage surface of the knee joints and normal histomorphology in the blank group and the sham-operated group,while in the model group,there was irregular cartilage surface of the knee joint and cartilage damage,with a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.In the metformin group,there was a significant improvement in the damage to the structure of the cartilage in the knee joints of the rats,and the cartilage surface tended to be smooth,with an increase in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot results showed that compared with the control and sham-operated groups,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,compared with the model group,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the metformin group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly decreased(P<0.05).To conclude,Metformin can improve the autophagy activity of chondrocytes and reduce the degradation of cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/Mtor signaling pathway,thus exerting a protective effect on articular cartilage.

Glutamine provides carbon and nitrogen to support the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise reason why cancer cells are particularly dependent on glutamine remains unclear. In this study, we report that glutamine modulates the tumor suppressor F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7) to promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, lysine 604 (K604) in the sixth of the 7 substrate-recruiting WD repeats of FBW7 undergoes glutaminylation (Gln-K604) by glutaminyl tRNA synthetase. Gln-K604 inhibits SCFFBW7-mediated degradation of c-Myc and Mcl-1, enhances glutamine utilization, and stimulates nucleotide and DNA biosynthesis through the activation of c-Myc. Additionally, Gln-K604 promotes resistance to apoptosis by activating Mcl-1. In contrast, SIRT1 deglutaminylates Gln-K604, thereby reversing its effects. Cancer cells lacking Gln-K604 exhibit overexpression of c-Myc and Mcl-1 and display resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Silencing both c-MYC and MCL-1 in these cells sensitizes them to chemotherapy. These findings indicate that the glutamine-mediated signal via Gln-K604 is a key driver of cancer progression and suggest potential strategies for targeted cancer therapies based on varying Gln-K604 status.
Glutamine/metabolism* ; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics* ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Signal Transduction ; Neoplasms/pathology* ; F-Box-WD Repeat-Containing Protein 7/genetics* ; Cell Survival ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Apoptosis

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the early clinical results and safety of Stand-alone OLIF application of lumbar lesions, and explored its surgical indications. METHODS: Total of 92 cases of lumbar spine lesions treated with Stand-alone OLIF at two medical centers from October 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 30 males and 62 females with an average age of (61.20±12.94) years old ranged from 32 to 83 years old. There were 20 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 15 cases of lumbar disc degeneration, 11 cases of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, 6 cases of discogenic low back pain, 7 cases of giant lumbar disc herniation, 13 cases of primary lumbar discitis, 6 cases of adjacent vertebral disease after lumbar internal fixation surgery, and 14 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Pre-operative dual energy X-ray bone density examination 31 cases' T-values ranged from -1 to -2.4, 8 cases' T-values ranged from -2.5 to -3.5, and the rest had normal bone density. The number of fusion segments: 68 cases of single segment, 9 cases of two segment, 12 cases of three segment , and 3 cases of four segment. Fusion site:L_1,2 1 case, L_2,3 4 cases, L_3,4 10 cases, L_4,5 53 cases, L_2,3-L_3,4 3 cases, L_3,4-L_4,5 6 cases, L_1,2L_2,3L_3,4 1 case, L_1,2L_3,4L_4,5 1 case, L_2,3L_3,4L_4,5 10 cases, L_1,2L_2,3L_3,4L_4,5 3 cases. The clinical results and imaging results of this group of cases were observed, as well as the complications. RESULTS: The surgical time ranged from 40 to 140 minutes with an average of (60.92±27.40) minutes. The intraoperative bleeding volume was 20 to 720 ml with an average of (68.22±141.60) ml. The patients had a follow-up period of 6 to 84 months with an average of (38.50±12.75) months. The height of the intervertebral space recovered from (9.23±1.94) mm in preoperative to (12.68±2.01) mm in postoperative, and (9.11±1.72) mm at the last follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference(F=6.641, P=0.008);there was also a statistically significant difference between the postoperative and preoperative height of the intervertebral space(t=9.27, P<0.000 1);and there was also a statistically significant difference (t=10.06, P<0.000 1) between the last follow-up and postoperative height of the intervertebral space. At the last follow-up, cage subsidence grading was as follows:level 0 in 69 cases (76 segments), levelⅠin 17 cases (43 segments), level Ⅱin 5 cases (14 segments), and level Ⅲ in 1 case (1 segment);according to the number of segments, normal subsidence accounts for 56.72%, abnormal subsidence accounts for 43.28%. Bone mineral desity of normal subsidence groups was -0.50±0.07 whinch was better than that the abnormal subsidence groups -2.10±0.43, and the difference was statistically significant(χ²=2.275, P=0.014). As well as there was a statistically significant difference in the patient's VAS of backache from (6.28±2.11) in preoperative to (1.48±0.59) in last follow-up(t=8.56, P<0.05). The ODI recovered from (36.30±7.52)% before surgery to (10.20±2.50)% at the last follow-up, with a statistically significant difference (t=7.79, P<0.000 1). Complications involved 4 cases of intraoperative vascular injury, 21 cases of endplate injury, and 4 cases of combined vertebral fractures. The incision skin has no necrosis or infection. There were 4 cases of left sympathetic chain injury, 4 cases of transient left hip flexion weakness, 2 cases of left thigh anterolateral numbness with quadriceps femoris weakness, and 1 case of incomplete intestinal obstruction;8 cases were treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation due to fusion cage settlement accompanied by stubborn lower back pain, and 6 cases were treated with fusion cage settlement and lateral displacement. According to the actual number of cases, there were 38 complications, with an incidence rate of 41.3%. CONCLUSION The application of Stand alone OLIF in lumbar spine disease fusion has achieved good early results, with obvious clinical advantages, but also there are high probability of complications. It is recommended to choose carefully. It is necessary to continuously summarize and gradually clarify and complete the surgical indications and specific case selection criteria.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries* ; Aged ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over

This study explored whether Astragalus polysaccharide(APS)can regulate the VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathway to affect the proliferative activity of rat intestinal mucosal microvascu-lar endothelial cells(RIMMVECs).RIMMVECs were isolated from newborn rats,then purified and treated with APS at concentrations of 0.1,1.0,10.0,100.0,1 000.0,and 10 000.0 mg/L.MTT was used to determine the effect of APS on RIMMVECs proliferation and screen for the optimal concentration of APS.Subsequently,flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in cell cycle to evaluate the stage of action of APS on the cell cycle in RIMMVECs.Then,the ELISA was used to detect the changes of VEGFA in cell supernatant to evaluate the potential of cell proliferation and angiogenesis.The changes in fluorescence intensity of Fluo-8AM was observed using fluorescence microscopy to evaluate intracellular Ca2+levels.Finally,Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression of PERK in RIMMVECs to analyze the possible mechanism of APS.The results showed that 100 mg/L APS significantly enhanced the proliferative activity of RIMMVECs,increased the content of VEGFA in the cell supernatant,the intracellular Ca2+levels,and the expression of PERK protein,indicating that APS promotes the proliferation of RIMMVECs,which may be a-chieved by promoting the expression of VEGFA and activating the ERK pathway.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to 1 month after trauma in a traffic accident on September 29，2017. After admission，due to a large amount of pleural effusion through the chest tube，thoracoscopic exploration and fiberboard dissection were performed，and the postoperative pleural effusion was not significantly reduced. The creatinine of pleural effusion was 913 μmol/L，CT showed that left hydronephrosis and perirenal encapsulated effusion were closely related to the ureter，so ureteral injury and urinothorax were considered. Retrograde ureterography revealed a defect of left ureter，approximately 6 cm in length，and left nephrectomy + left kidney rupture repair + renal autotransplantation was performed. 7 years later，the patient recovered well and the renal blood supply was good，no left hydronephrosis was found by MRU. Early diagnosis of ureteral injury is challenging，especially when accompanied by urinothorax. When life is stable，early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the loss of renal function after combined trauma. Renal autotransplantation is safe and effective for the treatment of long segmental ureteral defects.

Objective:To investigate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine chronic disease management model based on empowerment theory in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 115 CHF patients admitted in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine between January 2020 and December 2021 were se-lected.Patients received traditional Chinese medicine chronic disease management model based on empowerment theory according to voluntary principle,and were followed up for 12 months.Exercise capacity,scores of Tradition-al Chinese Medicine Symptom Grading and Quantification Scale,Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ)were compared between before and after inter-vention.Results:Compared to before intervention,scores of Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Grading and Quantification Scale[(6.40±6.11)points vs.(8.88±6.72)points],HADS[(5.95±4.68)points vs.(7.69±5.95)points],MLHFQ[(13.10±10.54)points vs.(25.53±11.16)points]and 3m round-trip movement time[(7.54±1.70)s vs.(8.86±3.65)s]were significantly lower,and right hand grip strength[(27.23±10.49)kg vs.(26.10±9.94)kg]and 6-minute walking distance[(464.79±80.78)m vs.(415.55±79.33)m]were sig-nificantly higher after 12-month intervention(P＜0.05 or＜0.01).Conclusion:The traditional Chinese medicine chronic disease management model based on empowerment theory may improve clinical symptoms of traditional Chi-nese medicine,mental state,exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

Objective:To investigate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine chronic disease management model based on empowerment theory in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 115 CHF patients admitted in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine between January 2020 and December 2021 were se-lected.Patients received traditional Chinese medicine chronic disease management model based on empowerment theory according to voluntary principle,and were followed up for 12 months.Exercise capacity,scores of Tradition-al Chinese Medicine Symptom Grading and Quantification Scale,Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ)were compared between before and after inter-vention.Results:Compared to before intervention,scores of Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Grading and Quantification Scale[(6.40±6.11)points vs.(8.88±6.72)points],HADS[(5.95±4.68)points vs.(7.69±5.95)points],MLHFQ[(13.10±10.54)points vs.(25.53±11.16)points]and 3m round-trip movement time[(7.54±1.70)s vs.(8.86±3.65)s]were significantly lower,and right hand grip strength[(27.23±10.49)kg vs.(26.10±9.94)kg]and 6-minute walking distance[(464.79±80.78)m vs.(415.55±79.33)m]were sig-nificantly higher after 12-month intervention(P＜0.05 or＜0.01).Conclusion:The traditional Chinese medicine chronic disease management model based on empowerment theory may improve clinical symptoms of traditional Chi-nese medicine,mental state,exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital due to 1 month after trauma in a traffic accident on September 29，2017. After admission，due to a large amount of pleural effusion through the chest tube，thoracoscopic exploration and fiberboard dissection were performed，and the postoperative pleural effusion was not significantly reduced. The creatinine of pleural effusion was 913 μmol/L，CT showed that left hydronephrosis and perirenal encapsulated effusion were closely related to the ureter，so ureteral injury and urinothorax were considered. Retrograde ureterography revealed a defect of left ureter，approximately 6 cm in length，and left nephrectomy + left kidney rupture repair + renal autotransplantation was performed. 7 years later，the patient recovered well and the renal blood supply was good，no left hydronephrosis was found by MRU. Early diagnosis of ureteral injury is challenging，especially when accompanied by urinothorax. When life is stable，early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the loss of renal function after combined trauma. Renal autotransplantation is safe and effective for the treatment of long segmental ureteral defects.