Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-system disease that can lead to various severe complications. Acute limb ischemia (ALI) has been increasingly recognized as a COVID-19-associated complication that often predicts a poor prognosis. However, the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated ALI remain poorly understood. Hypercoagulability and thrombosis are considered important mechanisms, but we also emphasize the roles of vasospasm, hypoxia, and acidosis in the pathogenesis of the disease. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) pathway, inflammation, and platelet activation may be important molecular mechanisms underlying these pathological changes induced by COVID-19. Furthermore, we discuss the hypotheses of risk factors for COVID-19-associated ALI from genetic, age, and gender perspectives based on our analysis of molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we summarize therapeutic approaches such as use of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) blocker tocilizumab, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, providing insights for the future treatment of coronavirus-associated limb ischemic diseases.
Humans ; COVID-19/physiopathology* ; Ischemia/etiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Extremities/blood supply* ; Risk Factors ; Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Acute Disease ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2

OBJECTIVE: To develop a digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system for the intensive care unit (ICU) and evaluate its application effect in ICU shift handovers. METHODS: A research and development team was established, consisting of 1 department director, 1 head nurse, 3 information technology engineers, 3 nurses, and 2 doctors. Team members were assigned responsibilities including overall coordination and planning, platform design and maintenance, pre-application training, collection and organization of clinical feedback, and research investigation respectively. A digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system was developed for ICU based on the Shannon-Weaver linear transmission model. This innovative system integrated automated data collection, intelligent dynamic monitoring, multidimensional condition analysis and visual reporting functions. A cloud platform was used to gather data from multi-parameter vital signs monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators and other devices. Artificial intelligence algorithms were employed to standardize and analyze the data, providing personalized recommendations for healthcare professionals. A self-controlled before-after method was adopted. Before the application of the ICU digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system (from December 2023 to March 2024), the traditional verbal bedside handover was used; from June 2024 to March 2025, the ICU digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system was applied for shift handovers. Questionnaires before the application of the shift handover system were collected in April 2024, and those after the application were collected in April 2025. The shift handover time, handover quality (scored by the nursing handover evaluation scale), satisfaction with doctor-nurse communication (scored by the ICU doctor-nurse scale) before and after the application of the handover system were compared, and nurses' satisfaction with the shift handover system (scored by the clinical nursing information system effectiveness evaluation scale) was investigated. RESULTS: After the application of the ICU digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system, the shift handover time was significantly shorter than that before the application [minutes: 20 (15, 25) vs. 30 (22, 40)], the handover quality was significantly higher than that before the application [score: 84.0 (78.0, 88.5) vs. 71.0 (55.0, 79.0)], and the satisfaction with doctor-nurse communication was also significantly higher than that before the application (score: 84.58±6.79 vs. 74.50±11.30). All differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). In addition, the nurses' system effectiveness evaluation scale score was 102.30±10.56, which indicated that nurses had a very high level of satisfaction with the ICU digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system. CONCLUSIONS The application of the ICU digital intelligent multimodal shift handover system can shorten the shift handover time, improve the handover quality, and enhance the satisfaction with doctor-nurse communication. Nurses have a high level of satisfaction with this system.
Intensive Care Units ; Humans ; Patient Handoff ; Artificial Intelligence ; Algorithms

Objective:To investigate the application value of transanal intersphincteric resec-tion under direct vision in the Jackknife position in the anal preserving surgery for ultra-low rectal cancer.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 15 patients with ultra-low rectal cancer who underwent transanal intersphincteric resection under direct vision in the Jackknife position, combined with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision in Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital from September 2021 to November 2022 were collected. There were 9 males and 6 females, aged (63±9)years. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Surgical and postoperative outcomes. All the 15 patients underwent operations successfully, without conversion to open abdo-minal operation. There were 5 cases of partial ISR and 10 cases of subtotal ISR. The operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss of 15 patients were (260±30)minutes and 20(range, 10-30)mL, respectively. The distance from anastomosis to anal margin was (1.6±0.8)cm. The duration of post-operative hospital stay was 10(range, 8-13)days, and all 15 patients underwent colonic and anasto-mosis with staplers and protective ileostomy at the terminal ileum. Three patients had postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery, of whom 1 case with grade A anastomotic leakage was cured after conservative treatment and 2 cases with anastomotic membranous stenosis were cured by anal enlargement. (2) Postoperative pathological examination. The number of lymph nodes dissected of 15 patients was 18 ±6, and the distance between the tumor and distal resection margin was 1.3(range, 1.0-2.0)cm. The surgical specimens of all 15 patients showed complete mesorectum and negative for proximal, distal and circumferential margins. Results of postoperative pathological examination showed that there was 1 case in stage pT1N0M0, 9 cases in stage pT2N0M0, 1 case in stage pT2N1M0, 1 case in stage ypT0N0M0, 2 cases in stage ypT2N0M0, 1 case in ypT3N1M0 stage. The histological subtype showed 11 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and 4 cases of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. (3) Follow-up. All 15 patients were followed up for 15(range, 12-24)months. No local recurrence and distant metastasis of the tumor was found, and no tumor-related death occurred. All 15 patients underwent stoma closure. The postoperative anal function assessment of 15 patients showed no disorder in 5 cases, mild disorder in 8 cases and severe disorder in 2 cases.Conclusion:Transanal intersphincteric resection under direct vision in the Jackknife position in the anal preserving surgery for ultra-low rectal cancer is safe and feasible.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of Masquelet technique combined with tissue flap transfer in the treatment of infectious composite bone and soft tissue defects in the early and middle stages after internal fixation for tibial fractures.Methods:From October 2017 to November 2020, 12 patients (13 tibial fractures) with infectious bone and soft tissue defects in the early and middle stages after internal fixation were treated in the Department of Orthopaedics, 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of CPLA by two-phased surgery with retaining internal fixation. Phase I procedures were thoroughly removal of the infected lesions and failed screws, preserving internal implants as many as possible, implantation of absorbable calcium sulphate and an antibiotics blended string of beads into the distal and proximal medullary cavity of the fractured bones, filling the bone defect and wrapping the internal implants with antibiotics loaded bone cement. The size of defects was 3.5 cm × 5.0 cm-7.5 cm × 14.5 cm, and the flaps for wound coverage sized 4.0 cm × 5.5 cm-8.0 cm × 15.0 cm. As for the repair of donor site, 8 limbs were sutured directly, 5 limbs could not be closed completely, and the remaining wounds were covered by skin grafting after suture. Based on well control of infection and stable clinical signs, fillings of bone cement were then removed in Phase II surgery, or 6-9 weeks after primary surgery. Autologous cancellous bone pieces or composite allogeneic bone were fully implanted around the induction membrane formed by Masquelet technique, and auxiliary steel plates were implanted for internal fixation of unstable fractures. After discharge, the patients visited the outpatient clinic regularly, and combined with Wechat follow-up. The texture, colour and bone healing were observed. At the last follow-up, the function of the affected limbs were assessed according to Johner-Wruhs evaluation standard.Results:After Phase I surgery, 13 flaps survived smoothly without vascular compromise. The wounds healed in Phase I. Two patients (2 sides) had recurrent infections. Re-debridement was performed and external fixation was applied after removal of internal fixation. After Phase II surgery, all patients were included in 12-26 months of follow-up, with an average of 18 months. Thirteen lower leg fractures healed well, and the time of bone healing was 16-25 (average 19.5) weeks. The Johner Wruhs criteria was used in evaluation of the function of affected limbs, and it was found that 6 patients were in excellent, 5 in good and 2 in fair.Conclusion:It is feasible while preserving the internal implants, to use membrane induction technique (Masquelet technique) combined with flap transfer, together with the absorbable calcium sulphate antibiotic sustained-release beads as a carrier in the phased treatment of infectious bone defects and bone exposure in the early and middle stages after the surgery of tibial internal fixation. It also gives a higher rate of excellence in surgical outcome. This study explores a treatment procedure for traumatic bone infection combined with composite soft tissue defects.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural subcutaneous nerve chimeric tissue flap based on posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery to repair the composite tissue defect in the Achilles tendon area.Methods:From January 2016 to June 2021, 12 patients suffering from infectious wound with defect of Achilles tendon were treated in the Department of Trauma and Microscopic Orthopaedics, 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA. The area of soft tissue defect around Achilles tendon was 2.5 cm× 4.5 cm-8.0 cm×12.5 cm, and the length of the defect of Achilles tendon was 3.0-7.0 cm. The defect around the Achilles tendon were repaired with the nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural subcutaneous nerve chimeric Achilles tendon flap (ATF) and the posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery was used as the vessel of blood supply. The size of flap was 3.0 cm×5.0 cm-9.0 cm×13.0 cm, and the size of the ATF was 3.0 cm×4.0 cm-3.0 cm×8.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly (8 cases) or repaired with skin graft (4 cases). External fixation were put on for 6 weeks after surgery. Then the external fixation was removed and the functional exercise gradually started. Outpatient clinic follow-ups were carried out regularly. Thermann Achilles tendon function assessment system was used to evaluate the last follow-up.Results:The chimeric ATF was harvested and the blood supply of each flap was good during the operation. There was no vascular crisis after surgery. The flaps survived smoothly and the wound achieved grade A healing. All patients were entered follow-up that lasted for 10-24 months. There was good appearance of flaps with minor bloating, and the colour of flaps was similar to the skin around the receiving site. The texture was soft with normal function of the lower legs and ankle. Tendon function was evaluated by Thermann Achilles tendon function assessment system, the result were 8 cases in excellent and 4 cases in good.Conclusion:The nutrient vessel of medial and lateral sural subcutaneous nerve chimeric tissue flap based on posterior perforating branch of peroneal artery can accurately repair a composite tissue defect in the Achilles tendon area, and it is one of the effective methods for the repair of a composite soft tissue wound with Achilles tendon defect.

Objective:To investigate the surgical method and clinical value of free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap for repairing the wound of toe.Methods:The patients with isolated toe skin defects admitted to the Department of Trauma Microsurgery of No.988 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force were treated with MSAP flap for wound repair from June 2014 to December 2018. All the donor site were closed primarily. After the operation, the appearance, texture, hair growth and functional recovery of donor and recipient sites were observed through regular follow-up in outpatient or WeChat.Results:A total of 11 cases were enrolled, including 7 males and 4 females, aged from 19 to 44 years, with an average of 31.3 years. The wound sites were located at the first toe in 8 cases, the second toe in 2 cases, and the fourth toe in 1 case. The size of the skin defects was from 2.2 cm×1.8 cm to 5.7 cm×3.8 cm, the primary repair was performed in 4 cases and secondary repair in 7 cases, and the flaps ranged from 2.6 cm×2.1 cm-6.1 cm×4.2 cm. Ten cases survived successfully, and the wounds healed primarily. One case had local necrosis at the distal end of the flap, the wound healed after secondary repair surgery. All patients were followed-up from 6 to 18 months. The appearance of flaps was good in 9 cases and slightly swollen in 2 cases. All flaps had good texture, no discomfort of wearing shoes, no obvious influence on walking, and linear scar remained in the donor area. Three cases were treated with laser hair removal because of the flap hair growth.Conclusions:The method of using a free MSAP flap to repair the small toe wound can restore its appearance to satisfaction and achieve a good aesthetic repair effect.

Objective:To investigate the surgical method and clinical value of free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap for repairing the wound of toe.Methods:The patients with isolated toe skin defects admitted to the Department of Trauma Microsurgery of No.988 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force were treated with MSAP flap for wound repair from June 2014 to December 2018. All the donor site were closed primarily. After the operation, the appearance, texture, hair growth and functional recovery of donor and recipient sites were observed through regular follow-up in outpatient or WeChat.Results:A total of 11 cases were enrolled, including 7 males and 4 females, aged from 19 to 44 years, with an average of 31.3 years. The wound sites were located at the first toe in 8 cases, the second toe in 2 cases, and the fourth toe in 1 case. The size of the skin defects was from 2.2 cm×1.8 cm to 5.7 cm×3.8 cm, the primary repair was performed in 4 cases and secondary repair in 7 cases, and the flaps ranged from 2.6 cm×2.1 cm-6.1 cm×4.2 cm. Ten cases survived successfully, and the wounds healed primarily. One case had local necrosis at the distal end of the flap, the wound healed after secondary repair surgery. All patients were followed-up from 6 to 18 months. The appearance of flaps was good in 9 cases and slightly swollen in 2 cases. All flaps had good texture, no discomfort of wearing shoes, no obvious influence on walking, and linear scar remained in the donor area. Three cases were treated with laser hair removal because of the flap hair growth.Conclusions:The method of using a free MSAP flap to repair the small toe wound can restore its appearance to satisfaction and achieve a good aesthetic repair effect.

Objective:To reconstruct and repair forearm and foot injuries with soft tissue defect using medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP), and to evaluate the curative effects.Method:From May, 2015 to September, 2017, 13 patients (9 males and 4 females) with soft tissue defect on forearm and foot underwent MSAP reconstruction operations. The age was ranged from 19 to 57 (mean 41) years. Six wounds located in forearms and 7 in foot. Ipsilater- al shank was used as donor for the repair of foot. The donor sites were directly sutured. The area of flaps was ranged from 3.0 cm×4.0 cm-7.0 cm×15.0 cm. All cases were followed-up for flap appearance, sensation and donor healing by visit of clinic and WeChat reviews.Results:All 13 flaps survived well without any vascular crisis nor necrosis. Postoperative superficial infections were found in 3 cases, and the wound healed gradually after daily dress changing and anti-infection treatment. Eleven patients were followed-up for 4 to 18 months (average 12 months). Two provincial patients lost to follow-up. No obvious disfunction was found from the donor shanks. The appearance and texture of flaps were in excellent condition and satisfactory. The sensation of 7 flaps was recovered to S 2-S 3. TPD was 6-9 mm. Conclusion:The free MSAP is rational therapeutic strategy for repairing the soft tissue defect of forearm and foot. It has advantages of long vascular pedicle, constant perforation and relatively thin subcutaneous fat.

Objective:To investigate the symptoms of patients with oral cancer during treatment, and explore the types of symptom groups and their correlation with quality of life.Methods:Totally 201 patients with oral cancer after surgery were selected as the subject from a ClassⅢ Grade A hospital using convenient sampling and investigated with the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Head and Neck cancer (MDASI-HN) and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) , and explore the relationship between them.Results:Totally 189 patients completed the questionnaire. Patients with oral cancer showed many symptoms during the progression and treatment of the disease. Serious symptoms included swallowing, chewing and speaking. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three symptom groups, namely, oral and throat symptom group, drowsiness-digestive tract symptom group, and fatigue-respiratory symptom group. The scores of different dimensions and the total scores of quality of life were negatively correlated with the total scores of the three symptom groups ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:There are multiple symptom groups in patients with oral cancer during postoperative rehabilitation, which seriously affect their quality of life. Medical workers should grasp this characteristic, evaluate symptoms in time, actively manage symptom groups, and improve the quality of life of patients.

Objective: To review the clinical data of patients who underwent maxillary and mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibula osteomycutaneous flap, using virtual surgery planning. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, 23 patients with mandibular defect and 2 patients with maxillary defect were treated in our department. In virtual surgery planning, the optimal osteotomy line and angle were designed. Segmental maxillectomy and mandibulectomy, as well as mandibular reconstruction were performed using guided templates to practice the virtual planning.Actual reconstruction results were compared with those of virtual surgery. Results: Among the 25 patients, 2 patients were repaired with the ipsilateral fibula myocutaneous flap, 22 patients were lateral fibula myocutaneous flap. One case of maxillary type Ⅱd defect was repaired with left fibular muscle flap. All patients were followed up for 12 to 48 months. Satisfied bony unions and occlusion were observed in 25 patients.All patients reported excellent or good facial appearance. One of them received dental implants at 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions An ideal contour of maxilla and mandible can be obtained using vascularized fibula osteomycutaneous flap in virtual surgery.