BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SANFH)is a severe orthopedic disease characterized by interruption of the blood supply to the femoral head and necrosis of subchondral bone,leading to joint dysfunction.Long-term use of glucocorticoids is the main cause of SANFH,and its pathogenesis involves multiple factors,including intravascular coagulation and osteocyte apoptosis.Vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A),as a key angiogenic factor,has potential value in the treatment of SANFH.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanisms of action of VEGF-A in SANFH,including its progress in promoting angiogenesis,anti-apoptosis,and lipid metabolism regulation,and to discuss the prospects for clinical application of VEGF-A targeted therapy.METHODS:Literature related to VEGF-A targeted regulation of angiogenesis in the treatment of SANFH was identified through searches of PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang databases from database inception to November 2024.After quality assessment,71 articles were selected,data were extracted by independent researchers,and disagreements were resolved through group discussions.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)VEGF-A binds to its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2,activating downstream signaling pathways that promote the proliferation,migration,and angiogenesis of endothelial cells.Therefore,it can promote the formation of collateral circulation and improve blood supply to the area of bone necrosis.(2)Reduced expression of VEGF-A may lead to a decrease in the number of blood vessels within bone tissue,exacerbating the ischemic state of the femoral head.Furthermore,VEGF-A has anti-apoptotic effects and reduce apoptosis in osteocytes and bone marrow cells,thus protecting bone tissue.(3)The role of VEGF-A in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses,as well as promoting the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,provides a new perspective for the treatment of SANFH.(4)The development of VEGF-A protein delivery systems,such as lipid nanoparticles and exosome-based delivery systems,offers new possibilities for the clinical application of VEGF-A.(5)The research progress of VEGF-A in SANFH treatment has laid a solid foundation for the development of new treatment strategies and has opened up new avenues for future research directions and clinical applications.(6)With further clarification of the mechanisms of action of VEGF-A and continuous advancements in delivery technologies,more effective treatments will be provided for SANFH patients,improving their prognosis.

BACKGROUND:The pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is complex,involving vascular endothelial injury,osteocyte apoptosis,inflammatory responses,and bone metabolism disorders.MicroRNAs(miRNAs),as key regulators of gene expression,play an important role in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the regulatory role of miRNAs in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and to evaluate their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic tools.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang databases using specific keywords,and articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.By reading titles,abstracts,or full texts,articles with poor relevance or repetitive content were excluded,and 76 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:miRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to the 3'untranslated region of target mRNAs,affecting cell differentiation,proliferation,apoptosis,and stress responses.Specific miRNAs such as miR-33-5p,miR-99a,miR-106b-5p,miR-155,miR-146a,and miR-21 play a central regulatory role in vascular injury,inflammatory responses,osteocyte differentiation,and apoptosis in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Additionally,the expression patterns of miRNAs are closely related to the pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,showing potential as biomarkers.Although miRNAs shows great potential as biomarkers in therapeutic strategies,the current limitation of sample size and lack of multi-population validation restrict the universality and reliability of the results.Moreover,the efficacy and safety of miRNA therapeutic strategies(including off-target effects and delivery issues)remain major challenges in realizing clinical applications.

BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SANFH)is a severe orthopedic disease characterized by interruption of the blood supply to the femoral head and necrosis of subchondral bone,leading to joint dysfunction.Long-term use of glucocorticoids is the main cause of SANFH,and its pathogenesis involves multiple factors,including intravascular coagulation and osteocyte apoptosis.Vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A),as a key angiogenic factor,has potential value in the treatment of SANFH.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanisms of action of VEGF-A in SANFH,including its progress in promoting angiogenesis,anti-apoptosis,and lipid metabolism regulation,and to discuss the prospects for clinical application of VEGF-A targeted therapy.METHODS:Literature related to VEGF-A targeted regulation of angiogenesis in the treatment of SANFH was identified through searches of PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang databases from database inception to November 2024.After quality assessment,71 articles were selected,data were extracted by independent researchers,and disagreements were resolved through group discussions.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)VEGF-A binds to its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2,activating downstream signaling pathways that promote the proliferation,migration,and angiogenesis of endothelial cells.Therefore,it can promote the formation of collateral circulation and improve blood supply to the area of bone necrosis.(2)Reduced expression of VEGF-A may lead to a decrease in the number of blood vessels within bone tissue,exacerbating the ischemic state of the femoral head.Furthermore,VEGF-A has anti-apoptotic effects and reduce apoptosis in osteocytes and bone marrow cells,thus protecting bone tissue.(3)The role of VEGF-A in regulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses,as well as promoting the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,provides a new perspective for the treatment of SANFH.(4)The development of VEGF-A protein delivery systems,such as lipid nanoparticles and exosome-based delivery systems,offers new possibilities for the clinical application of VEGF-A.(5)The research progress of VEGF-A in SANFH treatment has laid a solid foundation for the development of new treatment strategies and has opened up new avenues for future research directions and clinical applications.(6)With further clarification of the mechanisms of action of VEGF-A and continuous advancements in delivery technologies,more effective treatments will be provided for SANFH patients,improving their prognosis.

BACKGROUND:The pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is complex,involving vascular endothelial injury,osteocyte apoptosis,inflammatory responses,and bone metabolism disorders.MicroRNAs(miRNAs),as key regulators of gene expression,play an important role in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the regulatory role of miRNAs in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and to evaluate their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic tools.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang databases using specific keywords,and articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.By reading titles,abstracts,or full texts,articles with poor relevance or repetitive content were excluded,and 76 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:miRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to the 3'untranslated region of target mRNAs,affecting cell differentiation,proliferation,apoptosis,and stress responses.Specific miRNAs such as miR-33-5p,miR-99a,miR-106b-5p,miR-155,miR-146a,and miR-21 play a central regulatory role in vascular injury,inflammatory responses,osteocyte differentiation,and apoptosis in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Additionally,the expression patterns of miRNAs are closely related to the pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,showing potential as biomarkers.Although miRNAs shows great potential as biomarkers in therapeutic strategies,the current limitation of sample size and lack of multi-population validation restrict the universality and reliability of the results.Moreover,the efficacy and safety of miRNA therapeutic strategies(including off-target effects and delivery issues)remain major challenges in realizing clinical applications.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of double S-shaped elastic stable intramedullary nailing in the treatment of paediatric fractures of the distal tibia diaphyseal metaphyseal junction.Methods:From January 2018 to January 2022, a total of 25 children with fracture of the distal tibia diaphyseal metaphyseal junction were treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University. All of them were treated with closed reduction and double S-shaped elastic stable intramedullary nailing. There were 16 males and 9 females with an average age of (10.4±3.3) years, and 14 left sides and 11 right sides. The operation time, imaging results and complications were recorded after operation. At the last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring was used to evaluate the efficacy.Results:Closed reduction succeeded in all patients. The operation time was (55.6±23.7) min. Follow-up lasted (20.5±4.7) months for this cohort. Bony union was achieved in all patients after (11.5±2.7) weeks. No postoperative complications occurred in the patients, like infection, loss of reduction, disparity in length of lower limbs, delayed union or non-union. The AOFAS scoring at the last follow-up yielded 23 excellent and 2 good cases, and an excellent and good rate of 100% (25/25).Conclusion:In the treatment of paediatric fractures of the distal tibia diaphyseal metaphyseal junction, double S-shaped elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a safe, effective and feasible option.

Objective:To investigate the treatment strategy for pediatric humeral supracondylar fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data of 36 children who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2011 to January 2021 for humeral supracondylar fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week. There were 22 boys and 14 girls, with an age of (6.7±2.7) years (from 2.3 to 12.8 years). All fractures were Gartland type Ⅲ. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their treatment methods: a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) group of 15 patients subjected to the CRPP treatment only, and a leverage group of 21 patients subjected to CRPP assisted by the "lever technique" with posterior elbow Kirschner wire prying and pulling. The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, fluoroscopy frequency, quality of reduction, and recovery time for elbow range of motion; the elbow range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and complications were assessed at the last follow-up.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference between them in the general information before operation ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (26.2±16.3) months (from 6 to 96 months). All the fractures obtained acceptable reduction and clinical union 4 to 6 weeks after operation. The operation time [(28.2±6.8) min] and fluoroscopy frequency [(27.0±6.0) times] in the leverage group were significantly less than those in the CRPP group [(40.8±10.8) min and (43.3±11.4) times] ( P<0.05). The CRPP group was significantly better than the leverage group in the intraoperative Baumann angle (78.1°±1.6° versus 73.7°±4.1°), lateral capitellohumeral angle (58.3°±2.6° versus 49.6°±5.2°) and horizontal rotation rate (109.5%±3.0% versus 103.2%±4.9%) ( P<0.05). The intraoperative reduction in the CRPP group was significantly closer to the normal mean value than that in the leverage group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the recovery time for elbow range of motion between the CRPP and the leverage groups ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the Baumann angle (75.4°±2.8°) and the lateral capitellohumeral angle (53.2°±3.6°) in the leverage group were still significantly better than those in the CRPP group (78.3°±1.5° and 57.5°±2.3°) ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the elbow range of motion, VAS, MEPS or incidence of complications between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:To treat humeral supracondylar fractures with callus formation and displacement neglected for over 1 week in children, CRPP assisted by the "lever technique" with posterior elbow Kirschner wire prying and pulling is an efficient and accurate method, because it can lead to more satisfactory reduction than CRPP only.

Objective:To understand the cognition of research integrity of in-service medical staff in a tertiary hospital in Xinjiang, provide possible reference for research integrity training.Methods:In March 2021, an electronic questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge of scientific research integrity of in-service medical staff in a tertiary hospital in Xinjiang. T test and analysis of variance were used for univariate analysis, and multiple linear regression was used for multivariate analysis.Results:550 valid questionnaires were collected in total, and the overall awareness rate of scientific research integrity of in-service medical staff was less than 60%. Univariate analysis showed that there were differences in cognitive score of scientific research integrity among medical staff who participating in different scientific research activities ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the educational level of the in-service medical staff, whether they participated in scientific research training, whether they had the qualifications of graduate student supervisor, the interaction between educational level and participation in scientific research training was statistically significant ( P<0.05). LSD test of educational level and participation in scientific research training showed that there was a statistically significant difference in educational level of participation in scientific research training ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The cognition of research integrity on in-service medical staff in a tertiary hospital in Xinjiang need to be enhanced, and their knowledge of research integrity need to be improved. Various measures should be carried out to strengthen the research integrity education and training, so as to improve the level of medical staff’s cognition of research integrity, and improve the medical staff’s attitudes of research integrity.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of observation and psychological intervention, splint or brace fixation as well as surgical treatment on habitual dislocation of the hip (HDH) and to combine the authors' data with a compilation of the cases from the literature, evaluingating the epidemiological characteristics of HDH and the treatment scheme to maintain the stability of hip joint by systematic literature review in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the relevant data of 11 patients (12 hips) with HDH were treated from March 2007 to March 2021, including 2 boys and 9 girls. The age of the first dislocation was 2.25 (1.66, 3.75) years old and 4.33 (3.33, 6.17) years old at the age of diagnosis. At the same time, the relevant literature reports were searched from 1932 to 2022, and 24 HDH patients reports and clinical studies were confirmed to be included in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of 33 patients (38 hips) with HDH who were obtained in the literature, including 5 boys and 28 girls. The age of the first dislocation was 2.00 (1.50, 2.00) years old and 4.00 (2.55, 5.00) years old at the age of diagnosis. A total of 44 patients (50 hips) with HDH who were analyzed, including gender, age of first dislocation, age of diagnosis, mode of stimulating dislocation, side and direction of dislocation, accompanying symptoms, family history, trauma history and imaging examination. The data of 41 patients with HDH (3 patients were excluded due to lack of treatment description) were treated with observation and psychological intervention in 19 patients, splint or brace fixation in 13 patients, and surgical treatment in 9 patients. The femoral neck-stem angle, acetabular index, central edge angle (CE angle) and Reimers instability index were measured by AutoCAD software, and the hip function was evaluated by Harris standard. Meantime, the disappearance time of dislocation was recorded.Results:The average follow-up time of 44 patients (50 hips) with HDH were 4.05±2.93 years old, and the time of disappearance of dislocation after treatment were 1.28±1.19 years old. Patients were diagnosed as 7 boys and 37 girls, 30 right and 8 left as well as 6 bilateral, the age of the first dislocation was 2.64±1.54 years old and 4.52±2.64 years old at the age of diagnosis. The data of 39 patients took hip flexion, adduction, internal rotation or hip flexion and adduction as the mode of stimulating dislocation. There were 43 patients with posterior dislocation, 41 patients with an audible "click" sound during dislocation, 36 patients with painless dislocation, and 37 patients with "vacuum phenomenon" were captured at the moment of dislocation. All patients with HDH had no specific family history and obvious history of trauma. There was no significant difference in general data between observation and psychological intervention group, splint or brace fixation group as well as surgical treatment group ( P>0.05). Harris standard to evaluate hip function, CE angle and Reimers instability index of the affected side were significantly different from those before and after treatment at the moment of dislocation ( H=127.51, P<0.001; H=55.70, P<0.001; H=54.69, P<0.001). Compared with the immediate disappearance of dislocation in the surgical treatment group, the disappearance time of dislocation in the observation and psychological intervention group and the splint or brace fixation group were significantly longer, and the difference was statistically significant ( H=20.83, P<0.001). Conclusion:Without specific family history and obvious trauma at young girls, painless posterior dislocation of hip with an audible "click" sound and "vacuum phenomenon" at the moment of dislocation are the significant epidemiological characteristics of HDH. Observation and psychological intervention, splint or brace fixation are recommended as the initial treatment scheme. When conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment is needed to stabilize the hip joint quickly.

Objective:Compared with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) treatment, evaluating the clinical observation of utilizing a transolecranon pin joystick technique combined with CRPP in the teatment of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures in children.Methods:From thirty nine pediatric multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures hospitalized between January 2012 and January 2019, twenty seven males (69.23%) and twelve females (30.77%) were included in the study, with a average age of 6.68±2.52 years (range, 2.17-13.75 y), twenty three fractures (65.7%) were treated with CRPP (CRPP group) and the remaining Sixteen fractures (41.03%) were treated utilizing a transolecranon pin joystick technique combined with CRPP (joystick group). Both groups were followed over 16 weeks. The paired sample t test or χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the surgical time, times of fluoroscopy, quality of reduction and neurological or vascular complications, Baumann angle, carrying angle, lateralcapitellohumeral angle, postoperative range of motion as well as function-al outcomeduringthe Sixteen weeks and the last follow-up appointment. Results:All caseswere followed up for 1.98±1.43 years, and all fractures achieved clinical healing at 4 to 6 weeks postoperation. The surgical time and times of fluoroscopy were significantly shorter for patients in the joystick group (27.17±9.68 min, 24.25±5.92 times) when compared with CRPP group (48.59±15.75 min, 49.65±23.83 times, P<0.05). All cases showed restoration of the normal lateral capitellohumeral angle. Compared with Baumann angle of normal contralateral upper extremity during the sixteen weeks and the last follow-up appointment, the quality of reduction on the anteroposterior radiographic view was significantly better for patients in the joystick group than that of CRPP group ( P<0.05). The Baumann angle of the affected upper extremity was 77.70°±2.16°, and that of the normal contralateral upper extremity was 73.78°±4.04° in the CRPP group, joystick group was 73.06°±1.81° and 72.81°±3.45°, respectively at the sixteen weeks follow-up. The Baumann angle of the affected upper extremity was 77.13°±2.20°, and that of the normal contralateral upper extremity was 74.17°±4.17° in the CRPP group, joystick group was 72.69°±1.70° and 73.38°±3.48°, respectively at the last follow-up. The range of motion and clinical outcomes based on the criteria of Flynn were similar in both groups ( P<0.05). The elbow joint function of excellent and good rate of the criteria of Flynn was 82.61%, elbow flexion was 134.13°±8.61°, elbow extension was -3.48°±6.47° in the CRPP group, joystick group was 81.25%, 132.19°±9.48° and -3.44°± 4.37°, respectively at the sixteen weeks follow-up. The elbow joint function of excellent and good rate of the criteria of Flynn was 91.30%, elbow flexion was 140.14°±5.76°, elbow extension was -0.65±3.79° in the CRPP group, joystick group was 93.75%, 141.88°±5.12° and -0.31°±3.86°, respectivelyat the last follow-up. No immediate postoperative complications were observed. Conclusion:A transolecranon pin joystick technique combined with CRPP is a safe and effective method, can decrease surgical time and times of fluoroscopy and improve quality of reduction with no increasing risk of complications for closed reduction of multidirectionally unstable supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a worldwide problem, and its pathogenesis still remains unclear. Its pathogenesis is still the focus of research in this field. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the role of autophagy gene Beclin1 in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head and the effect of 3-methyladenine on Beclin1. METHODS: Thirty-six 5-month-old Japanese white rabbits (provided by Xi'an Dilepu Biological Resource Development Co., Ltd.) were included and randomly divided into control group (intramuscular injection of normal saline), avascular necrosis of the femoral head group (intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone) and 3-methyladenine group (intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone and 3-methyladenine), with 12 rabbits in each group. The injection was conducted four times, with 1 week in between. The animals from each group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks for sample taken. Vacant bone lacunae were counted under optical microscope. mRNA and protein expression levels of Beclin1 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Histomorphological observation under optical microscope showed that the rate of vacant lacunae in the avascular necrosis of the femoral head and 3-methyladenine groups was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05), and was significantly lower in the 3-methyladenine group than that in the avascular necrosis of the femoral head group (P ＜ 0.05). (2) Glucocorticoid could rapidly stimulate the expression of Beclin1 mRNA in the femoral head tissue, and the protein level was significantly increased at the first two weeks, suggesting that autophagy was activated. 3-Methyladenine could inhibit this process. (3) These findings indicate that enhanced autophagy gene Beclin1 expression is important for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. 3-Methyladenine can regulate Beclin1, thereby controlling autophagy, which alleviates the occurrence and development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.