Objective:To elucidate the expression of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) in LPS-induced septic cardiomyopathy tissue and cardiomyocyte, and to explore the mechanism of ANGPTL4 in septic cardiomyopathy.Methods:Fifty C57BL/6 mice, aged 8 weeks, were randomly(random number) divided into a treatment group (LPS) and a control group ( n = 25 each). The mice in the treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 mg/kg) to establish a sepsis model. After 24 h, the myocardial tissues of the mice in the sepsis group and the control group, which were caused by LPS, were collected for RNA sequencing to pick out the differentially expressed gene of ANGPTL4.Ventricular myocytes of neonatal mice were taken, and the silencing and overexpression vectors of ANGPTL4 were transfected. After 48 hours of transfection, the cells were collected for subsequent detection. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of apoptotic factors Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3 in mouse ventricular myocytes; CCK8 method was used to detect the activity of ventricular myocytes; using the Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining method, the apoptosis of ventricular myocytes was detected. Results:RNA-seq analysis revealed a statistically significant upregulation of ANGPTL4 expression at both transcriptional and translational levels in the ventricular tissue of septic mice, as compared to the control group ( P<0.05). The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that the mRNA and protein levels of ANGPTL4 in the ventricular tissues and cardiomyocytes of mice treated with LPS were significantly increased ( P<0.05). After transfection of the silencing and overexpression vectors of ANGPTL4 in cardiomyocytes, it was found that compared with NC, the mRNA and protein expression levels of ANGPTL4 in the si-ANGPTL4 group significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the vitality of ventricular myocytes increased ( P<0.05), the expressions of apoptosis-related factors Bax and Caspase 3 significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the expression of Bcl-2 significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the number of apoptotic cells significantly decreased ( P<0.05); while the transfection of the overexpression vector of ANGPTL4 showed an opposite trend. Conclusions:In septic myocardial tissue and cardiomyocyte, the expression of ANGPTL4 is elevated, resulting in the inhibition of ventricular myocyte viability and the promotion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the V-shaped bone tunnel technique at the base of the distal phalanx for treating tendinous mallet finger.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from patients with tendinous mallet finger treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery at Linyi People’s Hospital between August 2022 and November 2023. Two oblique bone tunnels were created in a V-shaped configuration at the dorsal base of the distal phalanx, adjacent to the extensor tendon insertion, using a 0.8 mm Kirschner wire. A 4-0 double-needle monofilament tendon suture was passed through the tunnels to secure the ruptured extensor tendon to the base of the distal phalanx, followed by fixation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint with a 1.0 mm Kirschner wire. The Kirschner wire was removed at 4 weeks postoperatively to initiate functional exercises. Regular follow-up was conducted to monitor wound healing and functional recovery of the DIP joint. At the final follow-up, the range of flexion and extension of the DIP joint was measured, and treatment outcomes were evaluated using Crawford’s mallet finger evaluation criteria, which classified results into four grades: excellent, good, fair, and poor.Results:Fifteen patients (16 fingers) were included, comprising 11 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 44.5 years (range: 17-65 years). The injured fingers included 2 index, 4 middle, 5 ring, and 5 little fingers, all presenting with DIP joint flexion deformity and limited active extension. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 28 months (mean: 17 months). All wounds healed primarily without complications such as infection or skin necrosis, and no cases of tendon re-rupture occurred. At the final follow-up, the measurement results of flexion and extension range of motion of the affected fingers at the DIP joint were as follows: the maximum flexion angle of all 16 fingers was 45°, among which 7 fingers had an extension angle of 0°, 8 fingers had limited extension ranging from 1° to 10°, and 1 finger had limited extension of 15°. Among the 16 fingers, 7 fingers were rated as excellent, 8 fingers as good and 1 finger as fair.Conclusion:The V-shaped bone tunnel technique for tendon-to-bone reattachment of the extensor tendon insertion is a simple and effective method for treating tendinous mallet finger. It provides satisfactory functional recovery, improves finger appearance, and is associated with minimal complications.

OBJECTIVES: In the early stage of central cervical disc herniation, clinical symptoms may be mild. However, as the spinal cord becomes compressed by herniated nucleus pulposus tissue, progressive edema and degeneration may occur, resulting in more severe clinical manifestations, including limb weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, spastic paraplegia of the lower extremities, and even respiratory difficulty. The spinal endoscopic Key-hole technique is widely applied in treating radiculopathic cervical spondylosis and has demonstrated good clinical outcomes. This study aims to analyze and summarize the technical points and therapeutic efficacy of the far lateral Key-hole technique in the treatment of central cervical disc herniation, providing reference for clinical application. METHODS: Eight patients with central cervical disc herniation treated with the far lateral Key-hole technique were included as the experimental group. Another 8 patients who underwent single-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) during the same period were selected as the control group. Data collected included gender, age, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and length of hospitalization. Pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); cervical function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score; and cervical disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcomes were assessed using disc height index (DHI), cervical Cobb angle, and operative segment Cobb angle. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter incision length, and shorter hospital stay (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in operation time (P>0.05). Postoperative VAS and NDI scores in both groups were significantly lower than preoperative values, and JOA scores significantly improved (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups preoperatively (P>0.05). Postoperatively, the experimental group showed significantly lower VAS and NDI scores and higher JOA scores than the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in DHI before and after surgery in the experimental group (P>0.05), while the DHI increased significantly postoperatively in the control group (P<0.05). Postoperative DHI in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the cervical Cobb angle either within or between groups (all P>0.05). The operative segment Cobb angle increased significantly after surgery in the control group (P<0.05), while no other operative segment angle changes were statistically significant (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The far lateral Key-hole technique offers advantages in treating central cervical disc herniation, including reduced intraoperative bleeding, smaller incision length, shorter hospitalization, and improved postoperative pain relief. Additionally, the technique does not affect cervical physiological curvature or stability in the short term, making it suitable for clinical application.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Diskectomy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Endoscopy/methods*

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.10.012.].

Background::An evidence gap still exists regarding the efficacy and safety of tegoprazan in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) in China. This study aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of tegoprazan vs. esomeprazole in patients with EE in China. Methods::This study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, active-controlled, non-inferiority phase III trial of patients with EE randomized 1:1 to tegoprazan 50 mg/day vs. esomeprazole 40 mg/day. This study was conducted in 32 sites between October 24, 2018 and October 18, 2019. The primary endpoint was the cumulative endoscopic healing rate at week 8. The secondary endpoint included endoscopic healing rate at week 4, changes in the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) and gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) scores, and symptom improvement. Results::A total of 261 patients were randomized: 132 to the tegoprazan group and 129 to the esomeprazole group. The cumulative endoscopic healing rate at 8 weeks in the tegoprazan group was non-inferior to that of the esomeprazole group (91.1% vs. 92.8%, difference: -1.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.5%, 5.0%, P = 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences in the changes in RDQ (total, severity, and frequency) and GERD-HRQL scores between the two groups (all P >0.05). The percentages of days without symptoms, including daytime and nighttime symptoms based on patients' diaries, were similar between the two groups (all P >0.05). In the tegoprazan and esomeprazole groups, 71.5% (93/130) and 61.7% (79/128) of the participants reported adverse events (AEs), 2.3% and 0 experienced serious AEs, while 70.0% and 60.2% had treatment-emergent AEs, respectively. Conclusion::Tegoprazan 50 mg/day demonstrated non-inferior efficacy in healing EE, symptom improvement, and quality of life, and it has similar tolerability compared with esomeprazole 40 mg/day.

Objective To observe the value of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing pheochromocytoma(PCC)and paraganglioma(PGL).Methods Thirty-eight patients with suspected or confirmed PCC/PGL who underwent 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT were retrospectively enrolled,among them 20 cases underwent 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine(MIBG)SPECT/CT during the same period.The value of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing PCC/PGL at individual and lesion levels were analyzed and compared to the results of 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT.Results Among 38 cases,there were 20 cases of PCC,14 cases of PGL,1 case of adrenocortical carcinoma and 3 cases of benign adrenal hyperplasia.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value and accuracy of 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing PCC/PGL in all 38 cases was 87.88％(29/33),60.00％(3/5),93.55％(29/31),42.86％(3/7)and 84.21％(32/38),respectively.Totally 188 lesions were detected in 34 cases,with detection rate of 89.95％(188/209).For 20 patients who underwent both 2 kinds examinations,the detection rate of bone,lymph node,liver,lung metastases and the overall lesions of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT were all higher than those of 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT(all P＜0.05).No significant difference of diagnostic accuracy of PCC/PGL was found between 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT and 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT(P＞0.05).Conclusion The value of 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing PCC/PGL was comparable to that of 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT,but the former showed higher detection rate of metastases,hence being helpful to staging and risk stratification of PCC/PGL.

Objective To observe the value of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing pheochromocytoma(PCC)and paraganglioma(PGL).Methods Thirty-eight patients with suspected or confirmed PCC/PGL who underwent 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT were retrospectively enrolled,among them 20 cases underwent 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine(MIBG)SPECT/CT during the same period.The value of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing PCC/PGL at individual and lesion levels were analyzed and compared to the results of 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT.Results Among 38 cases,there were 20 cases of PCC,14 cases of PGL,1 case of adrenocortical carcinoma and 3 cases of benign adrenal hyperplasia.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value and accuracy of 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing PCC/PGL in all 38 cases was 87.88％(29/33),60.00％(3/5),93.55％(29/31),42.86％(3/7)and 84.21％(32/38),respectively.Totally 188 lesions were detected in 34 cases,with detection rate of 89.95％(188/209).For 20 patients who underwent both 2 kinds examinations,the detection rate of bone,lymph node,liver,lung metastases and the overall lesions of 68Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT were all higher than those of 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT(all P＜0.05).No significant difference of diagnostic accuracy of PCC/PGL was found between 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT and 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT(P＞0.05).Conclusion The value of 68 Ga-DOTA-NOC PET/CT for diagnosing PCC/PGL was comparable to that of 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT,but the former showed higher detection rate of metastases,hence being helpful to staging and risk stratification of PCC/PGL.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the V-shaped bone tunnel technique at the base of the distal phalanx for treating tendinous mallet finger.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from patients with tendinous mallet finger treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery at Linyi People’s Hospital between August 2022 and November 2023. Two oblique bone tunnels were created in a V-shaped configuration at the dorsal base of the distal phalanx, adjacent to the extensor tendon insertion, using a 0.8 mm Kirschner wire. A 4-0 double-needle monofilament tendon suture was passed through the tunnels to secure the ruptured extensor tendon to the base of the distal phalanx, followed by fixation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint with a 1.0 mm Kirschner wire. The Kirschner wire was removed at 4 weeks postoperatively to initiate functional exercises. Regular follow-up was conducted to monitor wound healing and functional recovery of the DIP joint. At the final follow-up, the range of flexion and extension of the DIP joint was measured, and treatment outcomes were evaluated using Crawford’s mallet finger evaluation criteria, which classified results into four grades: excellent, good, fair, and poor.Results:Fifteen patients (16 fingers) were included, comprising 11 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 44.5 years (range: 17-65 years). The injured fingers included 2 index, 4 middle, 5 ring, and 5 little fingers, all presenting with DIP joint flexion deformity and limited active extension. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 28 months (mean: 17 months). All wounds healed primarily without complications such as infection or skin necrosis, and no cases of tendon re-rupture occurred. At the final follow-up, the measurement results of flexion and extension range of motion of the affected fingers at the DIP joint were as follows: the maximum flexion angle of all 16 fingers was 45°, among which 7 fingers had an extension angle of 0°, 8 fingers had limited extension ranging from 1° to 10°, and 1 finger had limited extension of 15°. Among the 16 fingers, 7 fingers were rated as excellent, 8 fingers as good and 1 finger as fair.Conclusion:The V-shaped bone tunnel technique for tendon-to-bone reattachment of the extensor tendon insertion is a simple and effective method for treating tendinous mallet finger. It provides satisfactory functional recovery, improves finger appearance, and is associated with minimal complications.

Background::An evidence gap still exists regarding the efficacy and safety of tegoprazan in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) in China. This study aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of tegoprazan vs. esomeprazole in patients with EE in China. Methods::This study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, active-controlled, non-inferiority phase III trial of patients with EE randomized 1:1 to tegoprazan 50 mg/day vs. esomeprazole 40 mg/day. This study was conducted in 32 sites between October 24, 2018 and October 18, 2019. The primary endpoint was the cumulative endoscopic healing rate at week 8. The secondary endpoint included endoscopic healing rate at week 4, changes in the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) and gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) scores, and symptom improvement. Results::A total of 261 patients were randomized: 132 to the tegoprazan group and 129 to the esomeprazole group. The cumulative endoscopic healing rate at 8 weeks in the tegoprazan group was non-inferior to that of the esomeprazole group (91.1% vs. 92.8%, difference: -1.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.5%, 5.0%, P = 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences in the changes in RDQ (total, severity, and frequency) and GERD-HRQL scores between the two groups (all P >0.05). The percentages of days without symptoms, including daytime and nighttime symptoms based on patients' diaries, were similar between the two groups (all P >0.05). In the tegoprazan and esomeprazole groups, 71.5% (93/130) and 61.7% (79/128) of the participants reported adverse events (AEs), 2.3% and 0 experienced serious AEs, while 70.0% and 60.2% had treatment-emergent AEs, respectively. Conclusion::Tegoprazan 50 mg/day demonstrated non-inferior efficacy in healing EE, symptom improvement, and quality of life, and it has similar tolerability compared with esomeprazole 40 mg/day.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.