Objective:To compare the anterior long-segment fixation, posterior long-segment fixation, and combined anterior-posterior fixation in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with cervical fracture (ASCF).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 153 patients with ASCF who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital and Department of Orthopedics, Luoche Central Hospital between January 2014 and December 2023. The cohort included 86 males and 67 females, with an age of (41.6±11.5) years, a disease duration of (10.0±3.9) years, and an interval from injury to surgery of (3.3±1.4) d. By Frankel's classification for preoperative nerve injury, 57 cases were grade B, 51 grade C, and 45 grade D. Based on the surgical approaches, the patients were divided into 3 groups: an anterior group ( n=63) undergoing the anterior cervical long-segment fixation, a posterior group ( n=51) undergoing the posterior cervical long-segment fixation, and a combination group ( n=39) undergoing combined anterior-posterior cervical fixation. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing, complications, and changes in Frankel grading for spinal cord injury were compared among the 3 groups. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data among the 3 groups, indicating comparability ( P > 0.05). All patients were followed up for (33.5±12.0) months after surgery. In the anterior group, the surgical time [(103.0±16.8) min] was significantly shorter than that in the posterior group [(148.4±17.7) min] and that in the combination group [(228.5±23.9) min], the intraoperative blood loss [(92.8±27.8) mL] was significantly less than that in the posterior group [(477.5±109.5) mL] and that in the combination group [(769.5±136.9) mL], and the incidence of complications [9.5% (6/63)] was significantly lower than that in the posterior group [41.2% (21/51)] and that in the combination group [53.8% (21/39)] (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the fracture healing time among the 3 groups ( P=0.111). At the last follow-up, X-ray and CT scans showed no loosening or breakage of internal fixation in all the 3 groups. The Frankel grading at the last follow-up: 12 cases of grade C, 15 cases of grade D, and 36 cases of grade E in the anterior group; 3 cases of grade B, 12 cases of grade C, 12 cases of grade D, and 24 cases of grade E in the posterior group; 6 cases of grade C, 12 cases of grade D, and 21 cases of grade E in the combination group. At the last follow-up, all patients showed a significant improvement compared to their Frankel grades before surgery ( P<0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups ( H=2.238, P=0.327). Conclusions:In the treatment of ASCF, anterior long-segment fixation is advantageous over posterior long-segment fixation and combined anteri-or-posterior fixation due to its shorter surgical time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and a lower complication incidence. All the 3 surgical approaches demonstrate comparable outcomes in terms of fracture healing time, radiographic stability, and final neurological recovery.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder that includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). Currently, there is a lack of reliable diagnostic methods for IBD. Endoscopic biopsy is one of the common methods for detecting IBD, but it has limitations. In non-invasive assessment of IBD, ultrasound, CT, and MRI are less invasive and better tolerated than endoscopy, and can show the complete bowel condition, assess the thickness of the intestinal wall, and detect parenteral complications. Meanwhile, with the further study of IBD biomarkers, SPECT and PET are increasingly used in early diagnosis and efficacy monitoring of IBD, especially in patients who cannot tolerate invasive tests. The continuous developments of the above imaging techniques provide a more minimally invasive method than endoscopy for early non-invasive diagnosis and efficacy monitoring of IBD. This article reviews the latest research and application progress of the above imaging techniques in IBD.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder that includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). Currently, there is a lack of reliable diagnostic methods for IBD. Endoscopic biopsy is one of the common methods for detecting IBD, but it has limitations. In non-invasive assessment of IBD, ultrasound, CT, and MRI are less invasive and better tolerated than endoscopy, and can show the complete bowel condition, assess the thickness of the intestinal wall, and detect parenteral complications. Meanwhile, with the further study of IBD biomarkers, SPECT and PET are increasingly used in early diagnosis and efficacy monitoring of IBD, especially in patients who cannot tolerate invasive tests. The continuous developments of the above imaging techniques provide a more minimally invasive method than endoscopy for early non-invasive diagnosis and efficacy monitoring of IBD. This article reviews the latest research and application progress of the above imaging techniques in IBD.

Objective:To compare the anterior long-segment fixation, posterior long-segment fixation, and combined anterior-posterior fixation in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with cervical fracture (ASCF).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 153 patients with ASCF who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics, Peking University Third Hospital and Department of Orthopedics, Luoche Central Hospital between January 2014 and December 2023. The cohort included 86 males and 67 females, with an age of (41.6±11.5) years, a disease duration of (10.0±3.9) years, and an interval from injury to surgery of (3.3±1.4) d. By Frankel's classification for preoperative nerve injury, 57 cases were grade B, 51 grade C, and 45 grade D. Based on the surgical approaches, the patients were divided into 3 groups: an anterior group ( n=63) undergoing the anterior cervical long-segment fixation, a posterior group ( n=51) undergoing the posterior cervical long-segment fixation, and a combination group ( n=39) undergoing combined anterior-posterior cervical fixation. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing, complications, and changes in Frankel grading for spinal cord injury were compared among the 3 groups. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data among the 3 groups, indicating comparability ( P > 0.05). All patients were followed up for (33.5±12.0) months after surgery. In the anterior group, the surgical time [(103.0±16.8) min] was significantly shorter than that in the posterior group [(148.4±17.7) min] and that in the combination group [(228.5±23.9) min], the intraoperative blood loss [(92.8±27.8) mL] was significantly less than that in the posterior group [(477.5±109.5) mL] and that in the combination group [(769.5±136.9) mL], and the incidence of complications [9.5% (6/63)] was significantly lower than that in the posterior group [41.2% (21/51)] and that in the combination group [53.8% (21/39)] (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the fracture healing time among the 3 groups ( P=0.111). At the last follow-up, X-ray and CT scans showed no loosening or breakage of internal fixation in all the 3 groups. The Frankel grading at the last follow-up: 12 cases of grade C, 15 cases of grade D, and 36 cases of grade E in the anterior group; 3 cases of grade B, 12 cases of grade C, 12 cases of grade D, and 24 cases of grade E in the posterior group; 6 cases of grade C, 12 cases of grade D, and 21 cases of grade E in the combination group. At the last follow-up, all patients showed a significant improvement compared to their Frankel grades before surgery ( P<0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups ( H=2.238, P=0.327). Conclusions:In the treatment of ASCF, anterior long-segment fixation is advantageous over posterior long-segment fixation and combined anteri-or-posterior fixation due to its shorter surgical time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and a lower complication incidence. All the 3 surgical approaches demonstrate comparable outcomes in terms of fracture healing time, radiographic stability, and final neurological recovery.

Objective:To evaluate efficacy of safflower polysaccharide in treatment of thymic atrophy induced by estradiol in mice.Methods:A total of 75 female ICR mice were divided into 5 groups:control group,model group,ubenimex group,SPS high dose group,SPS low dose group.Except for control group,each group was given intraperitoneal injection of estradiol benzoate every other day for 6 times.Treatment group began administration 24 h after the last parenteral administration,once a day for 10 days.Mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration,and body weight,immune organ index,MDA and GST levels in plasma,periph-eral blood cells and T cells changes were observed,thymus tissue was stained by HE staining and TUNEL cell apoptosis staining,and thymus output capacity was detected.Results:Both high and low doses of safflower polysaccharide significantly improved thymus index(P<0.05)in mice,increased leukocytes level in peripheral blood(P<0.05),proportions of CD3+CD4+T,CD3+CD8+T cells(P<0.05)and CD4+T/CD8+T,improved thymus tissue damage.High dose of safflower polysaccharide could significantly reduce apoptosis in thymus tissue and enhance thymus output.Conclusion:Safflower polysaccharide has a certain therapeutic effect on estradiol-induced thymus atrophy in mice.

China currently has the largest population of overweight and obese individuals globally. Bariatric surgery is by far the most effective approach to address obesity and associated metabolic conditions. To manage the significant growth of obesity, China's bariatric and metabolic surgery has assumed a pivotal role. Despite a delayed start compared to other nations, China has made significant progress in bariatric metabolic surgery over the past two decades. Presently, the annual number of surgeries ranks ahead worldwide. However, the proportion of eligible obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery in China remains lower than global averages. Looking ahead, China's bariatric metabolic surgery field offers ample room for growth and improvement. This paper aims to highlight the achievements in bariatric and metabolic surgery within China while also addressing challenges, such as the high proportion of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, adherence to operation standards and guidelines, postoperative management and loss of follow-up, and quality control of database. By analyzing the current landscape and challenges, it is anticipated that China's bariatric metabolic surgery will continue to make remarkable progress in the future, bolstered by the collective dedication of the medical community.

At present, obesity and overweight patients are increasing year by year in the world. Bariatric surgery is the most effective method for treating obesity at present. Due to its high risk, large trauma, irreversible operation, high cost and patient preference, the overall acceptance degree is not high at present. With the development of endoscopic technology and materials and equipment, various surgical methods emerge one after another. They are less invasive, reversible and similar to traditional bariatric surgery in weight loss effect. They are more and more widely used in obesity and metabolism. Depending on the site of the endoscopic intervention: The authors review the advances in endoscopic bariatric surgery for obesity, including the different principles of surgery and the effects of bariatric surgery on different sites.

China currently has the largest population of overweight and obese individuals globally. Bariatric surgery is by far the most effective approach to address obesity and associated metabolic conditions. To manage the significant growth of obesity, China's bariatric and metabolic surgery has assumed a pivotal role. Despite a delayed start compared to other nations, China has made significant progress in bariatric metabolic surgery over the past two decades. Presently, the annual number of surgeries ranks ahead worldwide. However, the proportion of eligible obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery in China remains lower than global averages. Looking ahead, China's bariatric metabolic surgery field offers ample room for growth and improvement. This paper aims to highlight the achievements in bariatric and metabolic surgery within China while also addressing challenges, such as the high proportion of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, adherence to operation standards and guidelines, postoperative management and loss of follow-up, and quality control of database. By analyzing the current landscape and challenges, it is anticipated that China's bariatric metabolic surgery will continue to make remarkable progress in the future, bolstered by the collective dedication of the medical community.

At present, the aging trend of China′s population is intensifying and the number of overweight and obese elderly people is on the rise. The elderly obese is facing the treatment of related metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, etc. In addition to life intervention and drug control, bariatric surgery is also one of the effective methods. Bariatric surgery can permanently reduce body mass, improve or alleviate the condition of patients, and prolong life. The authors analyze the indications and contraindications, perioperative manage-ment, surgical methods, surgical safety and effectiveness, and current problems of bariatric surgery for elderly obese patients.

Objective To investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C(VEGF-C ) in tissue, serum and lymph fluid in esophageal cancer patients, and the relationship between its expression and tumor lymphatic metastasis. Methods Expressions of VEGF-C in 76 cases of ESC was detected by immunohisto-chemical SP method and VEGF-C levels in lymph fluid and serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Positive immunostaining of VEGF-C in esophageal cancer tissue was 63.1%,The expression of VEGF-C in tissue was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ( P<0.01, P<0.05 respectively), but not to patient age, tumor length or differentiation; VEGF-C in lymph fluid is significantly higher than in serum( P<0.05) ; The expression of VEGF-C in lymph fluid end serum were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis( P<0.05). Conclusion There are cliuical significance between VEGF-C expression and lymph node metastasis、TNM stage in tissue of esophageal cancer. The level of VFGF-C in lymph fluid is higher than that in serum, both associate with lymph-node metastasis closely.