Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head （SONFH） is a severe musculoskeletal disorder often induced by the prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids. Characterized by ischemia of bone cells， necrosis， and trabecular fractures， SONFH is accompanied by pain， femoral head collapse， and joint dysfunction， which can lead to disability in severe cases. The pathogenesis of SONFH involves hormone-induced osteoblast apoptosis， bone microvascular endothelial cell （BMEC） apoptosis， oxidative stress， and inflammatory responses. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. Modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote Akt phosphorylation， thereby stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts， promoting angiogenesis in BMECs， and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. The research on the treatment of SONFH with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has gained increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds have potential therapeutic effect on SONFH by intervening in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These studies not only provide a scientific basis for the application of TCM in the treatment of SONFH but also offer new ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarized the progress in Chinese and international research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SONFH over the past five years. It involved the composition and transmission mechanisms of the signaling pathway， as well as its regulatory effects on osteoblasts， mesenchymal stem cells， osteoclasts， BMECs， and other cells. Additionally， the review explored the TCM understanding of SONFH and the application of TCM monomers and compounds in the intervention of the PI3K/Akt pathway. By systematically analyzing and organizing these research findings， this article aimed to provide references and point out directions for the clinical prevention and treatment of SONFH and promote further development of TCM in this field. With in-depth research on the PI3K/Akt pathway and the modern application of TCM， it is expected to bring safer and more effective treatment options for patients with SONFH.

Objective To clarify whether the use of dynamic coronary artery roadmap(DCR)technology in a low-dose mode with 7.5 frames per second during coronary intervention can further reduce the total radiation dose,fluoroscopy time,and contrast agent usage.Methods A total of 94 patients,who received coronary angiography at the Shanghai Tongji Hospital of China between July 2022 and December 2022,were enrolled in this study.The patients were randomly divided into DCR group(n=53)and control group(n=41).DCR technology was used in the DCR group to guide the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),while low-dose mode coronary angiography was adopted in the control group.The total air kerma(AK),dose-area product(DAP),intraoperative fluoroscopy time,and contrast agent usage were compared between the two groups.Results In the DCR group AK was(597.9±222.8)mGy,which was significantly lower than(717.0±326.8)mGy in the control group(P=0.039);DAP was(33.2±13.3)Gycm2/s,which was also remarkably lower than(41.3±21.5)Gycm2/s in the control group(P=0.027).In the DCR group and the control group,the intraoperative fluoroscopy time was(9.8± 3.3)min and(12.1±4.3)min respectively(P＜0.01),and the contrast agent usage was(122.3±19.0)mL and(130.5± 28.5)mL respectively(P=0.116).Conclusion In a low-dose mode during coronary intervention,the use of DCR technology can further reduce radiation dose,fluoroscopy time,and contrast agent usage.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:236-239)

Objective:To investigate the feasibility, clinical efficacy and donor site impact of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEPF) with transverse symmetrical design in reconstruction of soft tissue defects in limbs.Methods:From September 2020 to August 2023, 12 patients with soft tissue defects of limbs who agreed to flap donor site in the lower abdominal wall were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery and Microsurgery, Sichuan Modern Hospital. There were 10 females and 2 males with an average age of 58.42 years old. Defect sites: 3 in upper limbs and 9 in lower limbs. Sizes of the soft tissue defect were 8.0 cm×15.0 cm-13.0 cm×40.0 cm. CTA or CDU was used to detect the perforators of deep inferior epigastric artery and appropriate perforators were selected. The width and length of redundant skin and subcutaneous tissues in the lower abdomen were evaluated according to the "pinch and lift test". Taking into account the requirements of abdominoplasty, symmetrical bilateral DIEPFs were designed in the transverse direction on the lower abdominal wall. The sizes of the flaps were 7.5 cm×24.0 cm-13.0 cm ×42.0 cm. The harvested flaps were firstly thinned under the microscope, trimmed and shaped properly to match the profile of the wounds. Blood circulation was reconstructed with various forms of vascular anastomoses, such as internal pressurisation, connection in series and Flow-through, etc. Lower abdominal wall wound should be gradually reduced in tension according to the requirements of abdominal wall plastic surgery, and cosmetic suturing should be performed.Results:All 12 DIEPFs survived. The lower abdominal donor site healed primarily. All patients were included in postoperative follow-up for 6 to 42 (average 18.31) months. All flaps were normal in colour and soft in texture. The appearance of abdominal walls were improved, and the function was not affected, except 1 patient who underwent debulking procedure 3 months after the surgery.Conclusion:The transverse symmetrical design of a DIEPF is an ideal method for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in limbs after appropriate flap modification. It is a win-win solution for an aesthetic appearance of donor and recipient sites of the flap.

Objective To investigate the shedding of CAV2-ΔE3-CGS after immunization and the background of canine adenovirus (CAV) infection, and to establish a dual fluorescent quantitative PCR detection method for rabies virus (RV) and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV2). Methods A dual fluorescent quantitative PCR detection method was established by designing specific primers and probes for E1 gene of CAV and G gene of RV for the detection of CAV2-ΔE3-CGS. Oral swabs, anal swabs and environmental samples of stray dogs from experimental animal farm and dog detention center were tested. Results The standard curves generated by this method were Y=-3.351 × logX + 44.895, R² = .999 and Y=-3.413 × logX + 45.192, R²=0.996, respectively. The linear relationships were good, and the minimum detection limits were both 102 copies/μL. CAV2-ΔE3-CGS was not detected in experimental animal farm. CAV was detected in dog detention center, and the positive rates were 5.88% (5/85) in oral swabs, 8.24% (7/85) in anal swabs, and 4% (1/25) in environmental samples. Conclusion The dual fluorescent quantitative PCR method can be used for the detection of CAV2-ΔE3-CGS after immunization and the investigation of CAV infection. The present study has shown that no CAV2-ΔE3-CGS has been detected after immunization and CAV infection rate of stay dogs is low in Shanghai. CAV2-ΔE3-CGS oral immunization meets requirement and is applicable.

Although somatic cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) with pure chemicals, authentic pluripotency of chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs) has never been achieved through tetraploid complementation assay. Spontaneous reprogramming of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) was another non-transgenic way to obtain PSCs, but this process lacks mechanistic explanation. Here, we reconstructed the trajectory of mouse SSC reprogramming and developed a five-chemical combination, boosting the reprogramming efficiency by nearly 80- to 100-folds. More importantly, chemical induced germline-derived PSCs (5C-gPSCs), but not gPSCs and chemical induced pluripotent stem cells, had authentic pluripotency, as determined by tetraploid complementation. Mechanistically, SSCs traversed through an inverted pathway of in vivo germ cell development, exhibiting the expression signatures and DNA methylation dynamics from spermatogonia to primordial germ cells and further to epiblasts. Besides, SSC-specific imprinting control regions switched from biallelic methylated states to monoallelic methylated states by imprinting demethylation and then re-methylation on one of the two alleles in 5C-gPSCs, which was apparently distinct with the imprinting reprogramming in vivo as DNA methylation simultaneously occurred on both alleles. Our work sheds light on the unique regulatory network underpinning SSC reprogramming, providing insights to understand generic mechanisms for cell-fate decision and epigenetic-related disorders in regenerative medicine.
Male ; Mice ; Animals ; Cellular Reprogramming/genetics* ; Tetraploidy ; Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism* ; DNA Methylation ; Spermatogonia/metabolism* ; Germ Cells/metabolism*

Objective:To explore the related risk factors for systemic embolism (SE) in patients aged≥75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).Methods:A case-control study. NVAF patients aged≥75 years who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2018 to October 2020 were divided into no SE ( n=1 127) and SE ( n=433) groups according to the occurrence of SE after NVAF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze SE-related factors in patients with NVAF without anticoagulation treatment. Results:In the multivariate model, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of SE in patients with NVAF: history of AF≥5 years [odds ratio ( OR)=2.75, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.98-3.82, P<0.01], lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L ( OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.50-2.84, P<0.01), apolipoprotein (Apo)B>1.2 g/L ( OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.25-2.93, P=0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%-49% ( OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.63-3.69, P<0.01), left atrial diameter>40 mm ( OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.07, P=0.003), and CHA 2DS 2-VASc score≥3 ( OR=15.14, 95% CI 2.05-112.13, P=0.01). ApoAI>1.6 g/L was negatively correlated with the occurrence of SE ( OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.51, P<0.01). Conclusions:History of AF≥5 years, lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L, elevated ApoB, left atrial diameter>40 mm, LVEF of 30%-49%, and CHA 2DS 2-VASC score≥3 are independent risk factors for SE whereas ApoAI>1.6 g/L is a protective factor against SE in patients with NVAF.

Objective:To explore the application and clinical efficacy of an innervated arterialised venous flap of the first dorsal metacarpal in reconstruction of thumb and finger pulp defects.Methods:From December 2021 to August 2022, 17 patients received surgery for reconstruction of thumb and finger pulp defects in the Department of Hand Surgery of Sichuan Modern Hospital. All were carried out in emergency surgery. The affected digits included: 3 thumbs, 4 index fingers, 6 middle fingers, 1 ring finger and 3 little fingers. After emergency debridement, a flap of the first dorsal metacarpal carrying superficial radial nerve and arterialised vein was taken for reconstruction of the defect. Donor site of the flap was directly closed with sutures. The survival and functional recovery of the digits and flaps were evaluated through postoperative follow-ups via outpatient visit and telephone and WeChat interviews.Results:Seven flaps developed blisters after surgery, which gradually subsided and healed after dressing change. The rest of 10 flaps survived smoothly, without any vascular compromise. All of the 17 patients(17 digits) had postoperative follow-up for 3-15 months, with 8 months in average. Appearance of thumb and finger pulps were good, with sensation restored to S 1-S 3+, according to the sensory function evaluation criteria of the British Medical Research Council(BMRC). According to Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, all 17 patientswere in excellent of total active movement(TAM). Conclusion:Innervated arterialised venous flap of the first dorsal metacarpal is reliable in reconstruction of the defects of digit pulps with good function and appearance. The flap is easy to take and with a satisfactory recovery of sensation.

Bacteremia induced by periodontal infection is an important factor for periodontitis to threaten general health. P. gingivalis DNA/virulence factors have been found in the brain tissues from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for keeping toxic substances from entering brain tissues. However, the effect of P. gingivalis bacteremia on BBB permeability and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, rats were injected by tail vein with P. gingivalis three times a week for eight weeks to induce bacteremia. An in vitro BBB model infected with P. gingivalis was also established. We found that the infiltration of Evans blue dye and Albumin protein deposition in the rat brain tissues were increased in the rat brain tissues with P. gingivalis bacteremia and P. gingivalis could pass through the in vitro BBB model. Caveolae were detected after P. gingivalis infection in BMECs both in vivo and in vitro. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression was enhanced after P. gingivalis infection. Downregulation of Cav-1 rescued P. gingivalis-enhanced BMECs permeability. We further found P. gingivalis-gingipain could be colocalized with Cav-1 and the strong hydrogen bonding between Cav-1 and arg-specific-gingipain (RgpA) were detected. Moreover, P. gingivalis significantly inhibited the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2a (Mfsd2a) expression. Mfsd2a overexpression reversed P. gingivalis-increased BMECs permeability and Cav-1 expression. These results revealed that Mfsd2a/Cav-1 mediated transcytosis is a key pathway governing BBB BMECs permeability induced by P. gingivalis, which may contribute to P. gingivalis/virulence factors entrance and the subsequent neurological impairments.
Animals ; Rats ; Bacteremia/metabolism* ; Blood-Brain Barrier/microbiology* ; Caveolin 1/metabolism* ; Gingipain Cysteine Endopeptidases/metabolism* ; Permeability ; Porphyromonas gingivalis/pathogenicity* ; Transcytosis ; Virulence Factors/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pulse oximetry among pediatric healthcare providers in China and analyze the factor influencing the KAP.Methods:A self-developed questionnaire was used for an online research on the KAP of 11 849 pediatric healthcare providers from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China from March 11 to 14, 2022.The factors influencing the KAP of pulse oximetry among pediatric healthcare providers were examined by Logistic regression. Results:The scores of KAP, of pulse oximetry were 5.57±0.96, 11.24±1.25 and 11.19±4.54, respectively.The corresponding scoring rates were 69.61%, 74.95%, and 55.99%, respectively. Logistic regression results showed that the gender and working years of pediatric healthcare providers, the region they were located, and whether their medical institution was equipped with pulse oximeters were the main factors affecting the knowledge score (all P<0.05). Main factors influencing the attitude score of pediatric healthcare providers included their knowledge score, gender, educational background, working years, region, medical institution level, and whether the medical institution was equipped with pulse oximeters (all P<0.05). For the practice score, the main influencing factors were the knowledge score, gender, age, and whether the medi-cal institution was equipped with pulse oximeters (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Chinese pediatric healthcare providers need to further improve their knowledge about and attitudes towards pulse oximetry.Pulse oximeters are evidently under-used.It is urgent to formulate policies or guidelines, strengthen education and training, improve knowledge and attitudes, equip more institutions with pulse oximeters, and popularize their application in medical institutions.

Objective To investigate and validate the effect of relevant parameters of pancreatic anatomic structure under standard pancreatic neck transection in predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Methods A total of 140 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in The General Hospital of Western Theater Command from June 2016 to December 2019 were enrolled as prediction group, and 82 patients who underwent PD in the same hospital from January 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled as validation group. Baseline levels were compared between the two groups. A univariate analysis was performed for the prediction group to screen out the risk factors for POPF, and in the validation group, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the consistency between preoperative imaging measurements and actual intraoperative measurements. The risk factors for POPF were validated in each group. The t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for POPF. Youden index was calculated, GraphPad Prism was used to plot the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated. ICC was used for the reliability analysis of preoperative imaging measurements and actual intraoperative measurements. Results Pancreatic duct diameter at the pancreatic neck (odds ratio [ OR ]=0.347, 95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 0.192-0.626, P < 0.001), the major axis of the pancreatic neck parenchyma ( OR =1.127, 95% CI : 1.031-1.231, P =0.008), and the minor axis of the pancreatic neck parenchyma ( OR =1.350, 95% CI : 1.137-1.602, P =0.001) were risk factors for POPF. Pancreatic duct diameter at the pancreatic neck had an AUC of 0.785 (95% CI : 0.128-0.302, P < 0.001) and a cut-off value of 2.7 mm; the major axis of the pancreatic neck parenchyma had an AUC of 0.669 (95% CI : 0.564-0.774, P =0.006) and a cut-off value of 19.3 mm, and the minor axis of the pancreatic neck parenchyma had an AUC of 0.720 (95% CI : 0.627-0.813, P < 0.001) and a cut-off value of 9.9 mm. Preoperative imaging measurements were highly consistent with actual intraoperative measurements for 30 patients in the validation group, with an ICC of > 0.75 ( P < 0.001). Grouping validation of cut-off values showed that there was a significant different in the incidence rate of POPF between the high-risk group and the low-risk group based on pancreatic duct diameter at the pancreatic neck ( χ 2 =0.645, P =0.011), as well as between the high-risk group and the low-risk group based on the minor axis of the pancreatic neck parenchyma ( χ 2 =5.901, P =0.015). Conclusion Structural features of the pancreatic neck under standard pancreatic neck transection are risk factors for POPF, which can be differentiated by preoperative CT, and the method is easy and convenient in clinical practice.