Ferroptosis contributing to cardiomyocyte injury induced by silica nanoparticles via miR-125b-2-3p/HO-1 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been gradually proven to threaten cardiac health, but pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis is a newly defined form of programmed cell death that is implicated in myocardial diseases. Nevertheless, its role in the adverse cardiac effects of SiNPs has not been described. RESULTS: We first reported the induction of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by SiNPs in both in vivo and in vitro. The sub-chronic exposure to SiNPs through intratracheal instillation aroused myocardial injury, characterized by significant inflammatory infiltration and collagen hyperplasia, accompanied by elevated CK-MB and cTnT activities in serum. Meanwhile, the activation of myocardial ferroptosis by SiNPs was certified by the extensive iron overload, declined FTH1 and FTL, and lipid peroxidation. The correlation analysis among detected indexes hinted ferroptosis was responsible for the SiNPs-aroused myocardial injury. Further, in vitro tests, SiNPs triggered iron overload and lipid peroxidation in cardiomyocytes. Concomitantly, altered expressions of TfR, DMT1, FTH1, and FTL indicated dysregulated iron metabolism of cardiomyocytes upon SiNP stimuli. Also, shrinking mitochondria with ridge fracture and ruptured outer membrane were noticed. To note, the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 could effectively alleviate SiNPs-induced iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and myocardial cytotoxicity. More importantly, the mechanistic investigations revealed miR-125b-2-3p-targeted HO-1 as a key player in the induction of ferroptosis by SiNPs, probably through regulating the intracellular iron metabolism to mediate iron overload and ensuing lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings firstly underscored the fact that ferroptosis mediated by miR-125b-2-3p/HO-1 signaling was a contributor to SiNPs-induced myocardial injury, which could be of importance to elucidate the toxicity and provide new insights into the future safety applications of SiNPs-related nano products.

Epithelium-derived exosomes promote silica nanoparticles-induced pulmonary fibroblast activation and collagen deposition via modulating fibrotic signaling pathways and their epigenetic regulations.

BACKGROUND: In the context of increasing exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and ensuing respiratory health risks, emerging evidence has suggested that SiNPs can cause a series of pathological lung injuries, including fibrotic lesions. However, the underlying mediators in the lung fibrogenesis caused by SiNPs have not yet been elucidated. RESULTS: The in vivo investigation verified that long-term inhalation exposure to SiNPs induced fibroblast activation and collagen deposition in the rat lungs. In vitro, the uptake of exosomes derived from SiNPs-stimulated lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) by fibroblasts (MRC-5) enhanced its proliferation, adhesion, and activation. In particular, the mechanistic investigation revealed SiNPs stimulated an increase of epithelium-secreted exosomal miR-494-3p and thereby disrupted the TGF-ß/BMPR2/Smad pathway in fibroblasts via targeting bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2), ultimately resulting in fibroblast activation and collagen deposition. Conversely, the inhibitor of exosomes, GW4869, can abolish the induction of upregulated miR-494-3p and fibroblast activation in MRC-5 cells by the SiNPs-treated supernatants of BEAS-2B. Besides, inhibiting miR-494-3p or overexpression of BMPR2 could ameliorate fibroblast activation by interfering with the TGF-ß/BMPR2/Smad pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested pulmonary epithelium-derived exosomes serve an essential role in fibroblast activation and collagen deposition in the lungs upon SiNPs stimuli, in particular, attributing to exosomal miR-494-3p targeting BMPR2 to modulate TGF-ß/BMPR2/Smad pathway. Hence, strategies targeting exosomes could be a new avenue in developing therapeutics against lung injury elicited by SiNPs.

Pre- and postnatal particulate matter exposure and blood pressure in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Early life is a susceptible period of air pollution-related adverse health effects. Hypertension in children might be life-threatening without prevention or treatment. Nevertheless, the causative association between environmental factors and childhood hypertension was limited. In the light of particulate matter (PM) as an environmental risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, this study investigated the association of pre- and postnatal PM exposure with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension among children and adolescents. METHOD: Four electronic databases were searched for related epidemiological studies published up to September 13, 2022. Stata 14.0 was applied to examine the heterogeneity among the studies and evaluate the combined effect sizes per 10 µg/m3 increase of PM by selecting the corresponding models. Besides, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias test were also conducted. RESULTS: Prenatal PM2.5 exposure was correlated with increased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in offspring [1.14 mmHg (95% CI: 0.12, 2.17)]. For short-term postnatal exposure effects, PM2.5 (7-day average) was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) [0.20 mmHg (95% CI: 0.16, 0.23)] and DBP [0.49 mmHg (95% CI: 0.45, 0.53)]; and also, PM10 (7-day average) was significantly associated with SBP [0.14 mmHg (95% CI: 0.12, 0.16)]. For long-term postnatal exposure effects, positive associations were manifested in SBP with PM2.5 [ß = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.48] and PM10 [ß = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.51]; DBP with PM1 [ß = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.49], PM2.5 [ß = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.35] and PM10 [ß = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.45]; and hypertension with PM1 [OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.40, 1.46], PM2.5 [OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.11] and PM10 [OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.45]. CONCLUSION: Both prenatal and postnatal exposure to PM can increase BP, contributing to a higher prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents.

Delay between admission and surgery as a potential risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with hip fractures: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the impact of delay between admission and surgery on the postoperative outcomes such as mortality and related complications in elderly patients with acute hip fractures. METHODS: 840 patients aged ≥65 years from January 2009 to September 2015 were included in this retrospective study. According to the interval from admission to surgery, the patients were divided into four groups: group A (surgery within 24 h), group B (surgery within 24 h-48 h), group C (surgery within 48 h-72 h), and group D (surgery later than 72 h). Postoperative complications during hospitalization and mortality at different follow-up time points were compared. RESULTS: A total of 763 cases were successfully followed up, with an average follow-up time of 30.4 ± 13.1 months. The mean age of the patients was 79.4 ± 6.8 years. The difference in gross postoperative complications among groups was statistically significant in terms of pressure sore (P = 0.02), respiratory complications (P = 0.001), and urological complications (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 3 factors independently associated with the postoperative morbidity, including age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.040), postoperative drainage volume (OR = 1.002) and time from admission to surgery (OR = 1.108). The difference in postoperative mortality among groups was statistically significant at 1 year (P = 0.046) after operation. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that age, postoperative drainage volume and time from admission to surgery were independently associated with mortality at 1 year postsurgery. CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture is usually the result of multiple factors, surgeons should pay attention to the patient's age, postoperative wound status and surgical delay time, which may significantly affect the outcome of the treatment.

Fracture mapping of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures have complex morphology, which brings great challenges to clinical treatment. The primary fracture lines could help us simplify the fracture. Fracture mapping technology can help surgeons understand the fracture morphology more intuitively. This study aims to develop a further understanding of calcaneal fractures by delineating the primary fracture lines through the fracture mapping technology. METHODS: Ninety cases of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were reviewed between March 2016 and January 2019 at a level 1 trauma centre. The CT data of these cases were reconstructed and reduced using software. We superimposed the primary fracture lines on a standard model and created the distribution and heat map of the intra-articular calcaneal fractures. SPSS 18.0 was used to count the differences between the different groups. RESULTS: The primary fracture lines concentrated at the Gissane angle and the posterior articular surface, which could be summarized in two ring structures. There were 43 cases of fracture involving calcaneocuboid joint, including 32 cases of joint-depression fracture and 11 cases of tongue-type fracture. The area ratio of lateral fragment of simple tongue-type fracture is larger than joint-depression fracture. CONCLUSION: The primary fracture lines of calcaneus were distributed in two rings on the surface of calcaneus. Based on the distribution of primary fracture rings, we integrated the classification of calcaneal fracture and proposed some treatment recommendations.

Talar coverage of the tibia plays a role in anterior ankle impingement: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Ankle impingement is generally characterised by limited range of motion and pain due to pathological contact between structures. Anterior ankle impingement is usually diagnosed by clinical examination and radiographic evidence of tibiotalar osteophytes. In addition to osteophytes, radiographs may show a correlation between the tibia and talus, which may further aid in the diagnosis of anterior ankle impingement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the tibia and talus in anterior ankle impingement. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the tibial coverage of 22 patients with anterior ankle impingement was compared with that of 67 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The percentage of tibial coverage was 0.674 ± 0.043 in the anterior ankle impingement group and 0.580 ± 0.032 in the control group. The difference between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to existing criteria, the percentage of tibial coverage may provide valuable information for the diagnosis of anterior ankle impingement.

Outcomes of posterior malleolar fractures with intra-articular impacted fragment.

INTRODUCTION: An intra-articular impacted fragment (IAIF) could lead to articular incongruity and malreduction in ankle fractures with posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs). No studies have been conducted to determine whether the presence of IAIF affects the outcome of ankle fractures with PMF. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of IAIF on postoperative outcomes in PMF and analyze the relationship between area of IAIF and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with a posterior malleolar fractures between June 2012 and January 2019 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Results of the Olerud-Molander ankle score (OMAS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) index, EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS), AOFAS (American orthopedic foot and ankle society ankle-hindfoot scale), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and overall patient satisfaction scale were recorded. Outcomes of the PMF with IAIF group and PMF without IAIF group were compared. Sub-group analysis was given emphasis on the AIAIF > 40 mm2 group and AIAIF < 40 mm2 group in PMF with IAIF. RESULTS: A total of 128 patients were included in the study, consisting of 86 patients with IAIF and 42 patients without IAIF. Regarding the osteoarthritis grade (> 1, ≤ 1), the differences werestatistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.044). The risk of articular malreduction was higher in the PMF with IAIF group than in the PMF without IAIF group (P = 0.035). Osteoarthritis grade (> 1, ≤ 1) was closely related to articular malreduction (P < 0.001). There were 51 patients in the AIAIF > 40 mm2 group and 35 patients in the AIAIF < 40 mm2 group of 86 patients in PMF with IAIF. There were statistically significant differences in trimalleolar fracture (P = 0.004), malreduction (P = 0.022), osteoarthritis grade (> 1, ≤ 1; P = 0.027), EQ-5D VAS score (P = 0.031), and AOFAS score (P = 0.047) between the subgroups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of IAIF is associated with the area of the posterior malleolar fragment. Articular malreduction can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis, while IAIF is an important element for the quality of reduction, which is more likely to lead to articular malreduction. IAIF should be reduced if AIAIF is over 40 mm2. Otherwise, the patient will suffer a poor prognosis and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Therefore, ankle fractures with PMF should undergo a CT scan preoperatively in order for providers to optimal treatment protocols. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Bioinformatics analysis and identification of dysregulated POSTN in the pathogenesis of keloid.

Keloid is a benign fibro-proliferative dermal tumour formed by an abnormal scarring response to injury and characterised by excessive collagen accumulation and invasive growth. The pathophysiology of keloids is complex, and the treatment for keloids is still an unmet medical need. Here, we investigated the transcriptional gene that influences keloid development by comparing keloid, non-lesioned keloid skin and normal skin as well as keloid fibroblast and normal fibroblast (GSE83286, GSE92566, GSE44270). Based on the analysis, 146 up-regulated genes and 48 down-regulated genes were found in keloid tissue compared with normal skin and keloid no-lesioned skin. Eleven genes were further identified by overlapping the DEGs from keloid tissue described previously with DEGs in keloid fibroblast. The overlapped genes included PRR16, SFRP2, EDIL3, GERM1, POSTN, PDE3A, GALNT5, F2RL2, EYA4, ZFHX4, and AIM2. POSTN is the most crucial node in PPI network, which mainly correlate to collagen-related genes. Moreover, siRNA knockdown identified POSTN is a crucial regulatory gene that regulates keloid fibroblast migration and collagen I, collagen III expression level. In conclusion, our study identified 11 hub genes that play crucial role in keloid formation and provided insights for POSTN to be the therapeutic target for keloid through bioinformatic analysis of three datasets. Additionally, our results would support the development of future therapeutic strategies.

Neutrophil peptide-1 promotes the repair of sciatic nerve injury through the expression of proteins related to nerve regeneration.

Objectives Small-molecule polypeptide neutrophil peptide 1 (NP-1) was reported to promote the regeneration of the sciatic nerve after denervation, but the mechanisms underlying this effect of NP-1 are unclear. Here, we established a Sprague-Dawley rat model of crush injury to study the effect of a single intermuscular injection of NP-1 on the repair of injured peripheral nerves and elucidate the possible underlying mechanism.Methods 39 rats were randomly selected to join this study and divided into the blank control group (normal group, n=9), experimental group (NP-1 group, n=15), and negative control group (NS group, n=15). The dynamic expression of cytokines in different groups of nerve tissues during Wallerian degeneration was observed using protein chips at different time points after injury. Recovery of injured nerves was determined based on the general condition, local gross morphology of the nerve suture site, sciatic nerve function index, neuroelectrophysiology, and osmic acid staining at 6 weeks after the surgery. The recovery of effector function was determined based on wet weight, hematoxylin-eosin staining, modified Gomori staining, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase staining at 6 weeks after the surgery.Results It was found that a single topical administration of NP-1 promoted sciatic nerve regeneration after crush injury and affected the expression of proteins related to neurotrophy, inflammation, cell chemotaxis, and cell generation pathways.

Rotation scarf + Akin osteotomy for severe hallux valgus with a new evaluation index: distance between the first and second metatarsals.

BACKGROUND: Although rotation scarf + Akin osteotomy has been described for correcting hallux valgus deformity, the treatment efficacy of rotation scarf + Akin osteotomy for severe hallux valgus should be further studied. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of rotation scarf + Akin osteotomy on severe hallux valgus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with hallux valgus who underwent surgery using rotation scarf + Akin osteotomy in our hospital between June 2014 and January 2020. The parameters evaluated include (1) the hallux valgus angle (HVA), (2) intermetatarsal angle (IMA), (3) distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), (4) tibial sesamoid position (TSP), (5) the length of first metatarsal bone and (6) ratio between the vertical distance from the lateral of the first metatarsal head to the medial of the second metatarsal head and the vertical distance of lateral of the second metatarsal head to the medial of the third metatarsal head (MT-I to II/II to III distance). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain before and at the last follow-up after the operation. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Forefoot Score wasassessed before and at the last follow-up after the operation. Patient satisfaction assessment was also conducted at the time. RESULTS: All radiological parameters including, HVA, IMA, DMAA and TSP,, significantly improved (p < 0.001). The length of the first metatarsal was shortened 3.1 mm on average. The MT-I to II/II to III distance was also reduced to 1.8 after surgery and 3.3 before surgery. The VAS score and AOFAS score was also statistically significant before operation and at the last follow-up after the operation (p < 0.001). Forty-one (82%) feet in patients were very satisfied or satisfied. CONCLUSION: Rotation scarf + Akin osteotomy is demonstrated to be safe, effective, and feasible for correcting severe hallux valgus. It can obtain good long-term correction with a low incidence of recurrence and metatarsalgia. Postoperative satisfaction and functional recovery of patients are significantly improved. The MT-I to II/II to III distance, a new evaluation indicator, can be better evaluate the correction of hallux valgus.

Biomarker Prediction of Postoperative Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Retrospective Observational Study of Serum Albumin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship and to determine potential usefulness of serum albumin as a biomarker for predicting postoperative diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 266 inpatients with type 2 diabetes receiving care in The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Among them, 174 had DFUs and underwent surgery for foot DFUs including amputation, skin grafting, and flap procedures. A comparison group consisted of 92 inpatients without a DFU or surgery. METHODS: The association between healing and preoperative albumin levels was analyzed via a logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The albumin value of patients with DFU grade 3 or more (3.23 ± 0.58 g/dL) was lower than that of patients with DFU grade 1-2 (3.58 ± 0.5 g/dL), and both were lower than that of the comparison group (3.89 ± 0.3 g/dL). Patients with a DFU with hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) had a 2.5-fold higher risk of nonhealing at postoperative 28 days than patients with normal levels (odds ratio = 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.75-7.06; P < .001). For patients with a DFU overall, the ROC curve showed a preoperative albumin cutoff of 3.44 g/dL for DFU wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with a DFU undergoing surgery, preoperative serum albumin may be used as a biomarker for predicting postoperative healing.

Morphological analysis of posterior malleolar fractures with intra-articular impacted fragment in computed tomography scans.

BACKGROUND: Intraarticular impacted fragment (IAIF) of posterior malleolar fractures has been reported by a few studies. However its location, morphology, and the correlation of posterior malleolar fractures have not been described in detail. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of IAIF in posterior malleolar fractures, to analyze the related factors between IAIF and posterior malleolar fragments, and explore the treatment of IAIF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2018, 108 consecutive patients with unilateral posterior malleolar fractures were managed in our hospital. Basic demographic and computed tomography (CT) data were collected and classified by Lauge-Hansen, OTA/AO, Haraguchi, and Mason classification. Additional radiographic data, including the length and area of posterior malleolar fragment, IAIF, and stable tibial plafond were measured. The location of IAIF was described, and involvement of the fibular notch and medial malleolus was also observed. Statistics were analyzed based on univariate analysis (Chi-square test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's test) and Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: Among the 108 cases of posterior malleolar fractures, 75 (69.4%) were with IAIF and 33 (30.6%) cases were without. There were 74 (68.5%) females and 34 (31.5%) males, and the average age of the patients was 49 years (18-89 years). The average LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN) [length of involving fibular notch/(length of involving fibular + length of stable notch fibular notch)] was 32.9% (11.6-64.9%). The APMF/(APMF + ASTP + AIAIF) [area of posterior malleolar fragment/(area of posterior malleolar fragment + area of IAIF + area of stable tibial plafond)] and AIAIF/APMF (area of IAIF/area of posterior malleolar fragment) were 13.1% (0.8-39.7%) and 52.6% (1.2-235.4%), respectively. Involvement of medial malleolus (fracture line extended to medial malleolus, P = 0.022), involvement of fibular notch (P = 0.021), LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN) (P = 0.037), LMPMF (P = 0.004), and APMF were significantly related to the occurrence of IAIF. CONCLUSION: Our research indicates a high incidence of IAIF in posterior malleolar fractures. All IAIFs were found in posterior malleolar, and the most common location was within the lateral area A. Posterior malleolar fracture lines that extend to medial malleolus or fibular notch herald the incidence of IAIF. LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN), LMPMF and APMF are also associated with the incidence of IAIF. CT scans are useful for posterior malleolar fractures to determine the occurrence of IAIF and make operational plans. Operation approach selection should be based on the morphology of posterior malleolar fragments and the location of IAIF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case analysis.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after therapeutic anticoagulation in a very elderly patient with hip fracture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures have become a severe public health problem, especially in very elderly patients. Most of them are treated with low molecular weight heparin as prophylaxis or treatment of venous thromboembolism. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is one of the complications induced by low molecular weight heparin, which may cause poor prognosis. However, there is not enough awareness for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in very elderly trauma patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of hip fracture with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a very elderly patient. The patient developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, digestive hemorrhage and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after the use of low molecular weight heparin, which eventually led to death. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of digestive hemorrhage and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia patients with major trauma. This case highlights the severity of HIT in very elderly patients with hip fractures using low molecular weight heparin, and the need for platelet monitoring in these patients. We indicate that there may be a correlation of pathogenesis between digestive hemorrhage and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia patients.

Does Respiratory Variation in Inferior Vena Cava Diameter Predict Fluid Responsiveness in Mechanically Ventilated Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the diagnostic accuracy of respiratory variation in inferior vena cava diameter (ΔIVC) for predicting fluid responsiveness in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were screened from inception to February 2017. The meta-analysis assessed the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. In addition, heterogeneity and subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies involving 753 patients were included. Significant heterogeneity existed among the studies, and meta-regression indicated that ventilator settings were the main sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis indicated that ΔIVC exhibited better diagnostic performance in the group of patients ventilated with tidal volume (TV) ≥8 mL/kg and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ≤5 cm H2O than in the group ventilated with TV <8 mL/kg or PEEP >5 cm H2O, as demonstrated by higher sensitivity (0.80 vs 0.66; P = .02), specificity (0.94 vs 0.68; P < .001), diagnostic odds ratio (68 vs 4; P < .001), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.88 vs 0.70; P < .001). The best ΔIVC threshold for predicting fluid responsiveness was 16% ± 2% in the group of TV ≥8 mL/kg and PEEP ≤5 cm H2O, whereas in the group of TV <8 mL/kg or PEEP >5 cm H2O, this threshold was 14% ± 5%. CONCLUSIONS: ΔIVC shows limited ability for predicting fluid responsiveness in distinct ventilator settings. In patients with TV ≥8 mL/kg and PEEP ≤5 cm H2O, ΔIVC was an accurate predictor of fluid responsiveness, while in patients with TV <8 mL/kg or PEEP >5 cm H2O, ΔIVC was a poor predictor. Thus, intensivists must be cautious when using ΔIVC.

A Modified Foot and Ankle Score for Assessing Patient Outcomes After First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis is commonly used to treat many end-stage first MTP diseases. The most widely used scale for measuring the clinical outcomes after this procedure, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal scale, has not been adequately validated and does not measure specific foot functions. Another outcome measure, the patient-reported Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) has acceptable construct validity but poor content validity. The FAOS scale has 42 questions, many of which are unrelated to the hallux. We designed a short-form FAOS (sf-FAOS) consisting of 11 questions that are more relevant to first MTP arthrodesis. The sf-FAOS includes a pain subscale and a function subscale, and the score of each subscale ranges from 0 (worst outcome) to 100 (best outcome). Our study has shown that the sf-FAOS scale has acceptable validity, reliability, and responsiveness. In 21 feet (16 patients) with hallux valgus after >1 year of follow-up, the mean sf-FAOS pain score had improved by 44.9 points after surgery (from 51.2 to 96.0; p < .001), and the mean sf-FAOS function score had improved by 22.5 points (from 47.3 to 69.8; p <.001). The improvement in the function score for running and jumping was limited.

A misdiagnosed case of osteoid osteoma of the talus: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a common benign bone tumour that is rarely found in the talus. Its nidus is difficult to detect on early imaging. The atypical symptoms of OO and the presence of concurrent trauma or sports injuries may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. We herein analyse a case of misdiagnosis of OO of the talus and discuss how to improve the early diagnosis of this rare lesion, thereby permitting rapid treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old man with a history of left ankle sprains and chronic pain was diagnosed with another ankle sprain and managed conservatively based on normal X-ray findings. After 1 year of recurring pain, he was diagnosed with ankle traumatic arthritis and underwent arthroscopic surgery. His preoperative ankle X-ray findings were still normal, and magnetic resonance imaging at that time demonstrated bone marrow oedema of the left talus. His symptoms reappeared shortly after surgery and progressively worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging performed 3 months after surgery demonstrated widespread bone marrow oedema of the talus. The patient presented to our hospital for pain assessment and was diagnosed with OO of the talus 3 years after his symptoms began. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a typical nidus of OO of the talus. After a second surgery, the patient's symptoms completely resolved, and pathologic examination confirmed that the lesion was OO. The patient recovered 3 months later and was able to walk normally. CONCLUSIONS: OO of the ankle joint exhibits a progressive course and is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Patients with OO of the talus often have atypical imaging findings, no signs of ankle instability, and no anterior talofibular ligament tenderness. CT is valuable for diagnosing OO, although multiple CT scans may be required to detect the nidus. Proper imaging helps doctors to achieve the correct diagnosis early in the disease course, significantly shortening the treatment cycle and improving the patient's quality of life.

Hybrid nonlinear surface-phonon-plasmon-polaritons at the interface of nolinear medium and graphene-covered hexagonal boron nitride crystal.

The properties of hybrid nonlinear surface-phonon-plasmon-polaritons (SP3) at the interface of nonlinear medium and graphene-covered hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are investigated theoretically. It is demonstrated that the hybrid nonlinear SP3 can be tuned by controlling the chemical potential, layer number and relaxation time of graphene. The real and imaginary parts of the propagation constant increase by decreasing the Fermi energy or the layer number of the graphene in the frequency outside of the upper Reststrahlen band of hBN. Moreover, we show that the nonlinear dielectric permittivity has great effect on the propagation constant. The real part of the propagation constant increases with positive nonlinear dielectric permittivity at different frequency for low frequency mode; while the imaginary part of the propagation constant decreases in the upper Reststrahlen band of hBN, keeps nearly constant in the lower band, and increases outside the Reststrahlen band with positive nonlinear dielectric permittivity for low frequency mode.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism and hemorrhage related safety studies of preoperative anticoagulation therapy in hip fracture patients undergoing surgical treatment: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism is a common postoperative complication following orthopedic surgeries, with morbid and potentially fatal consequences. Perioperative low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy can reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism, but may also increase the risk of bleeding complications. Current literature reflects the need to balance the improved efficacy of early initiating prophylaxis with increased risk of perioperative bleeding. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and hemorrhage related safety of preoperative versus postoperative LMWH therapy for prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in hip fracture patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 222 patients who underwent surgical treatment at Peking University People's Hospital between January 2009 and December 2010. Patients were allocated to two groups, receiving either preoperative or postoperative initiation of LMWH therapy for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Preoperative anticoagulation therapy was initiated 1-12 days prior to surgery (133 patients), and postoperative anticoagulation therapy was initiated 12 h after completion of surgery (89 patients). The preoperative group was further subdivided into four subgroups according to the time of initiation of therapy: 1-3 days before surgery (group A, 54 patients), 4-6 days before surgery (group B, 57 patients), 7-9 days before surgery (group C, 15 patients), and 10-12 days before surgery (group D, 7 patients). Occurrences of DVT, PE, adverse drug effects, intraoperative and postoperative bleeding were recorded, along with concentrations of preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and length of hospital stay. The above parameters were compared between groups. RESULTS: Among recipients of preoperative anticoagulation therapy, two patients developed postoperative PE (1.5 %), one patient developed DVT (0.75 %). In the group receiving postoperative initiation of anticoagulation therapy, one patient each developed PE and DVT (1.1 %, 1.1 %). There was no difference in the occurrence of PE and DVT between the two groups (P>0.05, Chi-square tests). We identified the incidences of major bleeding, minor bleeding, and intraspinal hematoma after spinal anesthesia, which were 0 %/0 %, 3.76 %/3.37 %, and 0 %/0 %, respectively in preoperative and postoperative anticoagulation groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding complications between patients receiving preoperatively initiated LMWH with patients receiving postoperatively initiated LMWH. Spinal anesthesia was administered to 168 patients, with no cases of postoperative intraspinal hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anticoagulation therapy with LMWH may not increase intraoperative or postoperative blood loss, or the rate of intraspinal hematoma after spinal anesthesia, but also does not significantly reduce the risk of postoperative DVT or PE, compared to postoperative initiation.

[The realization way and lean management about medical consumable material in clinical use].

The medical consumable material management is an important part of logistic support in the management of hospital, but the hospital has many weak links in the management of supplies. This paper aims to explore the common problems (especially in clinical use) existing in the management of medical consumables and years of management experience in Changhai hospital's practice, then discusses lean management from the perspective of lean management

[Surgical treatment of internal fixation failure after clavicular fracture operation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical treatment results of implant failure after clavicular fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Fifteen cases from Jan. 2005 to Jan. 2013 were treated surgically according to fracture classification, time of implant failure and implant type. The fracture union, shoulder function and pain were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had full follow-up for 5 to 101 months (mean: 43.8 months). All the fractures were united well. The constant scores to assess the shoulder function were 82 to 100 (mean: 93.3 in the fracture side) and were 85 to 100 (mean: 96.7 in the uninjured side); statistically significant difference of the constant scores between the two sides was found (P=0.02). Eight cases did not have shoulder pain in the fracture side, while the other 7 cases had mild pain, The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores to evaluate shoulder pain were 1 to 3 in the fracture side, which were statistically different from those in the uninjured side (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Implant instability causes early implant failure after clavicular fracture ORIF and re-fixation with stable implant is effective. Fracture nonunion leads to late implant failure, and bridging fixation using locking plate associated with bony autograft with iliac crest is a successful method to treat atrophy clavicular nonunion. Surgical treatment can bring good results.