Posterior perforator tibial artery flaps for soft tissue defects of limbs: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effect of posterior perforator tibial artery flaps on repairing soft tissue defects of limbs. METHODS: From June 2012 to June 2021, 14 cases of soft tissue defects of limbs were repaired with pedicled or free flaps of posterior perforator tibial artery. Among them, there were 9 cases of pedicled flaps and 5 cases of free flaps. The donor sites were closed directly or covered with skin grafting. The defects area varied from 3 × 5 cm to 7 × 16 cm. All cases were followed up for 1 year to 2 years. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely except 3 cases with distal end necrosis and the 3 cases healed after dressing change. There were not any other complications at both donor and recipient sites. Appearance of the recipient sites was close to the surrounding skin. All patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Posterior perforator tibial artery flaps have the advantages of relatively simple technique, few damage, few complications and satisfying appearance. It is a good choice for soft tissue defects of limbs.

CO2-Philic Nanocomposite Polymer Matrix Incorporated with MXene Nanosheets for Ultraefficient CO2 Capture.

The incorporation of two-dimensional (2D) functional nanosheets in polymeric membranes is a promising material strategy to overcome their inherent performance trade-off behavior. Herein, we report a novel nanocomposite membrane design by incorporating MXene, a 2D sheet-like nanoarchitecture known for its advantageous lamellar morphology and surface functionalities, into a cross-linked polyether block amide (Pebax)/poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) blend matrix, which delivered exceptional CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation performances that are critical to industrial CO2 capture applications. The finely dispersed Ti3C2Tx nanosheets in the blend polymer matrix led to an expansion of the free volume within the resultant mixed matrix membrane (MMM), giving rise to a substantially enhanced CO2 permeability of up to 1264.6 barrer, which is 102% higher than that of the pristine polymer. Moreover, these MXene-incorporated MMMs exhibited preferential sorption for CO2 over light gases, which contributed to an exceptional CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 selectivity (64.3 and 19.2, respectively) even at a small loading of only 1 wt %, allowing the overall performance to not only surpass the latest upper bounds but also exceed many previously reported high-performance nanosheet-based nanocomposite membranes. Long-term performance tests have also demonstrated the good stability of these membranes. This composite membrane design strategy reveals the remarkable potential of combining a blend copolymer matrix with ultrathin MXene nanosheets to achieve superior gas separation performance for environmentally important gas separations.

Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound-Assisted Precise Localization vs. Traditional Open Incision in Situ Decompression for the Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

AIM: To retrospectively analyze and compare ultrasound-assisted localization in situ with the traditional, open incision method for treating cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 51 patients treated between 2018 and 2022 and categorized them according to treatment method: ultrasound-assisted precise localization in situ decompression (n=21; Cohort 1) and traditional open incision in situ decompression (n=30; Cohort 2). We additionally collected Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores, modified Bishop scores, aesthetic appearance, preoperative Dellon's stage, and analgesics requirements. Additional dependent variables of interest included operation time, hospital stay duration, complications, and reoperation rate. RESULTS: Neither cohort demonstrated significant changes in Dellon's stage, modified Bishop score, or VAS scores between baseline and 6 weeks postoperative. Cohort 1 showed better aesthetics and postoperative VSS and VAS scores than Cohort 1. In addition, Cohort 1 enjoyed a significantly shorter mean operation time and hospital stay. Cohort 1 had 5 (23.80%) complications, including superficial infection (n=1), hematoma (n=1), and incomplete decompression (n=3). Cohort 2 had 9 complications (30.00%), including superficial infection (n=2), hematoma (n=2), and severe scarring (n=5). The partial, incomplete decompression cases in Cohort 1 and the severe scar case in Cohort 2 were treated with reoperation. CONCLUSION: Both procedures effectively treated most cases of CuTS and were associated with good postoperative outcomes. Patients who underwent ultrasound-assisted localization in situ decompression had shorter surgeries and hospital stays, better postoperative aesthetics, better VSS and VAS scores, and required less pain medication during the postoperative period. Traditional open incision in situ produced a more thorough decompression.

Exploring Aeromonas dhakensis in Aldabra giant tortoises: a debut report and genetic characterization.

Aeromonas dhakensis (A. dhakensis) is becoming an emerging pathogen worldwide, with an increasingly significant role in animals and human health. It is a ubiquitous bacteria found in terrestrial and aquatic milieus. However, there have been few reports of reptile infections. In this study, a bacterial strain isolated from a dead Aldabra giant tortoise was identified as A. dhakensis HN-1 through clinical observation, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), and gene sequencing analysis. Subsequently, to evaluate its pathogenicity, the detection of virulence genes and mice infection experiments were performed. A. dhakensis HN-1 was found to contain seven virulence genes, including alt, ela, lip, act, aerA, fla, and hlyA. Mice infected with A. dhakensis HN-1 exhibited hemorrhage of varying degrees in multiple organs. The half-maximal lethal dose (LD50) value of A. dhakensis HN-1 for mice was estimated to be 2.05 × 107 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that A. dhakensis HN-1 was resistant to amoxicillin, penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin. This is the first report of A. dhakensis in Aldabra giant tortoises, expanding the currently known host spectrum. Our findings emphasize the need for One Health surveillance and extensive research to reduce the spread of A. dhakensis across the environment, humans, and animals.

Drug repurposing screens identify Tubercidin as a potent antiviral agent against porcine nidovirus infections.

The emergence of new coronaviruses poses a significant threat to animal husbandry and human health. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is considered a re-emerging porcine enteric coronavirus, which causes fatal watery diarrhea in piglets. Currently, there are no effective drugs to combat PEDV. Drug repurposing screens have emerged as an attractive strategy to accelerate antiviral drug discovery and development. Here, we screened 206 natural products for antiviral activity using live PEDV infection in Vero cells and identified ten candidate antiviral agents. Among them, Tubercidin, a nucleoside analog derived from Streptomyces tubercidicus, showed promising antiviral activity against PEDV infection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Tubercidin exhibited significant antiviral activity against both classical and variant PEDV. Time of addition assay showed that Tubercidin displayed a significant inhibitory effect on viral post-entry events but not during other periods. Molecular docking analysis indicated that Tubercidin had better docking efficiency and formed hydrophobic interactions with the active pocket of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of PEDV and other nidoviruses. Additionally, Tubercidin can effectively suppress other porcine nidoviruses, such as SADS-CoV and PRRSV, demonstrating its broad-spectrum antiviral properties. In summary, our findings provide valuable evidence for the antiviral activity of Tubercidin and offer insights into the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections.

Mechanisms of the Formation of Nonvolatile and Volatile Oxidation Products from Methyl Linoleic Acid at High Temperatures.

The impact of the oxidation of linoleic acid cannot be overlooked in daily food consumption. This study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify both nonvolatile oxidation products and volatile oxidation products of methyl linoleic acid at 180 °C and density function theory to investigate oxidation mechanisms. An analysis of nonvolatile oxidation products revealed the presence of three primary oxidation products. The three primary oxidation products were identified as hydroperoxides, peroxide-linked dimers, and heterocyclic compounds in a ratio of 2.70:1:3.69 (mmol/mmol/mmol). The volatile components of secondary oxidation products were found including aldehydes (40.77%), alkanes (19.89%), alcohols (9.02%), furans (6.11%), epoxides (0.46%), and acids (2.50%). DFT calculation proved that the secondary oxidation products mainly came from peroxides (77%). Finally, we look forward to our research contributing positively to lipid autoxidation and human health.

Optimizing solvent dipole moment enables PVDF to improve piezoelectric performance.

The all-trans conformation (ß-phase) possesses a significant impact on the piezoelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Inducing more molecular chain [-CH2-CF2-]nto form all-trans conformation is one of the biggest obstacles for manufacturing high-performance piezoelectric sensing devices. Herein, the continuous vacuum technology is used to modulate the polarity of binary solvents by the proportion of the lower solvent. The regulated solvent forms a high dipole moment, an interaction between the dipole ofß-phase and the dipole moment makes the phase reversal in PVDF. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, piezoelectric constant test and other characterization results show that when the weakly polar acetone and the strongly polar solvent DMF reach a ratio of 4:6, the pure PVDF film possesses high piezoelectricity (d33∼ -44.8 pC N-1) and strong self-polarization. Additionally, the A4D6device exhibits high sensitivity (S1= 0.182 V/N, 0.5 N ∼ 30 N), driven capability (0.49 mW m-2), and reliability during the electrical tests as a pressure device. This work provides an effective and cost-effective route of optimizing the solvent's polarity to improve the piezoelectric characteristics of the polymer.

Methods of Immobilization after Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A Comparative Study in Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: The Achilles tendon (AT) is the most frequently ruptured in the human body. Literature describing different immobilization methods' impact on tendon healing after AT repair is lacking. We compare plaster cast, splint, and K-wire to determine which is the most stable and has the fewest complications. METHODS: Sixty rats aged 5-6 months were selected to establish Achilles tendon injury in two hind legs model. After suturing the ends of the AT together with a modified "Kessler" method (Prolene 5-0). The skin incision was interrupted and sutured with 1-0 thread. Rats were divided into three immobilization methods (plaster cast group, splint group, and K-wire group). In plaster cast group, the hind leg was cast with plaster in the extended position of the hip and knee joints, and the ankle joint was at 150°. Splint and K-wire group used splints and 0.8-mm K-wires, separately. The fixed period was 4 weeks. The incidence of stability and complications (death, necrosis of the legs, necrosis of the skin, and incisional infection) were recorded. Differences were detected using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Within 4 weeks observation, K-wires showed better stability (90%) compared with the other two ways (40% in plaster cast group, 65% in splint group; p < 0.05). Rats immobilized with K-wires (10%) suffered significantly lower complications compared with plaster cast and splint group (15%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: K-wire has better stability, lower complication rate than other methods. Immobilization with K-wire may be a promising tool in future clinical Achilles tendon rupture applications.

Post-synthetic modification of a magnetic covalent organic framework with alkyne linkages for efficient magnetic solid-phase extraction and determination of trace basic orange II in food samples.

Efficient magnetic solid phase extraction using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can find important applications in food safety. In this work, a sulfonate-functionalized magnetic COF (Fe3O4@COF-SO3Na) was synthesized by self-polycondensation of two-in-one monomer 1,6-bis(4-formylphenyl)-3,8-bis((4-aminophenyl) ethynyl)) pyrene (BFBAEPy) on the surface of aminated Fe3O4 and a thiol-yne click reaction. It was further adopted as an adsorbent for the efficient magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of basic orange II. The selective adsorption experiment indicated that it displayed selective adsorption ability to basic orange II due to the ion exchange, hydrogen bonds, and π-π interactions. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed MSPE method coupled with HPLC-DAD showed excellent linearity in the range of 0.05-0.5 µg/mL (R2 = 0.9997) for basic orange II. The lower limits of detection (LODs) for basic orange II were 1.0-1.4 µg/L for three food samples: yellow croaker, paprika and dried bean curd. The recoveries were 90.1-98.8% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 4.2%. Therefore, this work provides an effective strategy to modify magnetic COFs as absorbents in MSPE. Due to the tunability of functional groups in thiol­yne click reactions, the functional groups of magnetic COFs can be readily designed to enrich their multifunctional applications. Meanwhile, this work proposed a new method to detect trace amounts of basic orange II in food samples.

Magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection based on assembled magnetic covalent organic frameworks for selective extraction and detection of microcystins in aquatic foods.

It is crucially important to develop simple, selective, and rapid extraction pretreatments and analytical methods to detect microcystins (MCs) in food samples with complex matrices. In this study, a magnetic self-assembled covalent organic framework (COF) adsorbent was synthesized via a facile approach by using a one-pot reaction of 1,6-bis(4-formylphenyl)-3,8-bis(4-aminophenyl)pyrene (BFBAPy) as precursors to assemble amino-functionalized magnetic Fe3O4-NH2 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Py-COF, simplified as mCOF). The superparamagnetic mCOF is found to exhibit a high specific surface area, abundant nanopores and good stability. In particular, adsorption experiments demonstrate that mCOF exhibits a good adsorption capability, efficiency and some specificity to MCs. The mCOF was applied for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of two kinds of MCs (MC-LR and MC-RR) from aquatic samples followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). Under the optimized conditions, good linearity is obtained in the range of 10-1000 µg/kg (R2≥0.9989), the limits of detection are 3.0-4.5 µg/kg, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) are lower than 4.9% (n=5). The extraction recoveries are also satisfactory (84.2%-105%). These results demonstrate that the developed method can be used as a good alternative method for the selective determination of MCs in complex aquatic foods.

Demodulation of Fabry-Perot sensors using random speckles.

Random speckles are proposed to demodulate Fabry-Perot (FP) sensors in this study. A piece of multimode fiber is used to interrogate the FP transmission spectrum, and tiny spectral changes lead to significant variations in the generated speckle patterns. In the demonstration experiments, the pressure resolution of 0.001 MPa can be obtained from an open cavity FP sensor based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) demodulation algorithm. It is worth noting that the spectral differences in neighboring orders can be precisely distinguished due to the high sensitivity of speckles. Thus, the fringe-order ambiguity problem is solved and the dynamic measurement range can be greatly improved. The speckle-based demodulation scheme provides a new way to balance resolution, dynamic range, speed, and cost of FP sensors.

Efficacy analysis of three kinds of surgery for trigger thumb.

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of three kinds of surgery for trigger thumb. METHODS: A total of 60 cases of trigger thumb (Quinnell Grade IV) were randomly divided into three groups. The A1 pulley was disconnected at the middle in Group A, at the extreme radial side in Group B, excised in Group C. The following indicators were recorded pre-operatively (D0), and at one (D1), three (D3), seven (D7), 14 (D14), and 28 (D28) days post-operatively: 1. the pain visual analogue score (VAS) when flexing the affected thumb; 2. range of motion (ROM) of the interphalangeal joint with pain tolerance; 3. the time of pain disappearance when flexing the affected thumb. RESULTS: The differences of VAS and ROM between D1 and D0, D3 and D1, D7 and D3, D14 and D7, D28 and D14 were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in changes of VAS (or ROM) at D1 or D28 in contrast to D0 among the three groups. The differences of VAS (or ROM) changes at D3, D7, and D14 in contrast to D0 among the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference of the time when the pain disappearing in the normal range of motion among the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Disconnecting the A1-pulley at the extreme radial side is better than another two methods for treating the trigger thumb (Quinnell Grade IV). It has been shown to effectively accelerate postoperative pain relief and functional recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registry number: ChiCTR2100051193.

Effects of Cartilage Progenitor Cells, Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Chondrocytes on Cartilage Repair as Seed Cells: An in vitro Study.

Purpose: To determine the effects of cartilage progenitor cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes on cartilage repair as seed cells. Methods: Porcine cartilage progenitor cells (CPCs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and chondrocytes (CCs) were obtained from the femoropatellar joints of young pigs, and seeded in agarose gel as a graft. During the 28-day culture, proliferation ability was measured by MTT assay, and gene expression of Collagen I, Collagen II, Aggrecan and SOX 9 were measured by qPCR. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of collagen, glycosaminoglycan and DNA were appraised by immunohistochemical staining and biochemical assay, and integration strength was analyzed by push-out tests. Results: After 28-day culture, proliferation ability of CPCs and BMSCs was higher than CCs. Collagen, glycosaminoglycan, DNA content and chondrocyte-related genes expression in the cartilage progenitor cells seeded gel were significantly higher than the other two gels. Integration strength in the cartilage progenitor cells seeded gel was also higher compared with the other two gels. Conclusion: Compared with CCs and BMSCs, CPCs in vitro have dominance in the ability of cell proliferation and differentiation as seed cells in tissue engineering.

Deep-learning-assisted fiber Bragg grating interrogation by random speckles.

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have been widely employed as a sensor for temperature, vibration, strain, etc. measurements. However, extant methods for FBG interrogation still face challenges in the aspects of sensitivity, measurement speed, and cost. In this Letter, we introduced random speckles as the FBG's reflection spectrum information carrier for demodulation. Instead of the commonly used InGaAs cameras, a quadrant detector (QD) was first utilized to record the speckle patterns in the experiments. Although the speckle images were severely compressed into four channel signals by the QD, the spectral features of the FBGs can still be precisely extracted with the assistance of a deep convolution neural network (CNN). The temperature and vibration experiments were demonstrated with a resolution of 1.2 pm. These results show that the new, to the best of our knowledge, speckle-based demodulation scheme can satisfy the requirements of both high-resolution and high-speed measurements, which should pave a new way for the optical fiber sensors.

Core-shell NaErF4@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles qualify as a NIR speckle wavemeter for a visible CCD.

Speckle patterns have been widely employed as a method for precisely determining the wavelength of monochromatic light. In order to achieve higher wavelength precision, a variety of optical diffusing waveguides have been investigated with a focus on their wavelength sensitivity. However, it has been a challenge to find a balance among the cost, compactness, precision, and stability of the waveguide. In this work, we designed a compact cylindrical random scattering waveguide (CRSW) as the light diffuser by mixing TiO2 particles and ultra-violate adhesive. In the CRSW, speckle patterns are generated by input light scattering off TiO2 particles multiple times. Additionally, a thin layer of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) was sprayed on the end face of CRSW to allow near-infrared (NIR) light to be converted to visible light, breaking the imaging limitations of visible cameras in the NIR range. We, then, further designed a convolution neural network (CNN) to recognize the wavelength of the speckle patterns with excellent robustness and ability to transfer learning. This resulted in the achievement of a high wavelength precision of 20 kHz (∼0.16 fm) at around 1550 nm with a temperature resistance of ±2 °C. Our results demonstrate a low-cost, compact, and simple NIR wavemeter, which is capable of ultra-high wavelength precision and good temperature stability. It has significant value for applications in high-speed and high-precision laser wavelength measurements.

Treatment of the fresh central slip avulsion of the extensor tendon by bone tunnel-tendon suture: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The current evidence base for the management of central slip avulsions is limited from obtaining a best approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect and feasibility of repairing the fresh central slip avulsion by bone tunnel-tendon suture. METHODS: Twenty-four cases of open and closed central slip avulsions were prospectively studied. They were treated by suturing the tendon to the pre-holed bone through two parallel bone tunnels. Follow-up was conducted at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months after the operation. Symptoms, degree of satisfaction with the appearance, complications, Crawford's evaluation, DASH scores and the total active movement (TAM) were collected. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 6~18 months (mean 13 months). Finger function was assessed using the Crawford's evaluation criteria: excellent in 12, good in 10, average in 2, with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%. DASH scores ranged from 37 to 47(mean 39). According to the Chinese Medical Association's trial criteria for assessing the function of upper limbs, excellent, good and average cases were 9, 14 and 1 respectively. The range of motion gradually improved over time. Conclusions Good prognosis can be achieved through bone tunnel-tendon suture for the treatment of fresh central slip avulsion.

Tendon function after replantation of complete thumb avulsion amputations.

BACKGROUND: Tendon avulsion at the musculotendinous junction caused by digit avulsion amputation is still a challenging problem. We aimed to compare the tendon functional outcomes of two repair methods for tendon avulsion rupture at the musculotendinous junction in patients with complete thumb avulsion amputations. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate patients with complete thumb avulsion amputations whose tendons were repaired through reattachment to muscle (group I) or tendon transfer (group II) between July 2008 and October 2019. Outcomes of total range of motion, pinch strength, grip strength and reoperation rate were included. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 16.6 ± 4.2 months. Total active range of motion was comparable between groups I and II (P = 0.095). Pinch strength of group I was lower than group II (P = 0.001). The result of grip strength was found to be similar (P = 0.075). In addition, there was no significant difference in reoperation rate (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tendon transfer can attain higher pinch strength for replantation of thumb avulsion amputations. It is recommended for patients with jobs that demand higher strength.

Reconstruction of Thumb Pulp Defects Using Free Lateral Great Toe Flaps.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk factors for, and clinical outcomes of, free lateral great toe flaps for the reconstruction of thumb pulp defects. METHODS: Between January 2009 and July 2017, 31 patients with thumb pulp defects were treated with free lateral great toe flaps. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. We included 9 female and 15 male patients, average age 35 years. We performed a retrospective review of risk factors, clinical outcomes, and complications. For patients in which the flap survived, we assessed postoperative range of motion, static 2-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, time of return to work, and cold intolerance severity score. RESULTS: Of 24 flaps, 20 survived completely. Smoking was found to be a potential risk factor for flap necrosis. Average follow-up of the 20 patients in whom the flap survived was 20 months (range, 12-24 months). At final follow-up, all patients were satisfied with recovery in terms of function and aesthetic appearance. No patient required additional aesthetic refinement procedures. Complications occurred in 6 patients and consisted of venous congestion, superficial infection, and deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral great toe flap transfer in the reconstruction of thumb pulp defects has proven to be a good technique with overall satisfactory outcomes. Smoking increases the risk for flap necrosis. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.