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Objective:To scientifically measure and morphologically evaluate the anatomical shape of the skin in the first web space based on cadavers, and to guide the design of flap in this area.Methods:Sixteen human cadavers fixed with 10% formaldehyde without injury or deformity on the hand were selected in the Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Suqian. According to the characteristics of the first web area, marker points were selected for measurement and morphological observation. Morphological characteristics of the first web with thumb radial abduction(r) or palmar abduction(p) were measured and compared. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. According to the results of measurement, standardised shapes and parameters of the skin were obtained for flap repair of defect of the first web. Results:When the thumb was in palmar abduction, the maximum distance [a(p)] of the first web of female(F) and male(M) was 5.78/8.42 cm(F/M), and the skin [S(p)] was 17.09/23.63 cm 2(F/M), both were significantly greater than the distance [a(r)] at 4.86/6.28 cm and the area of skin area [S(r)] at 14.39/20.15 cm 2 when thumb was in the radial abduction position( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of [b(r)] and [b(p)] alone the long axis of flap between palmar and radial abductions(7.54/9.38 cm and 7.34/9.74 cm, respectively) of the thumb( P>0.05). It was found that the area of first web was not shaped as a symmetrical spindle, but an irregular quadrilateral inclined to the index finger. Conclusion:Design and measurement of a flap for the first web space should take the maximum palmar abduction of a thumb as a reference. The asymmetric quadrilateral flap design is more in line with the anatomical and characteristics in the region.
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Obesity is a major risk factor for COVID-19 severity; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Considering that obesity influences the human plasma proteome, we sought to identify circulating proteins mediating the effects of obesity on COVID-19 severity. We first screened 4,907 plasma proteins to identify proteins influenced by body mass index (BMI) using Mendelian randomization (MR). This yielded 1,216 proteins, whose effects on COVID-19 severity were assessed, again using MR. This two-step approach identified nephronectin (NPNT), for which a one standard deviation increase was associated with severe COVID-19 (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.45-2.02, P = 1.63 x 10-10). Colocalization analyses indicated that an NPNT splice isoform drove this effect. Overall, NPNT mediates 3.7% of the total effect of BMI on severe COVID-19. Finally, we found that decreasing body fat mass and increasing fat-free mass can lower NPNT levels and thus may improve COVID-19 outcomes. These findings provide actionable insights into how obesity influences COVID-19 severity.
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Objective:To investigate the risk factors of bone cement leakage and recompression of injured vertebrae after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).Methods:A case-control study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 297 patients with single-segment OVCF who underwent PKP in First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2017 to January 2021, including 67 males and 230 females; aged 60-92 years [(69.5±8.2)years]. According to the occurrence of bone cement leakage, the patients were divided into leakage group ( n=36) and no leakage group ( n=261). According to the occurrence of recompression of injured vertebrae, the patients were divided into recollapse group ( n=40) and no recollapse group ( n=257). The gender, age, fracture segment, type of fracture, fracture severity, cortical disruption, intravertebral cleft, preoperative and postoperative local kyphosis angle, correction value of local kyphosis angle, bone cement injection volume, bone cement distribution, and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment were recorded. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the correlation of those factors with bone cement leakage and recompression of injured vertebrae after PKP, followed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify the independent risk factors. Results:Univariate analysis showed that fracture severity, cortical disruption and bone cement injection volume were related to bone cement leakage ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Gender, age, fracture segment, type of fracture, intravertebral cleft, preoperative and postoperative local kyphosis angle, correction value of local kyphosis angle, bone cement distribution, and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment were not related to bone cement leakage (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that intravertebral cleft, bone cement distribution, and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment were associated with recompression of injured vertebrae (all P<0.01). Gender, age, fracture segment, type of fracture, fracture severity, cortical disruption, preoperative and postoperative local kyphosis angle, correction value of local kyphosis angle, and bone cement injection volume were not related to recompression of injured vertebrae (all P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that severe fracture ( OR=4.23, 95% CI 1.52-11.81, P<0.01), cortical disruption ( OR=3.29,95% CI 1.52-7.13, P<0.01), and bone cement injection volume >8 ml ( OR=2.31,95% CI 1.09-4.92, P<0.05) were significantly related to bone cement leakage. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that intravertebral cleft ( OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.03-4.30, P<0.05), solid type of bone cement distribution ( OR=2.56, 95% CI 1.25-5.27, P<0.05) and no anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation ( OR=3.06, 95% CI 1.46-6.40, P<0.01) were significantly related to recompression of injured vertebrae. Conclusions:For OVCF patients, severe fracture, cortical disruption, and bone cement injection volume>8 ml are independent risk factors for bone cement leakage after PKP. Intravertebral cleft, solid type of bone cement distribution, and no anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation are independent risk factors for recompression of injured vertebrae after PKP.
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Predicting COVID-19 severity is difficult, and the biological pathways involved are not fully understood. To approach this problem, we measured 4,701 circulating human protein abundances in two independent cohorts totaling 986 individuals. We then trained prediction models including protein abundances and clinical risk factors to predict adverse COVID-19 outcomes in 417 subjects and tested these models in a separate cohort of 569 individuals. For severe COVID-19, a baseline model including age and sex provided an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 65% in the test cohort. Selecting 92 proteins from the 4,701 unique protein abundances improved the AUC to 88% in the training cohort, which remained relatively stable in the testing cohort at 86%, suggesting good generalizability. Proteins selected from different adverse COVID-19 outcomes were enriched for cytokine and cytokine receptors, but more than half of the enriched pathways were not immune-related. Taken together, these findings suggest that circulating proteins measured at early stages of disease progression are reasonably accurate predictors of adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Further research is needed to understand how to incorporate protein measurement into clinical care.
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Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of the modified transfer of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) from the second toe in the treatment of a finger PIPJ defect.Methods:A total of 13 patients with finger PIPJ defects caused by traumatic injury were enrolled from May, 2017 to March, 2020. All the PIPJ defects had primary traumatic repairs. The causes of injury: 5 patients were caused by strangulation, 4 by chainsaw, 2 by strangulation and 2 by crushing. Of which, 7 patients had index finger injury, 3 middle fingers and 3 ring fingers. The operations were carried out 3-7 months after the first stage of treatment. The grafting of the PIPJ of the second toe with modified vascular anastomosis were performed. The ipsilateral second toe was taken in 10 patients, and the contralateral second toe in 3 patients. The grafted joints all carried observation skin islands, with an area of 1.0 cm×1.5 cm-1.0 cm×2.0 cm. All the secondary bone defects in the donor site of the toe were reconstructed with iliac bone grafts, and the length of the iliac bone strips was 4.0-6.0 cm. At the same time, the island flap on the fibular side of the great toe was removed and repaired at the donor site, with an area of 1.1 cm×1.6 cm - 1.1 cm×2.1 cm. Early postoperative rehabilitation was performed. The patients were followed-up through outpatient visits, telephone and WeChat interviews.Results:All the 13 finger PIPJ and donor site island flaps survived. Bone healing were observed in all patients with the healing time in 8-12(average 10) weeks. Three patients with severe adhesion of joint and tendon were treated with secondary release. All the patients were followed-up for 10 - 18 months without degeneration of PIPJ. Active range of motion of PIPJ ranged: 45°-90° in flexion and 0°-10° in extension, the average motion activity was 66.3°. Seven patients were in excellent, 4 in good and 2 in fair, according to the function assessment proposed by the Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. The appearance on donor site was good and the walking was normal in the longterm follow-up. Only one linear scar was left in the ilioinguinal donor site without obvious discomfort.Conclusion:It was possible to use the modified transfer of the PIPJ from the second toe in the treatment of a finger PIPJ defect. An iliac bone graft and an island flap of the first toe transfer can preserve the appearance and function of the toes.
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Proteins detectable in peripheral blood may influence COVID-19 susceptibility or severity. However, understanding which circulating proteins are etiologically involved is difficult because their levels may be influenced by COVID-19 itself and are also subject to confounding factors. To identify circulating proteins influencing COVID-19 susceptibility and severity we undertook a large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, since this study design can rapidly scan hundreds of circulating proteins and reduces bias due to reverse causation and confounding. We identified genetic determinants of 931 circulating proteins in 28,461 SARS-CoV-2 uninfected individuals, retaining only single nucleotide polymorphism near the gene encoding the circulating protein. We found that a standard deviation increase in OAS1 levels was associated with reduced COVID-19 death or ventilation (N = 4,336 cases / 623,902 controls; OR = 0.54, P = 7x10-8), COVID-19 hospitalization (N = 6,406 / 902,088; OR = 0.61, P = 8x10-8) and COVID-19 susceptibility (N = 14,134 / 1,284,876; OR = 0.78, P = 8x10-6). Results were consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses. We then measured OAS1 levels in 504 patients with repeated plasma samples (N=1039) with different COVID-19 outcomes and found that increased OAS1 levels in a non-infectious state were associated with protection against very severe COVID-19, hospitalization and susceptibility. Further analyses suggested that a Neanderthal isoform of OAS1 affords this protection. Thus, evidence from MR and a case-control study supported a protective role for OAS1 in COVID-19 outcomes. Available medicines, such as phosphodiesterase-12 inhibitors, increase OAS1 and could be explored for their effect on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
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BackgroundIncreased vitamin D levels, as reflected by 25OHD measurements, have been proposed to protect against COVID-19 disease based on in-vitro, observational, and ecological studies. However, vitamin D levels are associated with many confounding variables and thus associations described to date may not be causal. Vitamin D Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have provided results that are concordant with large-scale vitamin D randomized trials. Here, we used two-sample MR to assess evidence supporting a causal effect of circulating 25OHD levels on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Methods and findingsGenetic variants strongly associated with 25OHD levels in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 443,734 participants of European ancestry (including 401,460 from the UK Biobank) were used as instrumental variables. GWASs of COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, and severe disease from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative were used as outcome GWASs. These included up to 14,134 individuals with COVID-19, and 1,284,876 without COVID-19, from 11 countries. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was determined by laboratory testing or medical chart review. Population controls without COVID-19 were also included in the control groups for all outcomes, including hospitalization and severe disease. Analyses were restricted to individuals of European descent when possible. Using inverse-weighted MR, genetically increased 25OHD levels by one standard deviation on the logarithmic scale had no clear association with COVID-19 susceptibility (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.10; P=0.61), hospitalization (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.35; P=0.30), and severe disease (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.17; P=0.53). We used an additional 6 meta-analytic methods, as well as sensitivity analyses after removal of variants at risk of horizontal pleiotropy and obtained similar results. These results may be limited by weak instrument bias in some analyses. Further, our results do not apply to individuals with vitamin D deficiency. ConclusionIn this two-sample MR study, we did not observe evidence to support an association between 25OHD levels and COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, or hospitalization. Hence, vitamin D supplementation as a mean of protecting against worsened COVID-19 outcomes is not supported by genetic evidence. Other therapeutic or preventative avenues should be given higher priority for COVID-19 randomized controlled trials. Author SummaryO_LIWhy was this study done? - Vitamin D levels have been associated with COVID-19 outcomes in multiple observational studies, though confounders are likely to bias these associations. - By using genetic instruments which limit such confounding, Mendelian randomization studies have consistently obtained results concordant with vitamin D supplementation randomized trials. This provides rationale to undertake vitamin D Mendelian randomization studies for COVID-19 outcomes. C_LIO_LIWhat did the researchers do and find? - We used the genetic variants obtained from the largest consortium of COVID-19 cases and controls, and the largest study on genetic determinants of vitamin D levels. We used Mendelian randomization to estimate the effect of increased vitamin D on COVID-19 outcomes, while limiting confounding. - In multiple analyses, our results consistently showed no evidence for an association between genetically predicted vitamin D levels and COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, or severe disease. C_LIO_LIWhat do these findings mean? - Vitamin D is a highly confounded variable, and traditional observational studies are at high risk of biased estimates. - We did not find evidence that vitamin D supplementation would improve COVID-19 outcomes. - Given Mendelian randomizations past track-record of anticipating the results of vitamin D randomized controlled trials, other therapeutic and preventative avenues should be prioritized for COVID-19 trials. C_LI
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Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of modified sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap in reconstruction of foot and ankle soft tissue defects.Methods:Sixteen patients undergoing the modified flap for foot and ankle reconstruction were included in this study between June, 2016 and June, 2018. The 16 patients were 11 males and 5 females with an average age of 32.5 (range 21 to 51) years. Ten defects were in heel and 6 in ankle and dorsal side of foot. A "Z" -shape skin incision was performed to explore the perforator vessels. A peroneal-based perforator, a superficial vein, and the vascular axis of the sural nerve were included in the pedicle. A relaying island perforator flap was used to close the donor site without skin graft. Follow-up was carried out through outpatient service, telephone follow-up and Wechat photo transmission.Results:The patients were followed-up for 12 to 18 months. All flaps survived completely without complications. The colour, texture and apperance of the flaps were good. The area of the flaps ranged from 12 cm×5 cm to 30 cm×15 cm. The diameter of the pedicle ranged from 1 to 2 cm. No complication occurred in the donor sites. A relaying perforator island flaps were used in 10 cases for donor site closure and without a skin graft. All cases were satisfied with appearance and function at the final followed-up.Conclusion:It is possible to use the modified sural neuro-fasciocutaneous perforator flap to repair foot and ankle soft tissue defects. A relaying island perforator flap can be used as a relaying flap to cover the donor site without skin graft.
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Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of modified dorsal metacarpal artery island flap of index finger without skin graft in repairing different types of soft tissue defect of thumb tip.Methods From August,2015 to October,2017,25 patients with soft tissue defect of the thumb tip were included in the study.Sixteen cases were males and 9 cases were females.Seventeen defects were in thumb dorsal and 8 cases were in thumb pulp.A modified dorsal island flap of index finger was used and the dorsal metacarpal superficial vein fascial flap could be harvest and combined to repair the thumb pulp defect if necessary.A relaying perforator flap pedicled on the second dorsal metacarpal artery was raised through the same incision to cover the donor site without skin graft.Followed-up was made by clinic,telephone and WeChat.Results The patients were followed-up for 6 to 18 months.All flaps survived completely without complications.The color,texture and contour of the flaps was good.Only 1 linear scar was left in the dorsum of the hand and no skin grafts.The second dorsal metacarpal artery flap was used to cover the donor site.Twenty-one cases (84％) were satisfied with the postoperative appearance of the thumb.The function was assessed as excellent in 16 fingers,good in 6 fingers and fair in 3 fingers.No complication occurred in the donor site.Conclusion It is possible to use the modified dorsal island flap of index finger to repair different types of thumb tip defects.A second dorsal metacarpal artery flap can be used as a relaying flap to cover the donor site without skin grafts.
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Objective To evaluate the mid-term clinical effects and the imaging changes of Coflex interspinous dynamic internal fixation for low back pain. Methods From February 2007 to June 2009,Coflex interspinous dynamic internal fixation was performed in a consecutive 45 patients. They included 26 males and 19 females, with an average of 51.4 years ranging in age from 45 to 70 years. Thirty-two cases were in L4.5 level, 11 in L5S1 level and 2 in both two levels. The patients were treated with limited laminectomy and implanted with Coflex device. Clinical outcomes were assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI)scores and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) questionnaires before and after operation. The imaging examination was obtained to assess height of the intervertebral space, area of the intervertebral foramen,segment movement of the operation level, low lumbar curvature and signal of the lumbar disc on MRI. Results The follow-up time ranged from 10 to 34 months, with an average of 24 months. The ODI scores decreased significantly from 62.82±10.42 preoperatively to 11.80±3.35 postoperatively. The JOA scores were improved remarkably from 9.00±2.63 preoperatively to 24.65±1.86 postoperatively. The proportion with optimal effect was 89% (40 cases). The Cobb angle after operation of L4.5 and L5S1 level was 15.1°±3.9° and 16.3°±3.8° respectively, which was significantly decreased after operation. The range of motion of the L4.5 level increased from 6.5°±1.5° to 8.4°±2.6° while the L5S1 level did not change notedly. The heights of the dorsal intervertebral disc, distance of the spinous processes, intervertebral foramen height and area were significantly higher than those before operation. Conclusion The Coflex interspinous dynamic internal fixation is available to reserve segment movement, to increase intervertebral space height and foramen area. Meanwhile,it is effective to self-repair and prevent degeneration for the disc in adjacent levels.
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Objective To analyze the multiple factors for ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients developing hip joint disease. Methods One hundred and two patients with AS complicated with hip joint damage (group A)were compared with 54 patients with AS without hip joint disease(group B). A univariate and multivariate unconditional-Logistic regression analysis was carried. Results The mean age at the time of disease onset was(17±8)years old in group A and(24±7)years in group B(P＜0.05). The course of disease onset was(5±4)years old in group A and(11±5)years in group B(P＜0.05). The childhood of disease onset was 37.3% in group A and 20.4% in group B(P＜0.05). The patients who had hip pain at the disease onset was 38.2% in group A and 25.9% in group B(P＜0.05).The incidence of peripheral arthritis was 39.2% and 20.4%(P＜0.05)in patients of group A and group B respectively. Laboratory and X-ray findings showed that ESR, CRP, IgG and IgM levels were higher in group A than those in group B. SASP and thalidomide dosage taken in group A was lower than that in group B(P＜0.01), the dosage of prednisone taken was higher in group A than in group B. A multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed 5 factors, including the younger age of the time of disease onset, the short disease duration, the childhood of disease onset and hip joint involvement at the onset were associated with the occurrence of hip joint involvement. Conclusion The younger age, childhood and hip joint involvement at the time of disease onset, short disease duration may be the risk factors and SASP may be the protecting factor for patients developing hip joint lesion. More cases and factors analysis may be helpful to predict hip joint lesion in AS and to reduce the prevalence of disability.
