ObjectiveTo review the research progress on the role and mechanism of matrix stiffness in regulating endothelial cell sprouting. MethodsThe related literature at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the behaviors of matrix stiffness related endothelial cell sprouting in different cell cultivation conditions were analyzed, and the specific molecular mechanism of matrix stiffness regulating related signal pathways in endothelial cell sprouting was elaborated. Results In two-dimensional cell cultivation condition, increase of matrix stiffness stimulates endothelial cell sprouting within a certain range. However, in three-dimensional cell cultivation condition, the detailed function of matrix stiffness in regulating endothelial cell sprouting and angiogenesis are still unclear. At present, the research of the related molecular mechanism mainly focuses on YAP/TAZ, and roles of its upstream and downstream signal molecules. Matrix stiffness can regulate endothelial cell sprouting by activating or inhibiting signal pathways to participate in vascularization. ConclusionMatrix stiffness plays a vital role in regulating endothelial cell sprouting, but its specific role and molecular mechanism in different environments remain ambiguous and need further study.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 48.0% of all deaths in Europe and 34.3% in the United States. Studies have shown that arterial stiffness takes precedence over vascular structural changes and is therefore considered to be an independent predictor of many cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, the characteristics of Korotkoff signal is related to vascular compliance. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of detecting vascular stiffness based on the characteristics of Korotkoff signal. First, the Korotkoff signals of normal and stiff vessels were collected and preprocessed. Then the scattering features of Korotkoff signal were extracted by wavelet scattering network. Next, the long short-term memory (LSTM) network was established as a classification model to classify the normal and stiff vessels according to the scattering features. Finally, the performance of the classification model was evaluated by some parameters, such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. In this study, 97 cases of Korotkoff signal were collected, including 47 cases from normal vessels and 50 cases from stiff vessels, which were divided into training set and test set according to the ratio of 8 : 2. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the final classification model was 86.4%, 92.3% and 77.8%, respectively. At present, non-invasive screening method for vascular stiffness is very limited. The results of this study show that the characteristics of Korotkoff signal are affected by vascular compliance, and it is feasible to use the characteristics of Korotkoff signal to detect vascular stiffness. This study might be providing a new idea for non-invasive detection of vascular stiffness.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for the release of elbow stiffness. Methods The clinical data of 16 patients with elbow stiffness treated with binocular loupe assisted mini-internal and external incisions in lateral position release between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged from 19 to 57 years, with a median age of 33.5 years. Etiologies included olecranon fracture in 6 cases, elbow dislocation in 4 cases, medial epicondyle fracture in 2 cases, radial head fracture in 4 cases, terrible triad of elbow joint in 2 cases, supracondylar fracture of humerus in 1 case, coronoid process fracture of ulna in 1 case, and humerus fracture in 1 case, with 5 cases presenting a combination of two etiologies. The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 to 60 months, with a median of 8 months. Preoperatively, 12 cases had concomitant ulnar nerve numbness, and 6 cases exhibited ectopic ossification. The preoperative range of motion for elbow flexion and extension was (58.63±22.30)°, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.3±1.6, and the Mayo score was 71.9±7.5. Incision lengths for both lateral and medial approaches were recorded, as well as the occurrence of complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Mayo scores, VAS scores, and elbow range of motion both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results The lateral incision lengths for all patients ranged from 3.0 to 4.8 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm. The medial incision lengths ranged from 2.4 to 4.2 cm, with an average of 3.0 cm. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 19 months and a mean of 9.2 months. At last follow-up, 1 patient reported moderate elbow joint pain, and 3 cases exhibited residual mild ulnar nerve numbness. The other patients had no complications such as new heterotopic ossification and ulnar nerve paralysis, which hindered the movement of elbow joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion was (130.44±9.75)°, the VAS score was 1.1±1.0, and the Mayo score was 99.1±3.8, which significantly improved when compared to the preoperative ones (t=−12.418, P<0.001; t=6.419, P<0.001; t=−13.330, P<0.001). ConclusionThe binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position integrated the advantages of traditional open and arthroscopic technique, which demonstrated satisfying safety and effectivity for the release of elbow contracture, but it is not indicated for patients with posterior medial heterolateral heterotopic ossification.
OBJECTIVE: Extension stiffness of knee joint is always treated by the quadricepsplasty, but the main deficiency of this method is that patient feels weakness of lower limb and easily kneels down. The aim of this article is to explore the method to resolve the complications after quadricepsplasty. METHODS: Since 1978 to 1997, on the basis of traditional procedures of quadricepsplasty, sartorius muscle was used to reinforce the extension of knee joint. The lower 2/3 of sartorius muscle was fully dissociated only with its insertion intact. A tendon-periosteal-bone flap, about 2 cm in width, was managed on the anterior surface of patella, with its pedicle on the medial edge of patella. The tendon-periosteal-bone flap was used to fix the dissociated sartorious into patella to reinforce the extension of knee joint. The very lower part of sartorius was mainly aponeurosis, with the help of an aponeurosis bundle of iliotibial tract, it was fixed into the insertion of patellar ligament, through a bony tunnel chiseled adjacent to the insertion of patellar ligament. By now the movement of knee joint extension was strengthened by the transferred sartorius muscle. Postoperatively, every patient was required to extend and flex knee joint actively and/or passively. Altogether 12 patients were treated, 9 of them were followed up with an average of 14 months. RESULTS: The average movement was increased from 15 degrees to 102 degrees, and the average myodynamia was improved from grade II to grade IV. CONCLUSION: Traditional quadricepsplasty co-operated with transfer of sartorius muscle can strengthen the myodynamia of knee joint extension. It is simple method and can really achieve good function.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of Swanson artificial joint replacement in treating post-traumatic metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness. Methods Between August 2007 and May 2010, 11 cases (13 fingers) of metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness with soft tissue defects underwent Swanson artificial joint replacement. There were 7 males (9 fingers) and 4 females (4 fingers), aged 43 to 65 years with an average of 49 years. The involved fingers included 4 thumbs, 4 index fingers, 3 middle fingers, and 2 ring fingers. The types of injury included open and crush injury in 8 fingers, fracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 fingers, metacarpophalangeal joint severing in 2 fingers. The time from joint stiffness to hospitalization was 12 to 48 weeks (mean, 24 weeks). The joint activity was (136.82 ± 28.96)°. According to total active motion (TAM) assessment, included good in 1 finger, fair in 6 fingers, and poor in 6 fingers before operation. The activities of daily living were assessed by Sollerman score, which was 45.64 ± 11.04. The X-ray films and CT scan showed traumatic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Results The incision healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12 to 34 months (mean, 24.1 months). At last follow-up, the joint activity was (194.64 ± 28.86)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=25.214, P=0.000). According to TAM assessment, including excellent in 1 finger, good in 4 fingers, fair in 7 fingers, and poor in 1 finger. The Sollerman score was 67.45 ± 8.20 postoperatively, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (t=10.470, P=0.000). X-ray examination showed no prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, or joint dislocation occurred at last follow-up. Conclusion Swanson artificial joint replacement can be appl ied to treat posttraumatic metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness, which can improve the joint activity and has satisfactory short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the correlation between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and explore the relationship between the TyG index and arterial stiffness (AS). MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were searched to collect observational studies on the correlation between the TyG index and AS from inception to January 14, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 16 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its correlation with AS based on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher baPWV compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.48, 95%CI 1.27 to 1.72, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.67 to 2.04, P<0.001). When carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher cfPWV compared to those with low TyG index when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.95, P=0.008). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.34, 95%CI 1.21 to 1.48, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of gender, age, participant characteristics, and study type. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of age and participant characteristics. Using high baPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on AS, individuals with high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.51, 95%CI 1.36 to 1.67, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.48 to 2.21, P<0.001). Using high cfPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on arterial stiffness, individuals with a high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with a low TyG index (OR=1.30, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.53, P=0.02). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.60, 95%CI 1.33 to 1.92, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, hypertension, and diabetes. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, and hypertension. ConclusionThere is a strong correlation between the TyG index and PWV, with a higher TyG index associated with increased PWV and greater risk of AS. The TyG index can serve as a simple alternative marker for early diagnosis of AS and guide clinical intervention. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To evaluate the results of open arthrolysis by elevated the lateral and medial collateral l igament-musculature complex from the supracondylar ridge of the humerus in treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Methods From March 2003 to December 2007, 33 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis by elevated the lateral and medial collateral l igament-musculature complex from the supracondylar ridge of the humerus. There were 23 males and 10 females, aged 17-70 years old (mean 41.8 years old). According to Morrey, 15 caseswere extremely serious (less than 30° extension-flexion arc) and 18 cases were serious (30-60° extension-flexion arc). The range of motion of the elbow stiffness was (32.5 ± 28.9)° and the Mayo score was 51.9±13.1 before operation. All initial fractures were healed according to cl inical examination and X-rays films. All patients present with a post-traumatic elbow stiffness and the average period from initial trauma to elbow arthrolysis was 16.9 months (2-72 months). Results Wound infection occurred in 1 patient and cured after dressing change and anti-infectious treatment. The wounds healed by first intension in 32 cases. No patient showed sign of elbow instabil ity and debil itating pain. All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean 3.3 years). At last follow up, the Mayo score was 82.3 ± 14.4 and the range of motion of elbow stiffness was (108.8 ± 36.0)°; showing significant differences when compared with preoperation (P lt; 0.05). According to Mayo evaluation, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 18 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 2 cases, the excellent and good rate was 87.88%. Thirty-one patients achieve satisfactory results. Two patients were not satisfied with the result, but the satisfactory results were achieved by a second arthrol ysis. Conclusion Open elbow arthrolysis and postoperative rehabil itation for patients with elbow stiffness can improve joint function and ensure the stabil ity of elbows.
Objective To investigate effectiveness of rotator cuff repair with manipulation release and arthroscopic debridement for rotator cuff tear with shoulder stiffness. Methods A retrospectively study was performed on the data of 15 patients with rotator cuff tear combined with shoulder stiffness (stiff group) and 24 patients without stiffness (non-stiff group) between January 2014 and December 2015. The patients in the stiff group underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with manipulation release and arthroscopic debridement while the patients in the non-stiff group only received arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The patients in the stiff group were older than the patients in the non-stiff group, showing significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in gender, type of rotator cuff tear, side of rotator cuff tear, and combined with diabetes between 2 groups (P>0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate the effectiveness after operation. Results All incisions healed by first intention without any complication after operation. The patients were followed up 13-31 months in the stiff group (mean, 19.2 months) and 13-23 months in the non-stiff group (mean, 20.3 months). There was no significant difference in follow- up time between 2 groups (t=–0.573, P=0.570). The VAS score in the stiff group was higher than that in the non-stiff group before operation (t=–2.166, P=0.037); there was no significant difference between 2 groups at 3, 6, 12 months and last follow-up (P>0.05). The forward flexion and external rotation were significantly lower in the stiff group than those in the non-stiff group before operation and at 3 months after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between 2 groups at 6, 12 months and last follow-up (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the internal rotation was beyond L3 level in 2 groups. The preoperative UCLA score was significant lower in the stiff group than that in the non-stiff group (P=0.037); but there was no significant difference in UCLA score at last follow-up between 2 groups (P=0.786). There was no significant difference in pre- and post-operative ASES scores between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Satisfactory effectiveness can be achieved in the patients with rotator cuff tear combined with shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair with manipulation release and arthroscopic debridement, although the patients with shoulder stiffness had slower postoperative recovery of ROM until 6 months after operation.
The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in our country is increasing, and it has been a big problem affecting the social and economic development. It has been demonstrated that early intervention of cardiovascular risk factors can effectively reduce cardiovascular disease-caused mortality. Therefore, extensive implementation of cardiovascular testing and risk factor screening in the general population is the key to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the categories of devices available for quick cardiovascular testing are limited, and in particular, many existing devices suffer from various technical problems, such as complex operation, unclear working principle, or large inter-individual variability in measurement accuracy, which lead to an overall low popularity and reliability of cardiovascular testing. In this study, we introduce the non-invasive measurement mechanisms and relevant technical progresses for several typical cardiovascular indices (e.g., peripheral/central arterial blood pressure, and arterial stiffness), with emphasis on describing the applications of biomechanical modeling and simulation in mechanism verification, analysis of influential factors, and technical improvement/innovation.
To investigate the influence of the preload and supporting stiffness on the hearing compensation performance of round window stimulation, a coupling finite model composed of a human ear, an actuator and a support was established. This model was constructed based on a complete set of micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) images of a healthy adult’s right ear by reverse engineering technology. The validity of the model was verified by comparing the model’s calculated results with experimental data. Based on this model, we applied different amplitude preloads on the actuator, and changed the support’s stiffness. Then, the influences of the actuator’s preload and the support’s stiffness were analyzed by comparing the corresponding displacements of the basilar membrane. The results show that after applying a preload on the actuator, its hearing compensation performance was increased at the middle and high frequencies, but was deteriorated at low frequencies; besides, compared with using the fascia as the actuator’s support in clinical practice, utilizing the titanium alloy to fabricate the support would enhance the hearing compensation performance of the round window stimulation in the whole frequency range.