2023 Vol. 39, No. 7

Academician Forum
Ten key points in the high-quality construction and development of the disciplinary system of wound repair with Chinese characteristics
Fu Xiaobing
2023, 39(7): 601-605. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230620-00222
Abstract:
Phased major results with construction of the disciplinary system of wound repair with Chinese characteristics have been achieved in the past 30 years. However, some problems in institutional issues still affect the development of the discipline. In this paper, 10 aspects of the impact of discipline construction are put forward which may offer reference for high-quality construction of the disciplinary system of wound repair with Chinese characteristics.
Expert Forums
Novel strategy of sepsis immunomodulation targeting dendritic cells
Yao Yongming, Zhang Hui, Wu Yao
2023, 39(7): 606-611. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230321-00087
Abstract:
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the major antigen-presenting cells that play critical roles in regulating both innate and acquire immune responses. In the state of sepsis, the number of DCs is obviously decreased with inhibited antigen presenting ability as well as abnormal cytokine secretion, thereby resulting in an impairment of T lymphocyte activation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the depletion and dysfunction of DCs appear to be the main causes associated with the development of sepsis-induced immunosuppression. Based on the characteristic changes of DCs in sepsis and analysis of recent research progress, the authors propose a novel strategy of immunomodulation targeting the apoptosis, differentiation, and dysfunction of DCs, in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of severe burns and trauma complicated with sepsis.
Strengthening the development and application of precision burn medicine
Luo Gaoxing, Sun Xiaoyan, Wu Jun
2023, 39(7): 612-617. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230407-00116
Abstract:
In recent years, precision medicine in various clinical disciplines has made great progress. However, the progress and practice of precision medicine in burn surgery at present have lagged far behind other disciplines due to various reasons including the solidification of concepts and the lack of effective methods and equipment. This article briefly expound the necessities and possible strategies of strengthening the construction and promotion of precision burn medicine system from the aspects of accurate diagnosis of burn wound area and depth, precise treatment of burn wounds, precise monitoring diagnosis and treatment of burn complications and scars, and precise rehabilitation treatment. In order to rapidly promote the development of precision burn medicine in our country, it is hoped that burn medical staffs will pay much more attention to this field, especially to conceptual transformation, development of innovative strategies, tools, and equipment for precise diagnosis and treatment of burn wounds and complications.
Original Articles·Infection and Immunity of Burns and Trauma
Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors of death in critical burn patients complicated with invasive fungal infection
Li Yanguang, Chang Shuailei, Xie Jiangfan, Ye Xiangyang, Wang Lei, Li Yancang, Li Yun, Li Xiaoliang
2023, 39(7): 618-624. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230415-00127
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of critical burn patients complicated with invasive fungal infection.   Methods   A retrospective case series study was conducted. From January 2017 to December 2022, 88 critical burn patients combined with invasive fungal infection who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, including 61 males and 27 females, aged 26-74 years. Data on invasive fungal infection sites and the detection of pathogens in patients were recorded. According to the survival outcome within 28 days after admission, the patients were divided into survival group (63 cases) and death group (25 cases). The following data of patients were compared between the two groups, including the basic data and injuries of patients at admission such as age, sex, body weight, total burn area, combination of inhalation injury, combination of hypertension and diabetes, acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score, and admission time after burns, the levels of blood biochemical indexes within 24 h after admission such as white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, monocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glucose, creatinine, urea nitrogen, D-dimer, galactomannan (GM), 1,3-β-D glucan, and creatine kinase, the application of invasive procedures and vasoactive drugs during the treatment such as continuous renal replacement therapy, ventilator-assisted breathing, tracheotomy, deep vein catheterization, skin grafting >2 times, the levels of infection indicators on post admission day (PAD) 1, 3, 7, and 14 including C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, lactic acid, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the detection of pathogens in the process of treatment. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Bonferroni correction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to screen the independent risk factors that affected death of critical burn patients complicated with invasive fungal infection.   Results   The main sites of invasive fungal infection were the wounds (67 cases) and blood stream (46 cases), with Candida fungi (58 strains) as the main strain for fungi infection, and there were a total of 30 cases of infection with mixed pathogenic bacteria. Compared with those in survival group, the APACHE Ⅱ score, proportions of combination with inhalation injury and hypertension of patients in death group were significantly increased ( t=2.11, with χ 2 values of 6.26 and 9.48, respectively, P<0.05), while the other basic data and injury condition had no significant changes ( P>0.05). Compared with those in survival group, the levels of D-dimer, GM, and 1,3-β-D glucan of patients in death group were significantly increased within 24 h after admission (with t values of 2.42, 2.05, and 2.21, respectively, P<0.05), while the other blood biochemical indexes within 24 h after admission, as well as the proportions of applying invasive procedures and application of vasoactive drugs during the treatment process were not significantly changed ( P>0.05). The levels of infection indicators of patients on PAD 1 and 3 were similar between the two groups ( P>0.05). The procalcitonin level on PAD 7 and the levels of CRP, procalcitonin, lactic acid, IL-6, and TNF-α on PAD 14, as well as the proportion of infection with mixed pathogenic bacteria of patients in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group (with t values of 4.69, 3.89, 6.70, 6.14, 4.65, and 3.26, respectively, χ 2=12.67, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that combination with inhalation injury, combination with hypertension, and infection with mixed pathogenic bacteria were independent risk factors for death of critical burn patients complicated with invasive fungal infection (with odds ratios of 5.98, 4.67, and 6.19, respectively, 95% confidence intervals of 1.42-15.39, 1.41-25.28, and 1.86-20.58, respectively, P<0.05).   Conclusions   The main sites of infection in critical burn patients complicated with invasive fungal infection are the wounds and blood stream, with Candida fungi as the main strain for fungi infection, and a large proportion of infection with mixed pathogenic bacteria. The combined inhalation injury, combined hypertension, and infection with mixed pathogenic bacteria are the independent risk factors for the death of those patients.
Regulatory effects of the Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton on the biological function of human neutrophils
Yang Yunxi, Huang Jiamin, Liu Lu, Li Linbin, Zheng Chunfang, Zhou Yuying, Sun Bingwei
2023, 39(7): 625-632. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230223-00056
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the regulatory effects and mechanism of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) on the biological function of human neutrophils.   Methods   The experimental research method was used. Fifteen healthy adult volunteers (7 males and 8 females, aged 24 to 45 years) were recruited from Suzhou Physical Examination Center for physical examination from May to October 2022, the peripheral venous blood was collected, and neutrophils were extracted by immunomagnetic bead sorting. The cells were divided into normal control group without any treatment, Nr-CWS alone group treated with Nr-CWS of final mass concentration 60 ng/mL alone, endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone group stimulated with LPS of final mass concentration 1 μg/mL alone, and LPS+Nr-CWS group stimulated with LPS first and then treated with Nr-CWS as before. After 1 h of culture, the chemotaxis distance, chemotactic cell percentage, chemotactic index, maximum chemotactic speed, and chemotactic function score of neutrophils were detected using the modified agarose chemotactic model; the proportion and fluorescence intensity of phagocytosis cells, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the protein expression levels of granular protein CD35, CD66b, and CD63, and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines of interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-γ in cell culture supernatant were detected by flow cytometry. The number of samples in each group in the above experiments was 15. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design and independent sample t test.   Results   After 1 h of culture, the chemotactic function score of cells in normal control group, Nr-CWS alone group, LPS alone group, and LPS+Nr-CWS group were 15.0, 14.5±0.5, 1.5±0.5, 12.0±1.5, respectively. Compared with those in normal control group, the chemotaxis distance, chemotactic cell percentage, chemotactic index, maximum chemotactic speed, and chemotactic function score of cells were significantly decreased in LPS alone group and LPS+Nr-CWS group (with t values of 18.36, 18.88, 54.28, 18.36, 46.77, 10.58, 14.74, 6.84, 10.58, and 4.24, respectively, P<0.05); compared with those in LPS alone group, the five chemotactic function indexes as above in LPS+Nr-CWS group were significantly increased (with t values of 11.47, 14.65, 11.62, 11.47, and 13.75, respectively, P<0.05). After 1 h of culture, compared with those in normal control group, the proportion and fluorescence intensity of phagocytosis cells were significantly increased in Nr-CWS alone group (with t values of 6.86 and 6.73, respectively, P<0.05), and the above two indexes were significantly decreased in LPS alone group (with t values of 7.35 and 22.72, respectively, P<0.05) and LPS+Nr-CWS group (with t values of 21.37 and 13.10, respectively, P<0.05). After 1 h of culture, compared with that in normal control group, the level of ROS of cells in LPS alone group was significantly increased ( t=6.64, P<0.05); compared with that in LPS alone group, the level of ROS of cells in LPS+Nr-CWS group was significantly decreased ( t=5.46, P<0.05). After 1 h of culture, compared with those in normal control group, the protein expressions of CD35, CD66b, and CD63 of cells were significantly increased in LPS alone group and LPS+Nr-CWS group (with t values of 16.75, 17.45, 10.82, 5.70, 19.35, and 15.37, respectively, P<0.05); compared with those in LPS alone group, the protein expressions of CD35, CD66b, and CD63 of cells were significantly decreased in LPS+Nr-CWS group (with t values of 4.92, 5.72, and 3.18, respectively, P<0.05). After 1 h of culture, compared with those in normal control group, the concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, and interferon-γ in cell culture supernatant were significantly increased in LPS alone group (with t values of 22.10, 9.50, 7.21, 10.22, 24.88, 8.43, and 47.48, respectively, P<0.05), and the concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, and interferon-γ in cell culture supernatant were significantly increased in LPS+Nr-CWS group (with t values of 4.68, 5.12, 8.02, 5.58, and 7.13, respectively, P<0.05); compared with those in LPS alone group, the concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, and interferon-γ in cell culture supernatant were significantly decreased in LPS+Nr-CWS group (with t values of 5.39, 2.83, 5.79, 2.90, 5.87, 4.88, and 39.64, respectively, P<0.05).   Conclusions   Nr-CWS can enhance the phagocytosis ability of neutrophils in normal condition and improve the chemotactic function, ROS level, degranulation protein level, and inflammatory factor level of human neutrophils in infectious condition. Nr-CWS can enhance the anti-infection ability of human neutrophils by regulating its biological behavior in innate immunity.
Effects of enhancing the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in post-traumatic mice macrophages on the inflammatory cytokine level and bactericidal ability
Kuang Tianyin, Yin Shuangqin, Dai Weihong, Luo Li, Chen Tao, Liang Xinghe, Wang Rixing, Liang Huaping, Zhu Junyu
2023, 39(7): 633-640. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230210-00040
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the expression pattern of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mice peritoneal macrophages (PMs) after major trauma and analyze the effects of enhanced AhR expression on the inflammatory cytokine level and bactericidal ability after trauma.   Methods   The experimental study method was used. Forty 6-8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (the same mouse age, sex, and strain below) were divided into control group, post trauma hour (PTH) 2 group, PTH 6 group, and PTH 12 group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the latter 3 groups were constructed as severe trauma model with fracture+blood loss, while mice in control group were left untreated. The primary PMs (the same cells below) were extracted from the mice in control group, PTH 2 group, PTH 6 group, and PTH 12 group when uninjured or at PTH 2, 6, and 12, respectively. Then the protein and mRNA expressions of AhR were detected by Western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively, and the gene expressions of AhR signaling pathway related molecules were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing. Twenty mice were divided into control group and PTH 6 group, with 10 mice in each group, and the PMs were extracted. The level of ubiquitin of AhR was detected by immunoprecipitation. Twelve mice were divided into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) alone group, PTH 6+DMSO group, MG-132 alone group, and PTH 6+MG-132 group, with 3 mice in each group. After the corresponding treatment, PMs were extracted, and the protein expression of AhR was detected by Western blotting. Twenty mice were constructed as PTH 6 model. Then, the PMs were extracted and divided into empty negative control adenovirus (Ad-NC) group and AhR overexpression adenovirus (Ad-AhR) group. The protein expression of AhR was detected by Western blotting at 36 h after some PMs were transfected with the corresponding adenovirus. The rest cells in Ad-NC group were divided into Ad-NC alone group and Ad-NC+endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, and the rest cells in Ad-AhR group were divided into Ad-AhR alone group and Ad-AhR+LPS group. The expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 12 h after the corresponding treatment ( n=6). Twenty mice were obtained to extract PMs. The cells were divided into control+Ad-NC group, PTH 6+Ad-NC group, control+Ad-AhR group, and PTH 6+Ad-AhR group, and the intracellular bacterial load was detected by plate spread method after the corresponding treatment ( n=6). Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference test, analysis of variance for factorial design, and independent sample ttest.   Results   Compared with 1.16±0.28 of control group, the protein expressions of AhR in PMs in PTH 2 group (0.59±0.14), PTH 6 group (0.72±0.16), and PTH 12 group (0.71±0.17) were all significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The overall comparison of the difference of AhR mRNA expression in PMs among control group, PTH 2 group, PTH 6 group, and PTH 12 group showed no statistical significance ( P>0.05). The AhR signaling pathway related molecules included AhR, AhR inhibitor, cytochrome P450 family member 1b1, cytochrome P450 family member 11a1, heat shock protein 90, aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interaction protein, and heat shock protein 70 interaction protein. The heat shock protein 90 expression of PMs in PTH 2 group was higher than that in control group, while the expressions of other molecules did not change significantly after trauma. Compared with that in control group, the level of ubiquitin of AhR in PMs in PTH 6 group was increased. Compared with that in DMSO alone group, the protein expression of AhR in PMs in PTH 6+DMSO group was decreased, while that in PMs in MG-132 alone group had no significant change. Compared with that in PTH 6+DMSO group, the protein expression of AhR in PMs in PTH 6+MG-132 group was up-regulated. At transfection hour 36, compared with that in Ad-NC group, the protein expression of AhR in PMs in Ad-AhR group was increased. At treatment hour 12, compared with those in Ad-NC+LPS group, the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α in PM supernatant of Ad-AhR+LPS group were significantly decreased (with tvalues of 4.80 and 3.82, respectively, P<0.05). The number of intracellular bacteria of 1×10 6 PMs in control+Ad-NC group, PTH 6+Ad-NC group, control+Ad-AhR group, and PTH 6+Ad-AhR group was (3.0±1.8), (41.8±10.2), (1.8±1.2), and (24.2±6.3) colony forming unit, respectively. Compared with that in PTH 6+Ad-NC group, the number of intracellular bacteria of PMs in PTH 6+Ad-AhR group was significantly decreased ( t=3.61, P<0.05).   Conclusions   Ubiquitin degradation of AhR in PMs of mice after major trauma results in decreased protein expression of AhR. Increasing the expression of AhR in post-traumatic macrophages can reduce the expressions of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and improve the bactericidal ability of macrophages after trauma.
Original Articles
Management strategy of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm combined with infectious wounds
Chu Guoping, Jiang Chaolong, Xuan Tianfan, Zhou Dian, Ding Lingtao, Yang Minlie, Zhao Peng, Zhu Yugang, Lyu Guozhong
2023, 39(7): 641-647. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221122-00501
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the surgical treatment methods of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm combined with infectious wounds and to evaluate the clinical effects.   Methods   The retrospective observational research method was used. Twelve patients with femoral artery pseudoaneurysm combined with infectious wounds who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Wuxi Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University) from October 2014 to September 2022, including 6 males and 6 females, aged from 46 to 78 years. In the primary operation, debridement, tumor resection, and artery suture/venous grafting to repair the artery/artery ligation were performed, and the wound area after tumor resection ranged from 4.0 cm×1.5 cm to 12.0 cm×6.5 cm. Wounds that could be sutured were treated with tension reduction suture and extracutaneous continuous vacuum sealing drainage (VSD), while large wounds that could not be sutured were treated with VSD to control infection. In the secondary operation, tension reduction suture was performed to repair the wounds that could be sutured; large wounds were repaired with adjacent translocated flaps with area of 9.0 cm×5.0 cm to 15.0 cm×7.0 cm. Additionally, when the length of the exposed femoral artery was equal to or over 3.0 cm, the wounds were repaired with additional rectus femoris muscle flap with length of 15.0 to 18.0 cm. The donor areas of the flaps were directly sutured. The wound with artery ligation was treated with stamp skin grafting and continuous VSD. The bacterial culture results of the wound exudate samples on admission were recorded. The intraoperative blood loss, the location of femoral artery rupture, the artery treatment method, and the wound repair method in the primary operation were recorded, and the durations of catheter lavage, catheter drainage, and VSD treatment, and the drainage volume after the operation were recorded. The repair method of wounds in the secondary operation, the durations of catheter drainage and VSD treatment, and the total drainage volume after the operation were recorded. The survivals of flap/muscle flap/stamp skin grafts were observed, and the wound healing time was recorded. Follow-up after discharge was performed to evaluate the quality of wound healing and the walking function and to check whether the pulsatile mass disappeared. B-ultrasound or computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed again to observe potential pseudoaneurysm recurrence and evaluate the patency of blood flow of the femoral artery.   Results   The bacterial culture results of wound exudate samples of all the patients were positive on admission. The blood loss was 150 to 750 mL in the primary operation. The arterial ruptures were located in the femoral artery in 8 cases, in the external iliac artery in 2 cases, and in the femoral arteriovenous fistula in 2 cases. Six cases received direct artery suture, 4 cases received autologous great saphenous vein grafting to repair the artery, 1 case received autologous great saphenous vein bypass surgery, and 1 case received artery ligation. The primary wound suture was performed in 4 cases, along with catheter lavage for 3 to 5 days, catheter drainage for 4 to 6 days, VSD treatment for 5 to 7 days, and a total drainage volume of 80 to 450 mL after the surgery. In the secondary operation, the wounds were sutured directly in 3 cases along with catheter drainage for 2 to 3 days, the wound was repaired with scalp stamp skin graft and VSD treatment for 5 days in 1 case, the wounds were repaired with adjacent translocated flaps in 2 cases with catheter drainage for 2 to 3 days, and the wounds were repaired with rectus femoris muscle flaps+adjacent translocated flaps in 2 cases with catheter drainage for 3 to 5 days . The total drainage volume after the secondary operation ranged from 150 to 400 mL. All the skin flaps/muscle flaps/skin grafts survived after operation. The wound healing time ranged from 15 to 36 days after the primary operation. Follow-up of 2 to 8 months after discharge showed that the wounds of all patients healed well. One patient who underwent femoral artery ligation had calf amputation due to foot ischemic necrosis, and the rest of the patients regained normal walking ability. The pulsatile mass disappeared in inguinal region of all patients. B-ultrasound or CTA re-examination in 6 patients showed that the blood flow of femoral artery had good patency, and there was no pseudoaneurysm recurrence.   Conclusions   Early debridement, tumor resection, and individualized artery treatment should be performed in patients with femoral artery pseudoaneurysm combined with infected wounds. Besides, proper drainage and personalized repair strategy should be conducted according to the wound condition to achieve a good outcome.
Clinical effects of retrograde anterolateral thigh flaps in repairing anterior knee joint wounds under the concept of precise flap surgery
He Xiaoqing, Yang Xi, Shi Yan, Duan Jiazhang, Dong Kaixuan, Xu Yuexian, Xu Yongqing, Su Yongyue
2023, 39(7): 648-654. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221020-00461
Abstract:
  Objective   To introduce the methods of retrograde anterolateral thigh flaps in repairing anterior knee joint wounds under the concept of precise flap surgery and to explore the clinical effects.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2014 to March 2022, 7 patients with anterior knee joint wounds were treated with retrograde anterolateral thigh flap under the guidance of the concept of precise flap surgery in the 920 th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA. Among them, 6 were males and 1 was female, aged 36 to 66 years. The sizes of wounds were 7 cm×5 cm to 15 cm×11 cm after debridement. All the patients were performed with computed tomography angiography (CTA), the donor and recipient sites were evaluated according to the precise flap surgery method, and the optimal pedicle, perforator, and pivot of flaps were chosen. The flap sizes were 10 cm×6 cm to 20 cm×9 cm, and all the donor sites of flaps were sutured directly. The consistency of the intraoperative exploration with preoperative CTA was observed. The flap survival and occurrence of complications were observed after surgery. The color, appearance, texture, and occurrence of complications were followed up. At the last follow-up, the blood supply of flaps was evaluated using the blood circulation evaluation indicators of Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Branch's trial criteria for digital replantation function evaluation, and the function of knee joint was evaluated using knee joint scoring system of hospital for special surgery.   Results   The flap condition of the intraoperative exploration was completely consistent with that of preoperative CTA. The flaps survived completely after surgery in 6 patients, while necrosis at the edge of the flap occurred in 1 patient, which healed after dressing change. All the flaps were hyperperfused after surgery, and the color of the flaps gradually became normal after 1 week. Follow-up of 7 to 44 months showed that the color, appearance, and texture were well in all the patients, while local osteomyelitis at the proximal tibia occurred in 1 patient. At the last follow-up, all the 7 patients had excellent blood circulation; the function score of knee joint was 69 to 91, which was evaluated as excellent in 3 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case.   Conclusions   The retrograde anterolateral thigh flap has large variations, and the application of precise flap surgery method can accurately understand the variations before surgery, guide the design and cutting of the flaps, thus achieving precise repair of anterior knee joint wounds, with good repair outcome.
Effects of bilobated superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing two adjacent wounds of the fingers
Zhang Tao, Cheng Junnan, Yang Lin, Sun Fengwen, Gao Qinfeng, Huang Yongtao, Yang Chengpeng, Cao Yang, Liu Zhijin, Ju Jihui
2023, 39(7): 655-661. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220930-00428
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of bilobated superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing two adjacent wounds of the fingers.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2021 to January 2022, 15 patients with two adjacent wounds of the fingers who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 10 males and 5 females, aged 25 to 51 years. The area of single wound after debridement was from 2.5 cm×2.0 cm to 7.5 cm×2.5 cm. All the wounds were repaired by the bilobated superficial peroneal artery perforator flap from the lower leg. The single lobe area of bilobated flap was from 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 8.0 cm×3.0 cm. The wounds in all the donor sites were sutured directly. During the operation, the number of resected flaps, the number and type of carried perforators were recorded, and the calibers of perforator and superficial peroneal artery and the length of vascular pedicle were measured. The survival of flap and the wound healing in the donor and recipient sites were recorded after operation. The recovery of donor and recipient sites were recorded during follow-up. At the last follow-up, the repair effect of flap was evaluated by the comprehensive evaluation scale, and the sensory function of flap was evaluated by the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Association.   Results   During the operation, 15 bilobated flaps were successfully resected, carrying 36 superficial peroneal artery perforators, all of which were septocutaneous perforators with the caliber of 0.2-0.8 mm. The caliber of superficial peroneal artery was 0.4-1.1 mm and the length of vascular pedicle was 3-8 cm. After operation, all the flaps survived with no vascular crisis occurred, and the wounds in donor and recipient sites healed well. During the follow-up of 6 to 12 months, the color and texture of flaps were similar to those of normal tissue in the hand and the appearance of flap was good in 10 cases; the other 5 cases underwent the stage Ⅱ flap thinning and plastic surgery 6 months after operation due to the bloated appearance of flaps. There was only linear scar in the donor site of lower leg, with no obvious scar hyperplasia or pigmentation, and there was no obvious adverse effect on the sensation or motor function of the distal limbs in the donor area. At the last follow-up, the repair effect of flap of 15 patients was excellent in 11 cases and good in 4 cases, and the sensory function of the flap was evaluated as grade S 2 in all cases.   Conclusions   The bilobated superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has high proportion of septocutaneous perforator, and the blood supply is sufficient and reliable. Using this flap to repair two adjacent wounds of the fingers causes minimal damage to the donor area, only one group of blood vessels is needed to be anastomosed to repair two wounds, the difficulty of microoperation is reduced, and good flap repair effect and sensory function can be obtained.
Influence of pH value on tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and its molecular mechanism
Wang Xiaolin, Li Jing, Bian Yongqian, Li Jinqing, Li Xueyong
2023, 39(7): 662-670. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220930-00429
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the influence of pH value on tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) and study its molecular mechanism, so as to provide theoretical basis for the study of promoting angiogenesis in the process of wound healing.   Methods   The experimental study methods were applied. HDMECs of 4 or 5 passages in the logarithmic growth phase were collected for experiments. Culture mediums with pH values of 6.4, 6.6, 6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, and 7.8 were prepared, and the cells were adaptively cultured (the same culture method below) for 24 h before further experiments being carried out. After another 36 h of culture, the relative fluorescence value of cytoplasmic pH value was measured by flow cytometry, and the correlation analysis between the relative fluorescence value of cytoplasmic pH value and the medium pH value was carried out. After another 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 days of culture, the cell proliferation activity was detected with cell counting kit 8. Oris TM cell migration detection kit was used to detect the remaining area of cell migration at 0 (immediately), 24, and 48 h after removing the cell seeding stopper. Three-dimensional stromal gel cell tube formation experiment was carried out to detect the lumen diameter of tube formed by cells after another 48 h of culture. The protein expressions of phosphorylation sites 473 and 308 of protein kinase B (Akt) were detected by Western blotting after another 48 h of culture. The sample number was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance, analysis of variance for factorial design, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, and Bonferroni correction.   Results   After another 36 h of culture, the relative fluorescence values of cytoplasmic pH value of cells cultured in pH 6.8-7.8 mediums were significantly higher than the level in pH 6.4 medium ( P<0.05); compared with those in pH 6.6-7.0 mediums, the relative fluorescence values of cytoplasmic pH value of cells cultured in pH 7.4-7.8 mediums were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the relative fluorescence value of cytoplasmic pH value of cells cultured in pH 6.6 medium was significantly lower than that in pH 7.0 or 7.2 mediun (with P values all <0.05); the relative fluorescence values of cytoplasmic pH value of cells cultured in pH 7.6 and 7.8 mediums were significantly higher than those in pH 7.2 and 7.4 mediums ( P<0.05). The relative fluorescence value of cytoplasmic pH value was significantly positively correlated with the medium pH value ( r=0.99, P<0.05). The proliferation activity was similar among cells cultured in 8 mediums of different pH values for another 1.5 days ( P>0.05). After another 2.5 days of culture, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 6.4-6.8 mediums was significantly decreased compared with that in pH 7.6 medium ( P<0.05). After another 3.5 days of culture, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 7.0-7.8 mediums was significantly higher than that in pH 6.4-6.8 mediums ( P<0.05); compared with that in pH 7.6 medium, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 7.0-7.4 and 7.8 mediums was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). After another 4.5 or 5.5 days of culture, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 6.8-7.8 mediums was significantly higher than that in pH 6.4 medium ( P<0.05); compared with that in pH 6.6 and 6.8 mediums, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 7.0-7.8 mediums was significantly increased ( P<0.05). After another 4.5 days of culture, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 7.6 medium was significantly higher than that in pH 7.0 medium ( P<0.05). After another 5.5 days of culture, the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 7.2-7.6 mediums was significantly increased compared with that in pH 7.0 medium ( P<0.05); the proliferation activity of cells cultured in pH 7.2 and 7.4 mediums was significantly lower than that in pH 7.6 medium (with P values all <0.05) but significantly higher than that in pH 7.6 medium (with P values all <0.05). Immediately after removing the cell seeding stopper, the remaining migration areas were similar among cells cultured in 8 mediums of different pH values ( P>0.05). At 24 h after removing the cell seeding stopper, the remaining migration areas of cells cultured in pH 6.6-7.8 mediums were significantly smaller than the area in pH 6.4 medium ( P<0.05); compared with those in pH 6.6 and 6.8 mediums, the remaining migration areas of cells cultured in pH 7.0 to 7.6 mediums were significantly reduced ( P<0.05). At 48 h after removing the cell seeding stopper, compared with those in pH 6.4 and 6.6 mediums, the remaining migration areas of cells cultured in pH 7.0-7.8 mediums were significantly reduced ( P<0.05); the remaining migration areas of cells cultured in pH 7.2 and 7.4 mediums were significantly smaller than those in pH 6.8, 7.0, and 7.8 mediums ( P<0.05) but significantly larger than the area in pH 7.6 medium ( P<0.05); the remaining migration area of cells cultured in pH 7.6 medium was significantly smaller than that in pH 6.8 or 7.8 medium (with P values all <0.05). After another 48 h of culture, the lumen diameters of tubes formed by cells cultured in pH 7.0, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, and 7.8 mediums were (5.0±0.5), (7.6±0.9), (8.5±0.7), (11.0±0.8), and (5.3±0.8) μm, respectively, which were significantly longer than (2.8±0.8) μm in pH 6.4 medium ( P<0.05); the lumen diameters of tubes formed by cells cultured in pH 6.6 ((4.2±0.3) μm), 6.8 ((4.5±0.6) μm), 7.0, and 7.8 mediums were significantly shorter than the diameter in pH 7.6 medium ( P<0.05). After another 48 h of culture, compared with those in pH 6.4 and 6.6 mediums, the protein expressions of Akt phosphorylation sites 473 and 308 of cells cultured in pH 6.8 to 7.8 mediums were significantly increased ( P<0.05). Moreover, the protein expression of Akt phosphorylation site 308 of cells cultured in pH 6.6 medium was significantly higher than that in pH 6.4 medium ( P<0.05); compared with the expression in pH 6.8 medium, the protein expressions of Akt phosphorylation site 473 of cells cultured in pH 7.0 and 7.4-7.8 mediums were significantly increased ( P<0.05); compared with the expression in pH 7.6 medium, the protein expressions of Akt phosphorylation site 473 of cells cultured in pH 7.0-7.4 and 7.8 mediums were significantly decreased ( P<0.05); compared with the expression in pH 7.8 medium, the protein expressions of Akt phosphorylation site 308 of cells cultured in pH 7.0 to 7.6 mediums were significantly increased ( P<0.05).   Conclusions   pH value can regulate the lumen diameter of HDMEC-formed capillaries, which is closely related to the activation of Akt. 7.2-7.6 is the appropriate pH value for constructing tissue engineered capillaries.
Summary of the best evidence on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot
Guo Qingjiao, Gu Ying, Ouyang Jing, Yu Lihong, Zhang Yizhi, Rao Jiaqin, Luo Shasha, Xu Wanying
2023, 39(7): 671-678. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220822-00354
Abstract:
  Objective   To summarize the best evidence on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot.   Methods   A bibliometric approach was used. Systematic searches were carried out to retrieve all the publicly published evidences till July 2022 on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot, including guidelines, evidence summary, recommended practices, expert consensus, systematic review, and original research, from foreign language databases including BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice Database, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Guideline International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, China Biology Medicine disc, China Clinical Guidelines Library, and the official websites of relevant academic organizations including National Institute for Health and Care Excellence of the United Kingdom, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario of Canada, the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, International Diabetes Federation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Diabetes Association, and Chinese Diabetes Society. The literature was screened and evaluated for the quality, from which the evidences were extracted and evaluated to summarize the best evidences.   Results   Nine guidelines, three expert consensuses, one evidence summary (with two systematic reviews being traced), two systematic reviews, 6 randomized controlled trials were retrieved and included, with good quality of literature. Totally 33 pieces of best evidences on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot were summarized from the aspects of appropriate exercise prevention of diabetic foot, exercise therapy of diabetic foot, precautions for exercise, health education, and establishment of a multidisciplinary limb salvage team.   Conclusions   Totally 33 pieces of best evidences on exercise for the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot were summarized from 5 aspects, providing decision-making basis for clinical guidance on exercise practice for patients with diabetic foot.
Review·Infection and Immunity of Burns and Trauma
Research advances of sepsis biomarkers
Zeng Zhuo, Peng Yizhi, Yuan Zhiqiang
2023, 39(7): 679-684. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230320-00086
Abstract:
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition for patients. Biomarkers can be used for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic assessment of sepsis. In recent years, new biomarkers for sepsis have been discovered, and more than 250 biomarkers have been identified so far. The complexity of the sepsis process and the increased sensitivity of various detection techniques will lead to the emergence of new biomarkers. However, there is still a lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic approaches for sepsis in clinical practice. Therefore, the search for reliable biomarkers and the evaluation of the role of biomarkers in sepsis will undoubtedly aid in clinical decision-making. This article reviews the advances on research of sepsis biomarkers in order to improve understanding of current biomarkers of sepsis, and provide reference for the application of biomarkers in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of sepsis.
Reviews
Application and research progress of permissive hypocaloric nutrition in nutritional therapy of severe burns
Fang He, Xia Zhaofan
2023, 39(7): 685-689. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221010-00445
Abstract:
Nutritional therapy plays an important role in the treatment of severe burns. With the deepening understanding of metabolic patterns and body responses after severe burns, the concepts and measures of nutritional therapy are also constantly developing and improving. Permissive hypocaloric nutrition is a nutritional management approach for critically ill patients, which generally refers to a nutritional administration method in which energy intake is lower than 70% of caloric requirement. This article aims to review the metabolic characteristics after severe burns, as well as the implementation timing, duration, target calories, and nutritional content of permissive hypocaloric nutrition, in order to provide reference for clinical decision-making by clinical physicians, improve the efficacy of nutritional treatment for severe burn patients, and improve patients' prognosis.
Research advances on the mechanism and treatment of post-burn pruritus
Chen Mengjia, Zhang Yuanwen
2023, 39(7): 690-694. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221018-00457
Abstract:
Pruritus is one of the common symptoms after burn injury, which seriously affects the wound healing and quality of life of burn patients, but its diagnosis and treatment are often neglected. The pathophysiological mechanism of post-burn pruritus has not been elucidated, and it is currently believed that post-burn pruritus is caused by the neuropathic factors. In addition, there is no consensus on the standard evaluation methods and treatment protocols for post-burn pruritus. This paper reviewed the research advances on the pathophysiological mechanism, disease evaluation, and treatment of post-burn pruritus.
Research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair
Duan Yuren, Zhao Yuchen, Song Wenyu, Wang Jiaxin, Pei Jie, Wang Xiaobing
2023, 39(7): 695-700. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220912-00402
Abstract:
How to promote high-quality wound healing is a common problem for plastic surgery and burn physicians. In recent years, numerous animal studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote wound repair through multiple mechanisms and are promising cell-free therapeutic agents with broad prospect of application. How to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes, optimize their drug delivery strategy, and improve their biological properties are the challenges to be overcome in order to move from basic research to clinical application of exosome therapy for wound repair. This article focuses on methods to improve the wound repair potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, and reviews the recent research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair from three aspects, including pretreatment of parental mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogel bio-scaffold loaded with exosomes, and engineered exosomes, to provide a reference for further clinical studies.