Foot reflexology in autoimmune diseases:Effectiveness and mechanisms

Foot reflexology(FR)is a Chinese-originated and non-invasive complementary therapy increasingly used by functional,alternative and para-medical professionals.Enhance attempts are made to study FR in non-functional organic conditions.The present invited Editorial discusses the application of FR in autoimmune diseases(AD),highlighting a few successful studies demonstrating symptomatic relief and objective improvements.Despite promising results,the FR domain remains under-investigated and an urgent need to confirm and understand the effect of FR in chronic diseases,including AD,is highly recommended.

Is it possible to foot reflexology for infants with sensorineural hearing loss?

Foot reflexology is a non-invasive and safe complementary therapy that works by massaging the reflex zones of the feet and exerts systemic or whole-body regulation through meridian nerve conduction.This therapy is commonly used in the treatment of various conditions such as autism and Parkinson's disease.However,there is limited reporting on the use of foot reflexology therapy for infants with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL).Currently,there is no definitive conclusion on how foot reflexology therapy can influence hearing.This editorial holds some guiding significance regarding this clinical issue.The aim is to present physiological evidence of how foot reflexology therapy can impact infants with SNHL,thereby enhancing clinician’s awareness of foot reflexology in treating infants with SNHL.

Role of macrophage polarization in diabetic foot ulcer healing:A bibliometric study

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are a significant contributor to disability and mortality in diabetic patients.Macrophage polarization and functional regulation are promising areas of research and show therapeutic potential in the field of DFU healing.However,the complex mechanism,the difficulty in clinical translation,and the large heterogeneity present significant challenges.Hence,this study was to comprehensively analyze the publication status and trends of studies on macrophage polarization and DFU healing.AIM To examine the relevant literature on macrophage polarization in DFU healing.METHODS A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database.Relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database between 2013 to 2023 using literature visualization and analysis software(VOSviewer and CiteSpace)and bibliometric online platforms.The obtained literature was then subjected to visualization and analysis of different countries/regions,institutions,journals,authors,and keywords to reveal the research’s major trends and focus.RESULTS The number of publications on the role of macrophage polarization in DFU healing increased rapidly from 2013 to 2023,especially in the latter period.Chinese researchers were the most prolific in this field,with 217 publications,while American researchers had been engaged in this field for a longer period.Qian Tan of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and Qian Ding of Nanjing University were the first to publish in this field.Shanghai Jiao Tong University was the institution with the most publications(27).The keywords“bone marrow”,“adjustment,replacement,response,tissue repair”,and“activation,repair,differentiation”appeared more frequently.The study of macrophage polarization in DFU healing focused on the regulatory mechanism,gene expression,and other aspects.CONCLUSION This study through the bibliometric method reveals the research trends and development trends in this field of macrophage polarization in DFU healing from 2013 to 2023 in the Web of Science Core Collection database.The key hotspots in this field mainly include the regulation of macrophage activation,gene expression,wound tissue repair,and new wound materials.This study provides references for future research directions.

Diabetic foot attack:Managing severe sepsis in the diabetic patient

Diabetic foot attack(DFA)is the most severe presentation of diabetic foot disease,with the patient commonly displaying severe sepsis,which can be limb or life threatening.DFA can be classified into two main categories:Typical and atypical.A typical DFA is secondary to a severe infection in the foot,often initiated by minor breaches in skin integrity that allow pathogens to enter and proliferate.This form often progresses rapidly due to the underlying diabetic pathophysiology of neuropathy,microvascular disease,and hyperglycemia,which facilitate infection spread and tissue necrosis.This form of DFA can present as one of a number of severe infective pathologies including pyomyositis,necrotizing fasciitis,and myonecrosis,all of which can lead to systemic sepsis and multiorgan failure.An atypical DFA,however,is not primarily infection-driven.It can occur secondary to either ischemia or Charcot arthropathy.Management of the typical DFA involves prompt diagnosis,aggressive infection control,and a multidisciplinary approach.Treatment can be guided by the current International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines on diabetic foot infections,and the combined British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society-Vascular Society guidelines.This article highlights the importance of early recognition,comprehensive management strategies,and the need for further research to establish standardized protocols and improve clinical outcomes for patients with DFA.

Acellular fish skin grafts in diabetic foot ulcer care:Advances and clinical insights

Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)represents a significant public health issue,with a rising global prevalence and severe potential complications including amputation.Traditional treatments often fall short due to various limitations such as high recurrence rates and extensive resource utilization.This editorial explores the innovative use of acellular fish skin grafts as a transformative approach in DFU management.Recent studies and a detailed case report highlight the efficacy of acellular fish skin grafts in accelerating wound closure,reducing dressing changes,and enhancing patient outcomes with a lower socio-economic burden.Despite their promise,challenges such as limited availability,patient acceptance,and the need for further research persist.Addressing these through more extensive randomized controlled trials and fostering a multidisciplinary treatment approach may optimize DFU care and reduce the global health burden associated with these complex wounds.

Surgical management of the diabetic foot:The current evidence

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications,particularly diabetic foot pathologies,poses significant healthcare challenges and economic burdens globally.This review synthesises current evidence on the surgical management of the diabetic foot,focusing on the interplay between neuropathy,ischemia,and infection that commonly culminates in ulcers,infections,and,in severe cases,amputations.The escalating incidence of diabetes mellitus underscores the urgency for effective management strategies,as diabetic foot complications are a leading cause of hospital admissions among diabetic patients,significantly impacting morbidity and mortality rates.This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetic foot complications and further examines diabetic foot ulcers,infections,and skeletal pathologies such as Charcot arthropathy,emphasising the critical role of early diagnosis,comprehensive management strategies,and interdisciplinary care in mitigating adverse outcomes.In addressing surgical interventions,this review evaluates conservative surgeries,amputations,and reconstructive procedures,highlighting the importance of tailored approaches based on individual patient profiles and the specific characteristics of foot pathologies.The integration of advanced diagnostic tools,novel surgical techniques,and postoperative care,including offloading and infection control,are discussed in the context of optimising healing and preserving limb function.

Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss:A case report

BACKGROUND Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology.Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery,but no physiological evidence has been provided.This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents.Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born.The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)by a doctor in the otolaryngology department.After we introduced the foot reflexology project,the parents agreed to participate in the experiment.After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment,the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level,below 30 dB.CONCLUSION Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.

Global trends in publications regarding macrophages-related diabetic foot ulcers in the last two decades

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are one of the most severe and popular complications of diabetes.The persistent non-healing of DFUs is the leading cause of amputation,which causes significant mental and financial stress to patients and their families.Macrophages are critical cells in wound healing and perform essential roles in all phases of wound healing.However,no studies have been carried out to systematically illustrate this area from a scientometric point of view.Although there have been some bibliometric studies on diabetes,reports focusing on the investigation of macrophages in DFUs are lacking.AIM To perform a bibliometric analysis to systematically assess the current state of research on macrophage-related DFUs.METHODS The publications of macrophage-related DFUs from January 1,2004,to December 31,2023,were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on January 9,2024.Four different analytical tools:VOSviewer(v1.6.19),CiteSpace(v6.2.R4),HistCite(v12.03.07),and Excel 2021 were used for the scientometric research.RESULTS A total of 330 articles on macrophage-related DFUs were retrieved.The most published countries,institutions,journals,and authors in this field were China,Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China,Wound Repair and Regeneration,and Aristidis Veves.Through the analysis of keyword co-occurrence networks,historical direct citation networks,thematic maps,and trend topics maps,we synthesized the prevailing research hotspots and emerging trends in this field.CONCLUSION Our bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of macrophage-related DFUs research and insights into promising upcoming research.

Research progress and challenges in stem cell therapy for diabetic foot: Bibliometric analysis and perspectives

BACKGROUND Stem cell therapy has shown great potential for treating diabetic foot(DF).AIM To conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of stem cell therapy for DF over the past two decades,with the aim of depicting the current global research landscape,identifying the most influential research hotspots,and providing insights for future research directions.METHODS We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for all relevant studies on the use of stem cell therapy in DF.Bibliometric analysis was carried out using CiteSpace,VOSviewer,and R(4.3.1)to identify the most notable studies.RESULTS A search was conducted to identify publications related to the use of stem cells for DF treatment.A total of 542 articles published from 2000 to 2023 were identified.The United States had published the most papers on this subject.In this field,Iran’s Shahid Beheshti University Medical Sciences demonstrated the highest productivity.Furthermore,Dr.Bayat from the same university has been an outstanding researcher in this field.Stem Cell Research&Therapy is the journal with the highest number of publications in this field.The main keywords were“diabetic foot ulcers,”“wound healing,”and“angiogenesis.”CONCLUSION This study systematically illustrated the advances in the use of stem cell therapy to treat DF over the past 23 years.Current research findings suggested that the hotspots in this field include stem cell dressings,exosomes,wound healing,and adipose-derived stem cells.Future research should also focus on the clinical translation of stem cell therapies for DF.

Acute effect of foot strike patterns on in vivo tibiotalar and subtalar joint kinematics during barefoot running

Background:Foot kinematics,such as excessive eversion and malalignment of the hindfoot,are believed to be associated with running-related injuries.The maj ority of studies to date show that different foot strike patterns influence these specific foot and ankle kinematics.However,technical deficiencies in traditional motion capture approaches limit knowledge of in vivo joint kinematics with respect to rearfoot and forefoot strike patterns(RFS and FFS,respectively).This study uses a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system(DFIS)to determine the effects of different foot strike patterns on 3D in vivo tibiotalar and subtalar joints kinematics.Methods:Fifteen healthy male recreational runners underwent foot computed tomography scanning for the construction of 3-dimensional models.A high-speed DFIS(100 Hz)was used to collect 6 degrees of freedom kinematics for participants’tibiotalar and subtalar joints when they adopted RFS and FFS in barefoot condition.Results:Compared with RFS,FFS exhibited greater internal rotation at 0%-20%of the stance phase in the tibiotalar joint.The peak internal rotation angle of the tibiotalar joint under FFS was greater than under RFS(p<0.001,Cohen’s d=0.92).RFS showed more dorsiflexion at 0%-20%of the stance phase in the tibiotalar joint than FFS.RFS also presented a larger anterior translation(p<0.001,Cohen’s d=1.28)in the subtalar joint at i nitial contact than FFS.Conclusion:Running with acute barefoot FFS increases the internal rotation of the tibiotalar joint in the early stance.The use of high-speed DFIS to quantify the movement of the tibiotalar and subtalar joint was critical to revealing the effects of RF S and FFS during running.

Non-surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers on the dorsum of the foot with polydeoxyribonucleotide injection:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers are caused by a variety of factors,including peripheral neuropathy,peripheral arterial disease,impaired wound healing mechanisms,and repetitive trauma.Patients with diabetic foot ulcer on the dorsum of the foot are often treated surgically.However,the right non-surgical therapy must be chosen if surgical choices are contraindicated or if the patient prefers conservative treatment over surgery.CASE SUMMARY The purpose of this case report is to highlight the efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotide(PDRN)injection as a non-surgical treatment option for diabetic foot ulcers on the dorsum of the foot,particularly in patients who choose against surgical intervention.This case report presents two cases of diabetic foot ulcers located on the dorsum of the foot that were successfully treated with PDRN injection as a non-surgical intervention.CONCLUSION If the patient declines surgery for diabetic ulcers with Wagner grade II or below,PDRN injection can be effective if necrotic tissue is removed and the wound bed kept clean.

Portraying Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Comparative Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Infections versus Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Background: Confusion often arises in caring for diabetic foot infections and ulcers, especially with antimicrobials;we aim to shed light on this entity and alert healthcare workers to its stewardship. Methods: Records were reviewed between February 2016 and September 2023. Data for patients diagnosed with diabetes and foot ulcers, infected or not, were examined following ICD 9 search terms. Records for patients were included if they were prediabetic/diabetic adults with foot ulcers, more than 18 years old, and on antidiabetic treatment. Patients were excluded if they insulin resistant, with normal HgbA1c levels, wheel-chair dependent, bed-bound, non-diabetic patients, diabetic patients who had vascular lower limb surgery earlier to ulcers, diabetic patients who had aortocoronary bypass, deep venous thrombosis within six months, malignancy, and severe clinical depression. A modified IWGDF/IDSA guidelines definitions for DFI and DFU was considered. Statistical analysis was done using R programming. Statistical methods were employed as appropriate, and a significant P-value was considered for P Results: Most characteristics were well balanced between DFI and DFU, on imaging osteomyelitis and tissue swelling were significantly more in DFI. Endovascular radiological procedures showed angiograms to be considerably more in DFI, while angioplasty was more in DFU, in addition to smoking. Bacteremia was uncommon, and swab cultures were mostly polymicrobial in both ulcers;no clear association with blood bacteria was detected with the polymicrobial growth, though few were concordant. Antimicrobials prescribed for both ulcers were not statistically different except for carbapenems, which were more in DFI (P Conclusion: Attention should be paid to best practices while caring for diabetic ulcers. These include swab culture interpretations, the use of antimicrobials, and plan management according to DFI or DFU to utilize either local care or combination with antimicrobials.

Prognostic Factors for Diabetic Foot at CNHU-HKM

Introduction: Predictions on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, according to the International Diabetes Federation, indicated 9.3% in 2019 and nearly 10.9% of the general population in 2045. In Benin, the increase in this prevalence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is constantly increasing. Diabetic foot is one of its most common complications. The aim of this work was to study the prognostic factors of diabetic foot in the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Patients and method: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study of the prognostic factors of diabetic foot over a period of 3 years from January 2019 to December 2021 in patients who have been hospitalized or followed on an outpatient basis for diabetic foot in the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition Department of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Results: A total of 112 patients were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 59.70 ± 2.10 years. A male predominance was noted with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.7. Mixed gangrene and phlegmons were the most common lesions. According to the classification of diabetic feet according to the University of Texas, 59.1% of patients had a 100% risk of amputation. Ten patients died from sepsis (8.9%). The average blood glucose on admission was 2.74 ± 0.23 g/l, reflecting the glycemic imbalance in these patients. There is a statistically significant association between the duration of progression of diabetes, the type of lesion and amputation. Patients whose diabetes has lasted more than 30 years and patients who are not monitored have a greater risk of death. Conclusion: Diabetic patients most often consulted at a late stage, compromising conservative treatment. The duration of diabetes and the type of lesion on admission were the main factors leading to amputation, thus compromising the functional prognosis. As for death, it was mainly linked to irregular monitoring of diabetes and the duration of diabetes. Effective prevention and management of diabetic feet requires patient education about the diabetic foot and systematic screening of at-risk feet in consultation.

Impact of tibial transverse transport in tissue regeneration and wound healing with perspective on diabetic foot ulcers

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Liao et al published in the current issue of the World Journal of Diabetes.We focus on the clinical significance of tibial transverse transport(TTT)as an effective treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcers(DFU).TTT has been associated with tissue regeneration,improved blood circulation,reduced amputation rates,and increased expression of early angiogenic factors.Mechanistically,TTT can influence macrophage polarization and growth factor upregulation.Despite this potential,the limitations and conflicting results of existing studies justify the need for further research into its optimal application and development.These clinical implications highlight the efficacy of TTT in recalcitrant DFU and provide lasting stimuli for tissue re-generation,and blood vessel and bone marrow improvement.Immunomodu-lation via systemic responses contributes to its therapeutic potential.Future studies should investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms to enhance our understanding and the efficacy of TTT.This manuscript emphasizes the potential of TTT in limb preservation and diabetic wound healing and suggests avenues for preventive measures against limb amputation in diabetes and peripheral artery disease.Here,we highlight the clinical significance of the TTT and its importance in healing DFU to promote the use of this technique in tissue regeneration.

Intact fish skin graft a new hope for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers:A case report

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are a real public health problem which carry a high risk of amputation.The treatment of DFUs is based on general management such as the treatment of infection,arterial disease,and offloading,but recent studies have shown that the quality of the local covering can impact the healing rate.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 39-year-old man,living with diabetes since the age of 15,who developed DFU on the dorsum of his left foot,with muscle and tendon in-volvement.Conventional management with intensive diabetes control,surgery,treatment of infection and negative pressure therapy gave only limited results.The patient benefited from the application of an intact fish skin graft with com-plete epithelialisation of the ulcer after 10 weeks of treatment.CONCLUSION The use of intact fish skin graft appears to be a promising option for deep DFUs.

Quality Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials for Diabetic Foot

Background: The quality of online Arabic educational materials for diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is unknown. This study evaluated Arabic websites as patients’ sources of information for DFS. Methods: The study assessed patient-related websites about DFS using a modified Ensuring Quality of Information for Patients (EQIP) tool (score 0 - 35). Specific terms were searched in Google to identify DFS websites;eligibility criteria were applied to 20 pages of search results to select the included websites. Data on country of origin, source types and subtypes, and website traffic were extracted. Additional therapeutic information regarding prevention and conservative, pharmacological, and surgical treatments was also recorded and analyzed. Results: Among 559 websites, 157 were eligible for inclusion. The median EQIP score was 16 out of 35, indicating poor quality in one of three domains (content, identification, or structure). Most sources originated from Arab countries (75.8%) were non-governmental (94.9%), and were medical information websites (46.5%). High-scoring websites were significantly more likely than low-scoring websites to describe information on prevention (30.9% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.001), conservative treatment (34.1% vs. 13%, p = 0.002), or pharmacological treatment (32.5% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.024). There were increased odds of scoring high if a website provided information on prevention (OR = 12.9, 95% CI [1.68 - 98.57], p = 0.014). Conclusion: Most Arabic online patient information on DFS is of poor quality. Quality control measures are needed to ensure accurate health information for the public.

Clinical Versus Doppler Based Assessment in Determining Amputation Level in Diabetic Foot Gangrene;A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study at Atbuth, Bauchi

Background: Amputation is defined as the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb through the bone. If the amputation is done above or below the knee, they are termed major while minor amputations involve the partial removal of foot including forefoot resections, ray amputation of the digits or parts of the digits. Significant number of patients with diabetic foot ulcers end with amputations. In the past the amputation level was decided by clinical assessment alone, such as physical examination using color, temperature, peripheral pulses and wound bleeding during surgical procedure. The use of Doppler ultrasound to measure arterial blood pressure at the proposed amputation site has been advocated as a predictor of amputation success. An optimal choice of the level of amputation can reduce amputation complications. Methodology: A Prospective comparative randomized cross-sectional study carried out between 1st January 2022 and 1st January 2024 in ATBUTH, Bauchi amongst patients with diabetic foot Wagener stage IV and V scheduled for amputation. Outcome measures of wound break down, flap necrosis and re-amputation were assessed amongst the clinical based level assessment group and the doppler based level assessment group. Results: A total of 171 patients were recruited into the study. Males 103 and 68 are females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. mean age 47 years. There were 84 patients in the clinical based level assessment group and 87 patients in the doppler based level assessment. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus foot disease is a significant risk factor for non-traumatic lower limb amputation and doppler level assessment is superior to clinical level in determining amputation level among diabetic patients scheduled for amputation. P-value 0.003.

Foot and ankle surgery:Tourniquet placement site to cause as little postoperative pain as possible

There is controversy in the literature on where to place the tourniquet(thigh,calf,ankle)for foot and ankle surgery.While some authors prefer the ankle tourniquet to the calf tourniquet,others state that the surgeon can decide between using the thigh tourniquet or the ankle tourniquet,since there was no difference in postoperative pain between them.Where to place the tourniquet during foot and ankle surgery to cause the least possible postoperative pain to the patient as a result of the tourniquet is a common question in clinical practice.The reality is that,unfortunately,there is no consensus on this issue.Perhaps the only possible way to answer this question would be to conduct a comparative study with sufficient statistical power to reach scientifically sound conclusions.It does not seem easy to carry out such a study,but it would be important to be able to answer the question posed in the title of this Editorial once and for all.

Prevalence and risk factors of wound complications after transtibial amputation in patients with diabetic foot

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot(DMF)complications are common and are increasing in incidence.Risk factors related to wound complications are yet to be established after transtibial amputation under the diagnosis of DMF infection.AIM To analyze the prognosis and risk factors related to wound complications after transtibial amputation in patients with diabetes.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included seventy-two patients with DMF complications who underwent transtibial amputation between April 2014 and March 2023.The groups were categorized based on the occurrence of wound complications,and we compared demographic data between the complication group and the non-complication group to analyze risk factors.Moreover,a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors.RESULTS The average follow-up period was 36.2 months.Among the 72 cases,31(43.1%)had wound complications.Of these,12 cases(16.7%)received further treatment,such as debridement,soft tissue stump revision,and re-amputation at the proximal level.In a group that required further management due to wound complications after transtibial amputation,the hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)level was 9.32,while the other group that did not require any treatment had a 7.54 HbA1c level.The prevalence of a history of kidney transplantation with wound complications after transtibial amputation surgery in DMF patients was significantly greater than in cases without wound complications(P=0.02).Other factors did not show significant differences.CONCLUSION Approximately 43.1%of the patients with transtibial amputation surgery experienced wound complications,and 16.7%required additional surgical treatment.High HbA1c levels and kidney transplant history are risk factors for postoperative wound complications.

Research Progress on Healing Mechanism of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcers are a prevalent complication that can significantly impact quality of life and necessitate high-level amputations. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment, elucidation of pathogenesis, and targeted countermeasures assume paramount importance. Wound healing entails a complex process wherein various components such as inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix, and immune cells intricately interact with each other. Due to the vulnerability of the skin to damage, inadequate or impaired wound healing has emerged as an urgent clinical challenge requiring resolution. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in order to offer theoretical guidance for specific interventions.