Wettability,reactivity,and interface structure in Mg/Ni system

The sessile drop method was applied to the experimental investigation of the wetting and spreading behaviors of liquid Mg drops on pure Ni substrates.For comparison,the experiments were performed in two variants:(1)using the Capillary Purification(CP)procedure,which allows the non-contact heating and squeezing of a pure oxide-free Mg drop;(2)by classical Contact Heating(CH)procedure.The high-temperature tests were performed under isothermal conditions(CP:760℃for 30 s;CH:715℃for 300 s)using Ar+5 wt%H_(2) atmosphere.During the sessile drop tests,images of the Mg/Ni couples were recorded by CCD cameras(57 fps),which were then applied to calculate the contact angles of metal/substrate couples.Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses,both coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,were used for detailed structural characterization of the solidified couples.It was found that an oxide-free Mg drop obtained by the CP procedure showed a wetting phenomenon on the Ni substrate(an average contact angleθ<90°in<1 s),followed by fast spreading and good wetting over the Ni substrate(θ_((CP))~20°in 5 s)to form a final contact angle ofθ_(f(CP))~18°.In contrast,a different wetting behavior was observed for the CH procedure,where the unavoidable primary oxide film on the Mg surface blocked the spreading of liquid Mg showing apparently non-wetting behavior after 300 s contact at the test temperature.However,in both cases,the deep craters formed in the Ni substrates under the Mg drops and significant change in the structure of initially pure Mg drops to Mg-Ni alloys suggest a strong dissolution of Ni in liquid Mg and apparent values of the final contact angles measured for the Mg/Ni system.

Evaluation of Procedural Pain in Neonates in Cameroon

Introduction: Acute pain associated with caregiving is a major cause of pain among neonates. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term neurosensory and psychoaffective consequences. In Cameroon, this subject has been scarcely explored, thus constituting an impediment to the management of care-induced pain. Objective: Assess procedural pain in neonates in Yaoundé. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with prospective data collection over a period of eight months (October 2022 to May 2023) in three hospitals. We included neonates who were being cared for and were not crying prior to the onset of healthcare, whose parents consented to the study. Assessments were done using the DAN scale, which is specific to care-induced pain. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: A total of 161 newborns were included. The hospital prevalence of care-induced pain in neonates was 85%. Neonatal sepsis was the main cause for admission (96.6%). The most common procedures were venous blood sampling (94.4%) and insertion of peripheral venous lines (93.8%). The pain intensity for these procedures was severe (83.9%). The most painful procedure was lumbar tap, followed by venous access procedures. Conclusion: Neonates in hospitals are subjected to many painful procedures. The pain experienced during these procedures is severe. The most nociceptive procedure is a lumbar puncture.

Comparison of Surgical Techniques Used in Treating Acromioclavicular Dislocation in Patients Participating in Sports: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The acromioclavicular joint is a superficial diarthrodial joint that surrounds the medial articular facet of the acromion and the distal portion of the clavicle. Due to its anatomy and biomechanics, it is highly susceptible to trauma and in young men who play contact sports, acromioclavicular dislocation is common. This article aimed to systematically review the literature and compare the surgical techniques used in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation in patients who practice sports. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the International Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies for this systematic review included articles in English or Spanish published between 2013 and 2023, which mention the occurrence of acromioclavicular dislocation during sports practices. Additionally, only studies that addressed the surgical treatment of acromion-clavicular dislocation and contained original data on the topic were included. Results: We found 144 eligible studies after searching the LILACS and PubMed databases. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the reviewers’ consensus, we selected four studies for the systematic review. 133 patients with AC joint displacement were evaluated. Mean Age: approximately 31.90 years. 81.92 of these injuries occurred during sports practice. Surgical Procedures Used: titanium plates fixation (49 patients), arthroscopy (24), single tunnel technique (30) and coracoid sling technique (30). The results of the visual analog scale and Constant-Murley scores varied between the techniques used. Twenty-two complications after surgical treatment were identified. Conclusion: A significant variability of operative techniques can be used in the surgical approach of acromioclavicular dislocation, such as arthroscopy, single tunnel, coracoid sling and titanium plates. Although it presented excellent functional results compared to the other three techniques evaluated by this review, using titanium plates is not the gold standard since other techniques not assessed by this work may be more effective.

Initial experience of laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy with a novel purpose-built robotic system

Objective This prospective single-arm clinical trial aimed to evaluated the feasibility and safety of the application of the SHURUI system(Beijing Surgerii Technology Co.,Ltd.,Beijing,China),a novel purpose-built robotic system,in single-port robotic radical prostatectomy.Methods Sixteen patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled in and underwent robotic radical prostatectomy from October 2021 to August 2022 by the SHURUI single-port robotic surgical system.The demographic and baseline data,surgical,oncological,and functional outcomes as well as follow-up data were recorded.Results The mean operative time was 226.3(standard deviation[SD]52.0)min,and the mean console time was 183.4(SD 48.3)min,with the mean estimated blood loss of 116.3(SD 90.0)mL.The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.50(SD 0.97)days.Two patients had postoperative complications(Clavien-Dindo Grade II),and both patients improved after conservative treatment.All patients’postoperative prostate-specific antigen levels decreased to below 0.2 ng/mL 1 month after discharge.The mean prostate-specific antigen level further decreased to a mean of 0.0219(SD 0.0641)ng/mL 6 months after surgery.Thirty days postoperatively,12 out of 16 patients reported using no more than one urinary pad per day,and all patients reported satisfactory urinary control without the need for pads 6 months after surgery.Conclusion The SHURUI system is safe and feasible in performing radical prostatectomy via both transperitoneal and extraperitoneal approaches.Tumor control and urinary continence were satisfying for patients enrolled in.The next phase involves conducting a large-scale,multicenter randomized controlled trial to thoroughly assess the effectiveness and safety of the new technology in a broader population.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for treatment of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt:A case report

Congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt(CPSVS), a rare vascular malformation, has been described in both children and adults and can lead to severe neurophysiological complications. However, a standard therapeutic protocol for CPSVS has not been elucidated. With the advantage of minimally invasive techniques,transcatheter embolization has been used to treat CPSVS. The condition is challenging to manage, especially in patients with large or multiple shunts, through which rapid blood flow can cause ectopic embolism. Here, we describe a case of CPSVS with a large shunt that was successfully treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration with interlocking detachable coils.

Current approach for Boerhaaves syndrome:A systematic review of case reports

There is no consensus on the appropriate therapeutic strategy for Boerhaave syndrome due to its rarity and changing therapeutic approaches.We conducted a systematic review of case reports documenting Boerhaave syndrome.AIM To assess the therapeutic methods and clinical outcomes and discuss the current trends in the management of Boerhaave syndrome.METHODS We searched PubMed,Google scholar,MEDLINE,and The Cochrane Library for studies concerning Boerhaave syndrome published between 2017 and 2022.RESULTS Of the included studies,49 were case reports,including a total of 56 cases.The mean age was 55.8±16 years old.Initial conservative treatment was performed in 25 cases,while operation was performed in 31 cases.The rate of conservative treatment was significantly higher than that of operation in cases of shock vital on admission(9.7%vs 44.0%;P=0.005).Seventeen out of 25 conservative cases(68.0%)were initially treated endoscopic esophageal stenting;2 of those 17 cases subsequently underwent operation due to poor infection control.Twelve cases developed postoperative leakage(38.7%),and 4 of those 12 cases underwent endoscopic esophageal stenting to stop the leakage.The length of the hospital stay was not significantly different between the conservative treatment and operation cases(operation vs conservation:33.52±22.69 vs 38.81±35.28 days;P=0.553).CONCLUSION In the treatment of Boerhaave syndrome,it is most important to diagnose the issue immediately.Primary repair with reinforcement is the gold-standard procedure.The indication of endoscopic esophageal stenting or endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy should always be considered for patients in a poor general condition and who continue to have leakage after repair.

Procedural Transition in the Principle of the Best Interests of the Child in the Eyes of the European Court of Human Rights

The principle of the best interests of the child,as a criterion for substantive review,is conceptually ambiguous and uncertain in its application.To mitigate this dilemma in the application of the principle of the best interests of the child,the European Court of Human Rights(ECHR)has made a procedural transition in the interpretation and application of this principle,shifting from conducting specific proportionality analysis or interests balancing in cases related to children to examining whether States Parties have applied the principle of the best interests of the child in their judicial procedures.Moreover,ECHR has developed three procedural review schemes:holistic reviews,key factors-based reviews and factor list-based reviews.Compared with substantive reviews,procedural reviews adhere to the ECHR doctrine of margin of appreciation,restrict the free discretion of the court,give play to the effect of procedural autonomy,and pursue the value of subjective procedural justice,which has its own unique theoretical value and practical significance,and provides a feasible reference for China to interpret and apply the principle of the best interests of the child.

Introduction of PIC/S Accession Procedure and Suggestions for Establishing a Unified Quality Management System in China

Objective To introduce the accession procedure and evaluation of PIC/S,and help relevant departments in China to understand the requirements of PIC/S in detail,and to promote the process of China’s entry into PIC/S.Methods The procedures and steps of joining PIC/S,the evaluation process of PIC/S,and the experience of several countries in joining PIC/S were introduced and analyzed,which could help the relevant personnel in China understand the specific contents.Results and Conclusion According to the requirements of PIC/S,it is necessary to establish a unified GMP quality management system.

低温等离子治疗儿童鼻咽部第二鳃裂囊肿分析

目的探讨儿童鼻咽部第二鳃裂囊肿的临床特征和治疗方式,提高诊治能力。方法回顾性分析河北省儿童医院收治的4例儿童鼻咽部第二鳃裂囊肿的临床资料,包括年龄、性别、症状、影像学资料和治疗过程。总结分析病变部位特点,B超、CT或MRI特征,术后病理结果及治疗方式。结果4例鼻咽部第二鳃裂囊肿患儿均表现为鼻咽侧壁咽鼓管咽口与腭咽弓后上方连线上的囊性肿物,囊壁较厚,影像学检查结果均为囊性病变。4例患儿选择内镜下低温等离子病变切除术,其中2例为内侧囊壁大部分切除术,将囊腔充分敞开,2例为囊肿全部切除术。术后病理提示衬覆纤毛柱状上皮或复层上皮,周围淋巴组织增生。术后随访1.5~3年无复发。结论儿童鼻咽部第二鳃裂囊肿临床罕见,诊断主要依靠病变部位及术后病理结果,内镜下低温等离子切除病变组织是微创、安全、有效的治疗方式。

低温等离子射频消融联合下鼻甲骨折外移术治疗阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征的疗效观察

目的探讨阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(OSAHS)患者接受低温等离子射频消融联合下鼻甲骨折外移术后睡眠及经鼻持续气道正压通气(nasal continuous positive airway pressure,nCPAP)治疗耐受性的改善情况。方法选择40例OSAHS合并双侧下鼻甲肥大的患者作为研究对象,均在局麻下接受下鼻甲低温等离子射频消融联合骨折外移术。术前及术后2周分别采用多导睡眠监测(PSG)、鼻阻力仪、autoCPAP呼吸机及视觉模拟量表(VAS)测定睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数(AHI)、最低血氧饱和度(lowest oxygen saturation,LSaO_(2))、鼻气道阻力及nCPAP治疗耐受性。结果与术前比较,术后2周时患者AHI降低至(35.17±9.72)次/h,LSaO_(2)提高至(83.21±6.58)%,鼻气道阻力降低至(0.55±0.09)kPa·s/cm^(3),VAS评分升高至8.32±1.17,差异比较均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论低温等离子射频消融联合下鼻甲骨折外移术能有效降低OSAHS患者的鼻阻力,提高nCPAP治疗的耐受性,改善OSAHS患者的睡眠情况。

Robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for sporadic benign insulinoma:Short-and long-term outcomes

Background:Minimally invasive surgery is the optimal treatment for insulinoma.The present study aimed to compare short-and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic surgery for sporadic benign insulinoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery for insulinoma at our center between September 2007 and December 2019 was conducted.The demographic,perioperative and postoperative follow-up results were compared between the laparoscopic and robotic groups.Results:A total of 85 patients were enrolled,including 36 with laparoscopic approach and 49 with robotic approach.Enucleation was the preferred surgical procedure.Fifty-nine patients(69.4%)underwent enucleation;among them,26 and 33 patients underwent laparoscopic and robotic surgery,respectively.Robotic enucleation had a lower conversion rate to laparotomy(0 vs.19.2%,P=0.013),shorter operative time(102.0 vs.145.5 min,P=0.008)and shorter postoperative hospital stay(6.0 vs.8.5 d,P=0.002)than laparoscopic enucleation.There were no differences between the groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss,the rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula and complications.After a median follow-up of 65 months,two patients in the laparoscopic group developed a functional recurrence and none of the patients in the robotic group had a recurrence.Conclusions:Robotic enucleation can reduce the conversion rate to laparotomy and shorten operative time,which might lead to a reduction in postoperative hospital stay.

Non-anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma:the SegSubTe classification to overcome the problem of heterogeneity

Background:The superiority of anatomical resection(AR)vs.non-anatomical resection(NAR)in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is debated.ARs are well-defined procedures,whereas the lack of NAR standardization results in heterogeneous outcomes.This study aimed to introduce the SegSubTe classification for NAR detailing the appropriateness of the level of surgical section of the Glissonean pedicles feeding the tumor.Methods:A single-center retrospective analysis of pre-and postoperative imaging of consecutive patients treated with NAR for single HCC between 2012 and 2020 was conducted.The quality of surgery was assessed classifying the type of vascular supply and the level of surgical section(segmental,subsegmental or terminal next to the tumor)of vascular pedicles feeding the HCCs;then,the population was divided in“SegSubTe-IN”or“SegSubTe-OUT”groups,and the tumor recurrence and survival were analyzed.Results:Ninety-seven patients who underwent NAR were included;76%were SegSubTe-IN and 24%were SegSubTe-OUT.Total disease recurrence,local recurrence and cut-edge recurrence in the SegSubTe-IN vs.SegSubTe-OUT groups were 50%vs.83%(P=0.006),20%vs.52%(P=0.003)and 16%vs.39%(P=0.020),respectively.SegSubTe-OUT odds ratio for local recurrence was 4.1 at univariate regression analysis.One-,three-,and five-year disease-free survival rates in the SegSubTe-IN vs.SegSubTe-OUT groups were 81%,58%and 35%vs.46%,21%and 11%,respectively(P<0.001).Conclusions:The SegSubTe classification is a useful tool to stratify and standardize NAR for HCC,aiming at improving long-term oncological outcomes and reducing the heterogeneity of quality of NAR for HCC.

Efficacy and safety of remimazolam in bronchoscopic sedation:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Remimazolam is a new benzodiazepine used for procedural sedation and general anesthesia.Several studies have used remimazolam for bendable bronchoscopy.AIM To assess the safety and efficacy of remimazolam for sedation in patients undergoing bendable bronchoscopy by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS We searched the EMBASE,PubMed,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science databases for RCTs on bendable bronchoscopic procedural sedation with remimazolam vs conventional sedatives(CS).RESULTS Five studies with 1080 cases were included.Remimazolam had the same sedation success rate compared with CS[relative risk(RR):1.35,95%CI:0.60-3.05,P=0.474,I2=99.6%].However,remimazolam was associated with a lower incidence of hypotension(RR:0.61;95%CI:0.40-0.95,P=0.027;I2=65.1%)and a lower incidence of respiratory depression(RR:0.50,95%CI:0.33-0.77,P=0.002,I2=42.3%).A subgroup analysis showed a higher success rate of sedation with remimazolam than midazolam(RR:2.45,95%CI:1.76-3.42,P<0.001).Compared with propofol,the incidence of hypotension(RR:0.45,95%CI:0.32-0.64,P<0.001,I2=0.0%),respiratory depression(RR:0.48,95%CI:0.30-0.76,P=0.002,I2=78.4%),hypoxemia(RR:0.36,95%CI:0.15-0.87,P=0.023),and injection pain(RR:0.04,95%CI:0.01-0.28,P=0.001)were lower.CONCLUSION Remimazolam is safe and effective during bronchoscopy.The sedation success rate was similar to that in the CS group.However,remimazolam has a higher safety profile,with fewer inhibitory effects on respiration and circulation.

Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic pathology in patients with Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy surgical variants: Lessons learned from single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP

Background: Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic pathology is challenging due to surgically altered anatomy after Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(SBE-ERCP) to treat biliopancreatic pathology in patients with Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy surgical variants. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 106 SBE-ERCP procedures in 46 patients with Whipple's variants. Technical and clinical success rates and adverse events were evaluated. Results: Biliary SBE-ERCP was performed in 34 patients and pancreatic SBE-ERCP in 17, including 5 with both indications. From a total of 106 SBE-ERCP procedures, 76 were biliary indication with technical success rate of 68/76(90%) procedures and clinical success rate of 30/34(88%) patients. Mild adverse event rate was 8/76(11%), without serious adverse events. From a total of 106 SBE-ERCP procedures, 30 were pancreatic indication with technical success rate of 24/30(80%) procedures( P = 0.194 vs. biliary SBEERCP) and clinical success rate of 11/17(65%) patients( P = 0.016 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP). Mild adverse event rate was 6/30(20%)( P = 0.194 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP), without serious adverse events. After SBE-ERCP failure, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage, percutaneous drainage and redo surgery were alternative therapeutic options. Conclusions: Biliopancreatic pathology after Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy variants can be treated using SBE-ERCP without serious adverse events. Technical and clinical success rates are high for biliary indications, whereas clinical success rate of pancreatic indications is significantly lower. SBE-ERCP can be considered as first-line treatment option in this patient group with surgically altered anatomy.

Feasibility and safety of minimally invasive multivisceral resection for T4b rectal cancer:A 9-year review

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second highest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.About 5%-10%of patients are diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC)on presentation.For LARC invading into other structures(i.e.T4b),multivisceral resection(MVR)and/or pelvic ex-enteration(PE)remains the only potential curative surgical treatment.MVR and/or PE is a major and complex surgery with high post-operative morbidity.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)has been shown to improve short-term post-operative outcomes in other gastrointestinal malignancies,but there is little evi-dence on its use in MVR,especially so for robotic MVR.This is a single-center retrospective cohort study from 1st January 2015 to 31st March 2023.Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with cT4b rectal cancer and underwent MVR,or stage 4 disease with resectable systemic metastases.Pa-tients who underwent curative MVR for locally recurrent rectal cancer,or me-tachronous rectal cancer were also included.Exclusion criteria were patients with systemic metastases with non-resectable disease.All patients planned for elective surgery were enrolled into the standard enhanced recovery after surgery pathway with standard peri-operative management for colorectal surgery.Complex sur-gery was defined based on technical difficulty of surgery(i.e.total PE,bladder-sparing prostatectomy,pelvic lymph node dissection or need for flap creation).Our primary outcomes were the margin status,and complication rates.Cate-gorical values were described as percentages and analysed by the chi-square test.Continuous variables were expressed as median(range)and analysed by Mann-Whitney U test.Cumulative overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS)were analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates with life table analysis.Log-rank test was performed to determine statistical significance between cumulative estimates.Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.Meier estimates with life table analysis.Log-rank test was performed to determine statistical significance between cumulative estimates.Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.RESULTS A total of 46 patients were included in this study[open MVR(oMVR):12(26.1%),miMVR:36(73.9%)].Patients’American Society of Anesthesiologists score,body mass index and co-morbidities were comparable between oMVR and miMVR.There is an increasing trend towards robotic MVR from 2015 to 2023.MiMVR was associated with lower estimated blood loss(EBL)(median 450 vs 1200 mL,P=0.008),major morbidity(14.7%vs 50.0%,P=0.014),post-operative intra-abdominal collections(11.8%vs 50.0%,P=0.006),post-operative ileus(32.4%vs 66.7%,P=0.04)and surgical site infection(11.8%vs 50.0%,P=0.006)compared with oMVR.Length of stay was also shorter for miMVR compared with oMVR(median 10 vs 30 d,P=0.001).Oncological outcomes-R0 resection,recurrence,OS and RFS were comparable between miMVR and oMVR.There was no 30-d mortality.More patients underwent robotic compared with laparoscopic MVR for complex cases(robotic 57.1%vs laparoscopic 7.7%,P=0.004).The operating time was longer for robotic compared with laparoscopic MVR[robotic:602(400-900)min,laparoscopic:Median 455(275-675)min,P<0.001].Incidence of R0 resection was similar(laparoscopic:84.6%vs robotic:76.2%,P=0.555).Overall complication rates,major morbidity rates and 30-d readmission rates were similar between la-paroscopic and robotic MVR.Interestingly,3-year OS(robotic 83.1%vs 58.6%,P=0.008)and RFS(robotic 72.9%vs 34.3%,P=0.002)was superior for robotic compared with laparoscopic MVR.CONCLUSION MiMVR had lower post-operative complications compared to oMVR.Robotic MVR was also safe,with acceptable post-operative complication rates.Prospective studies should be conducted to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between robotic vs laparoscopic MVR.

Associative Tasks Computing Offloading Scheme in Internet of Medical Things with Deep Reinforcement Learning

The Internet of Medical Things(Io MT) is regarded as a critical technology for intelligent healthcare in the foreseeable 6G era. Nevertheless, due to the limited computing power capability of edge devices and task-related coupling relationships, Io MT faces unprecedented challenges. Considering the associative connections among tasks, this paper proposes a computing offloading policy for multiple-user devices(UDs) considering device-to-device(D2D) communication and a multi-access edge computing(MEC)technique under the scenario of Io MT. Specifically,to minimize the total delay and energy consumption concerning the requirement of Io MT, we first analyze and model the detailed local execution, MEC execution, D2D execution, and associated tasks offloading exchange model. Consequently, the associated tasks’ offloading scheme of multi-UDs is formulated as a mixed-integer nonconvex optimization problem. Considering the advantages of deep reinforcement learning(DRL) in processing tasks related to coupling relationships, a Double DQN based associative tasks computing offloading(DDATO) algorithm is then proposed to obtain the optimal solution, which can make the best offloading decision under the condition that tasks of UDs are associative. Furthermore, to reduce the complexity of the DDATO algorithm, the cacheaided procedure is intentionally introduced before the data training process. This avoids redundant offloading and computing procedures concerning tasks that previously have already been cached by other UDs. In addition, we use a dynamic ε-greedy strategy in the action selection section of the algorithm, thus preventing the algorithm from falling into a locally optimal solution. Simulation results demonstrate that compared with other existing methods for associative task models concerning different structures in the Io MT network, the proposed algorithm can lower the total cost more effectively and efficiently while also providing a tradeoff between delay and energy consumption tolerance.

Reconstruction of cervical necrotizing fasciitis defect with the modified keystone flap technique:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Cervical necrotizing fasciitis(CNF)is a rare,aggressive form of deep neck space infection with significant morbidity and mortality rates.Serial surgical debridement acts as the cornerstone of CNF treatment;however,it often results in defects requiring complex reconstructions.CASE SUMMARY We report two cases in which the keystone flap(KF)was used for CNF defect coverage:Case 1,an 85-year-old patient with CNF in the anterior neck,and Case 2,a 54-year-old patient with CNF in the posterior neck.Both patients received empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy and underwent serial debridement,enabling adequate wound preparation and stabilization.The final defect size measured 5.5 cm×12 cm in Case 1 and 6 cm×11 cm in Case 2.For defect coverage,we employed an 8 cm×19 cm type II KF based on perforators from the superior thyroid artery in Case 1 and a 9 cm×18 cm type II KF based on perforators from the transverse cervical artery in Case 2.Both flaps showed complete survival.No postoperative complications occurred in both cases,and favorable outcomes were observed at 7-and 6-month follow-ups in case 1 and 2,respectively.CONCLUSION We effectively treated CNF-associated defects using the KF technique;KF is viable for covering CNF defects in carefully selected cases.

Structural Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emission Spatial Association Network:A Case Study of Yangtze River Delta City Cluster,China

City cluster is an effective platform for encouraging regionally coordinated development.Coordinated reduction of carbon emissions within city cluster via the spatial association network between cities can help coordinate the regional carbon emission management,realize sustainable development,and assist China in achieving the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.This paper applies the improved gravity model and social network analysis(SNA)to the study of spatial correlation of carbon emissions in city clusters and analyzes the structural characteristics of the spatial correlation network of carbon emissions in the Yangtze River Delta(YRD)city cluster in China and its influencing factors.The results demonstrate that:1)the spatial association of carbon emissions in the YRD city cluster exhibits a typical and complex multi-threaded network structure.The network association number and density show an upward trend,indicating closer spatial association between cities,but their values remain generally low.Meanwhile,the network hierarchy and network efficiency show a downward trend but remain high.2)The spatial association network of carbon emissions in the YRD city cluster shows an obvious‘core-edge’distribution pattern.The network is centered around Shanghai,Suzhou and Wuxi,all of which play the role of‘bridges’,while cities such as Zhoushan,Ma'anshan,Tongling and other cities characterized by the remote location,single transportation mode or lower economic level are positioned at the edge of the network.3)Geographic proximity,varying levels of economic development,different industrial structures,degrees of urbanization,levels of technological innovation,energy intensities and environmental regulation are important influencing factors on the spatial association of within the YRD city cluster.Finally,policy implications are provided from four aspects:government macro-control and market mechanism guidance,structural characteristics of the‘core-edge’network,reconfiguration and optimization of the spatial layout of the YRD city cluster,and the application of advanced technologies.

Airway management of a patient with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis:A case report

BACKGROUND There is limited literature on managing the airway of patients with linear immunoglobulin A(IgA)bullous dermatosis,a rare mucocutaneous disorder that leads to the development of friable bullae.Careful clinical decision making is necessary when there is a risk of bleeding into the airway,and a multidisciplinary team approach may lead to decreased patient morbidity during these high-risk scenarios,especially when confronted with an unusual cause for bleeding.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old African American female presented to our ambulatory surgical center for right corneal transplantation due to corneal perforation after blunt trauma in the setting of cicatricial conjunctivitis and diffuse corneal neovascularization from linear IgA bullous dermatosis.The diagnosis of IgA dermatosis was recent,and the patient had been lost to follow-up.The severity of the disease and extent of airway involvement was unknown at the time of the surgery.Significant airway bleeding was noticed upon intubation and the otorhinolaryngology team had to be called to the operating room.The patient required transfer to the intensive care unit where a multidisciplinary team was involved in her case.The patient was extubated on postoperative day 4.CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary approach to treating this disease is the best course of action before a surgical procedure.In our case,key communication between the surgery,anesthesia,and dermatology teams led to the quick and safe treatment of our patient’s disease.Ambulatory surgery should not be considered for these cases unless they are in full remission and there is no mucous membrane involvement.

Correction method for moderate and severe degrees of hallux valgus associated with transfer metatarsalgia

BACKGROUND Hallux valgus(HV)is a common foot deformity that manifests with increasing age,especially in women.The associated foot pain causes impaired gait and decreases quality of life.Moderate and severe HV is a deformity that is charac-terized by the involvement of lesser rays and requires complex surgical treatment.In this study,we attempted to develop a procedure for this condition.AIM To analyse the treatment results of patients who underwent simultaneous surgical correction of all parts of a static forefoot deformity.METHODS We conducted a prospective clinical trial between 2016 and 2021 in which 30 feet with moderate or severe HV associated with Tailor’s bunion and metatarsalgia were surgically treated via a new method involving surgical correction of all associated problems.This method included a modified Lapidus procedure,M2M3 tarsometatarsal arthrodesis,intermetatarsal fusion of the M4 and M5 bases,and the use of an original external fixation apparatus to enhance correction power.Preoperative,postoperative,and final follow-up radiographic data and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)scores were compared,and P values<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS The study included 28 females(93.3%)and 2 males feet(6.7%),20(66.7%)of whom had a moderate degree of HV and 10(33.3%)of whom had severe deformity.M2 and M3 metatarsalgia was observed in 21 feet,and 9 feet experienced pain only at M2.The mean follow-up duration was 11 months.All patients had good correction of the HV angle[preoperative median,36.5 degrees,interquartile range(IQR):30-45;postoperative median,10 degrees,IQR:8.8-10;follow-up median,11.5 degrees,IQR:10-14;P<0.01].At follow-up,metatarsalgia was resolved in most patients(30 vs 5).There was a clinically negligible decrease in the corrected angles at the final follow-up,and the overall AOFAS score was significantly better(median,65 points,IQR:53.8-70;vs 80 points,IQR:75-85;P<0.01).CONCLUSION The developed method showed good sustainability of correction power in a small sample of patients at the one-year follow-up.Randomized clinical trials with larger samples,as well as long-term outcome assessments,are needed in the future.