Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scar-forming disease with a high mortality rate that has received widespread attention. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important part of the pulmonary fibrosis process, and changes in the biomechanical properties of lung tissue have an important impact on it. In this paper, we summarize the changes in the biomechanical microenvironment of lung tissue in IPF-EMT in recent years, and provide a systematic review on the effects of alterations in the mechanical microenvironment in pulmonary fibrosis on the process of EMT, the effects of mechanical factors on the behavior of alveolar epithelial cells in EMT and the biomechanical signaling in EMT, in order to provide new references for the research on the prevention and treatment of IPF.
Objective To evaluate the results of open arthrolysis by elevated the lateral and medial collateral l igament-musculature complex from the supracondylar ridge of the humerus in treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Methods From March 2003 to December 2007, 33 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis by elevated the lateral and medial collateral l igament-musculature complex from the supracondylar ridge of the humerus. There were 23 males and 10 females, aged 17-70 years old (mean 41.8 years old). According to Morrey, 15 caseswere extremely serious (less than 30° extension-flexion arc) and 18 cases were serious (30-60° extension-flexion arc). The range of motion of the elbow stiffness was (32.5 ± 28.9)° and the Mayo score was 51.9±13.1 before operation. All initial fractures were healed according to cl inical examination and X-rays films. All patients present with a post-traumatic elbow stiffness and the average period from initial trauma to elbow arthrolysis was 16.9 months (2-72 months). Results Wound infection occurred in 1 patient and cured after dressing change and anti-infectious treatment. The wounds healed by first intension in 32 cases. No patient showed sign of elbow instabil ity and debil itating pain. All patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years (mean 3.3 years). At last follow up, the Mayo score was 82.3 ± 14.4 and the range of motion of elbow stiffness was (108.8 ± 36.0)°; showing significant differences when compared with preoperation (P lt; 0.05). According to Mayo evaluation, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 18 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 2 cases, the excellent and good rate was 87.88%. Thirty-one patients achieve satisfactory results. Two patients were not satisfied with the result, but the satisfactory results were achieved by a second arthrol ysis. Conclusion Open elbow arthrolysis and postoperative rehabil itation for patients with elbow stiffness can improve joint function and ensure the stabil ity of elbows.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the correlation between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and explore the relationship between the TyG index and arterial stiffness (AS). MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were searched to collect observational studies on the correlation between the TyG index and AS from inception to January 14, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 16 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its correlation with AS based on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher baPWV compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.48, 95%CI 1.27 to 1.72, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.67 to 2.04, P<0.001). When carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher cfPWV compared to those with low TyG index when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.95, P=0.008). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.34, 95%CI 1.21 to 1.48, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of gender, age, participant characteristics, and study type. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of age and participant characteristics. Using high baPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on AS, individuals with high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.51, 95%CI 1.36 to 1.67, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.48 to 2.21, P<0.001). Using high cfPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on arterial stiffness, individuals with a high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with a low TyG index (OR=1.30, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.53, P=0.02). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.60, 95%CI 1.33 to 1.92, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, hypertension, and diabetes. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, and hypertension. ConclusionThere is a strong correlation between the TyG index and PWV, with a higher TyG index associated with increased PWV and greater risk of AS. The TyG index can serve as a simple alternative marker for early diagnosis of AS and guide clinical intervention. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
To investigate the influence of the preload and supporting stiffness on the hearing compensation performance of round window stimulation, a coupling finite model composed of a human ear, an actuator and a support was established. This model was constructed based on a complete set of micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) images of a healthy adult’s right ear by reverse engineering technology. The validity of the model was verified by comparing the model’s calculated results with experimental data. Based on this model, we applied different amplitude preloads on the actuator, and changed the support’s stiffness. Then, the influences of the actuator’s preload and the support’s stiffness were analyzed by comparing the corresponding displacements of the basilar membrane. The results show that after applying a preload on the actuator, its hearing compensation performance was increased at the middle and high frequencies, but was deteriorated at low frequencies; besides, compared with using the fascia as the actuator’s support in clinical practice, utilizing the titanium alloy to fabricate the support would enhance the hearing compensation performance of the round window stimulation in the whole frequency range.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress on the role and mechanism of matrix stiffness in regulating endothelial cell sprouting. MethodsThe related literature at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the behaviors of matrix stiffness related endothelial cell sprouting in different cell cultivation conditions were analyzed, and the specific molecular mechanism of matrix stiffness regulating related signal pathways in endothelial cell sprouting was elaborated. Results In two-dimensional cell cultivation condition, increase of matrix stiffness stimulates endothelial cell sprouting within a certain range. However, in three-dimensional cell cultivation condition, the detailed function of matrix stiffness in regulating endothelial cell sprouting and angiogenesis are still unclear. At present, the research of the related molecular mechanism mainly focuses on YAP/TAZ, and roles of its upstream and downstream signal molecules. Matrix stiffness can regulate endothelial cell sprouting by activating or inhibiting signal pathways to participate in vascularization. ConclusionMatrix stiffness plays a vital role in regulating endothelial cell sprouting, but its specific role and molecular mechanism in different environments remain ambiguous and need further study.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between pulmonary ventilation function (obstructive and restrictive ventilation dysfunction) and atherosclerosis, and explore the correlation between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV, an effective index for evaluating atherosclerosis) and pulmonary ventilation function.MethodsFrom January to August 2018, a total of 6403 healthy subjects who reported no major chronic diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, cor pulmonale or malignant tumor were selected. Past history such as smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, blood biochemistry, and blood hypersensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP), hemodynamic indexes such as systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and ba-PWV, body measurement indexes such as height, weight, waist circumference and pulmonary ventilation function were collected. The relationship between ba-PWV and pulmonary ventilation function were evaluated.ResultsA total of 2433 subjects were included, including 916 males and 1517 females. Ba-PWV showed significant positive correlations with age, smoking index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, hs-CRP, glycosylated hemoglobin, and significant negative correlations with height, percentage of forced vital capacity (FVC) in the predicted value (FVC%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), percentage of FEV1 in the predicted value (FEV1%pred), FEV1/FVC ratio and percentage of maximun midexpiratory flow (MMEF) in the predicted value (MMEF%pred). The ba-PWV was not correlated with weight, body mass index, FVC, MMEF, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, high density lipoprotein, creatinine or uric acid. In multiple regression analysis using factors other than ba-PWV and respiratory function as adjustment variables, both FVC%pred and FEV1%pred showed significant negative relationships with ba-PWV (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe results indicate that FEV1/FVC, an indicator of airflow limitation, is not a predictor of ba-PWV. However, since ba-PWV showed significant negative relationship with FVC%pred and FEV1%pred, clinically assessment of arterial stiffness might be considered in individuals with impaired pulmonary ventilation.
Objective To explore the effect of intravenous tranexamic acid on postoperative drainage and elbow joint function after traumatic elbow stiffness release. Methods The clinical data of 44 patients with elbow joint stiffness who were treated with release surgery between March 2022 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 20 patients were given intravenous infusion of 100 mL (1 g/100 mL, once a day) of tranexamic acid solution for 3 consecutive days after surgery (group A), and 24 patients were not treated with tranexamic acid after surgery (group B). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, side, body mass index, initial injury, and preoperative hemoglobin, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Mayo elbow function score (MEPS), elbow flexion and extension activity between the two groups (P>0.05). The drainage volume at 1 day and 3 days after operation, total drainage volume, drainage tube indwelling time, postoperative hospital stay, VAS score before operation and at 1, 2, and 3 days after operation, MEPS score before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and elbow flexion and extension activity before operation and at last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results Both groups of patients successfully completed the operation, and there was no significant difference in operation time (P>0.05). The drainage volume at 1 day and 3 days after operation, total drainage volume, drainage tube indwelling time, and postoperative hospital stay in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). Both groups of patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 8.6 months. No complications such as wound infection, elbow joint varus and varus instability or dislocation, and pulmonary embolism or other thromboembolic events occurred in either group. The VAS scores of both groups were significantly higher at 1 day and 2 days after operation than before operation (P<0.05); the VAS score of group A was significantly lower than that of group B (P<0.05). The VAS scores of both groups decreased to the preoperative level at 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, the MEPS scores of both groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the postoperative elbow flexion and extension activity of the two groups significantly increased when compared with that before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in change of elbow flexion and extension activity between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionIntravenous tranexamic acid for 3 consecutive days after release of traumatic elbow stiffness can significantly reduce postoperative drainage volume, shorten drainage tube indwelling time and hospital stay, and relieve early postoperative pain, but it has no effect on the risk of thrombotic and embolic events and postoperative elbow function.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of Swanson artificial joint replacement in treating post-traumatic metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness. Methods Between August 2007 and May 2010, 11 cases (13 fingers) of metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness with soft tissue defects underwent Swanson artificial joint replacement. There were 7 males (9 fingers) and 4 females (4 fingers), aged 43 to 65 years with an average of 49 years. The involved fingers included 4 thumbs, 4 index fingers, 3 middle fingers, and 2 ring fingers. The types of injury included open and crush injury in 8 fingers, fracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 3 fingers, metacarpophalangeal joint severing in 2 fingers. The time from joint stiffness to hospitalization was 12 to 48 weeks (mean, 24 weeks). The joint activity was (136.82 ± 28.96)°. According to total active motion (TAM) assessment, included good in 1 finger, fair in 6 fingers, and poor in 6 fingers before operation. The activities of daily living were assessed by Sollerman score, which was 45.64 ± 11.04. The X-ray films and CT scan showed traumatic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Results The incision healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12 to 34 months (mean, 24.1 months). At last follow-up, the joint activity was (194.64 ± 28.86)°, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (t=25.214, P=0.000). According to TAM assessment, including excellent in 1 finger, good in 4 fingers, fair in 7 fingers, and poor in 1 finger. The Sollerman score was 67.45 ± 8.20 postoperatively, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (t=10.470, P=0.000). X-ray examination showed no prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, or joint dislocation occurred at last follow-up. Conclusion Swanson artificial joint replacement can be appl ied to treat posttraumatic metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness, which can improve the joint activity and has satisfactory short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness of open release combined with distal radius fixation hinged external fixation for the treatment of elbow stiffness.MethodsA total of 77 patients with elbow stiffness caused by trauma were enrolled in this study between October 2014 and October 2015. The patients were divided into control group (39 cases) and observation group (38 cases) by random number table method. The patients in the observation group were treated with elbow joint opening and release combined with distal radial fixation hinged external fixation, while the control group was treated with traditional release. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease causes, original damage diagnosis, the time from injury to operation, preoperative flexion and extension activity of elbow joint, and preoperative Mayo elbow joint function score between 2 groups (P>0.05). After operation, the function of elbow joint was evaluated by the flexion and extension activity of the elbow joint and the Mayo elbow joint function evaluation standard.ResultsThe incisions healed by first intention in 2 groups. In observation group, there were 1 case infection of nail tract, 2 cases ulnar nerve symptoms, 1 case elbow ossification, and 1 case moderate pain in the elbow; while in control group, there were 2 cases of infection of nail tract, 2 cases of ulnar nerve symptoms, and 3 cases moderate pain in the elbow. The patients in 2 groups were followed up 6 weeks to 12 months, with an average of 6 months. The flexion and extension activity of elbow joint and Mayo elbow joint function score at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); at last follow-up, the flexion and extension activity of elbow joint and Mayo elbow joint function score in observation group patients were significantly better than those in control group (P<0.05). According to the Mayo elbow function evaluation standard, the results were excellent in 27 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 97.4% in observation group; and the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 21 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.6% in control group; showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.108).ConclusionOpen release combined with distal radius fixation hinged external fixation can significantly improve the elbow function of patients with traumatic elbow stiffness, its recovery of elbow function was superior to the traditional release.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of open arthrolysis combined with internal fixator removal for post-traumatic elbow stiffness.
MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the data of 80 cases treated by open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness between January 2010 and December 2011. The patients were divided into 2 groups:no internal fixation group (group A, n=39) and internal fixation group (group B, n=41) according to whether they underwent internal fixator removal at the same time. No significant difference was found in age, gender, affected side, injury time, elbow rigidity grade, and severity of heterotopic ossification (HO) between 2 groups (P>0.05) except for original injury type (P<0.05). The effectiveness was evaluated by the occurrence of complications including ulnar nerve symptoms, HO recurrence and re-fracture, the elbow range of motion (ROM) and the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).
ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 15.7 months (range, 12-18 months) in group A and 16.1 months (range, 12-20 months) in group B. Ulnar nerve symptoms in 5 cases (12.8%) and HO reccurrence in 1 case (2.6%) occurred in group A, while ulnar nerve symptoms in 4 cases (9.8%), HO recurrence 1 case (2.4%), and refracture in 1 case (2.4%) occurred in group B. The incidence of each complication showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). Both the ROM and the MEPS at last follow-up increased significantly when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P<0.05). Besides, MEPS of group A was significantly higher than that of group B (t=2.36, P=0.02), but no significant difference was found in the ROM between 2 groups at last follow-up (t=0.40, P=0.69). Based on MEPS, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 16 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 1 case in group A with an excellent and good rate of 82.1%;the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 25 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases in group B with an excellent and good rate of 85.4%. There was no significant difference in excellent and good rate between 2 groups (χ2=0.16, P=0.69).
ConclusionOpen elbow arthrolysis combined with internal fixator removal for post-traumatic elbow stiffness is safe and effective. However, measures for prevention of re-fracture should always be taken into consideration.
