Search

Abstract Objective The objective of the case report is to analyze the clinical manifestations and imaging features of gouty long head of biceps tendinitis, and to summarize the methods and effects of shoulder arthroscopic surgery. Clinical presentation and intervention The clinical data of a 39-year-old Han Chinese female with gouty long head of the biceps tendinitis was retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical manifestations, imaging features, and diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. The patient presented with pain and limited movement of right shoulder joint. Computed tomography showed irregular high-density shadows above the glenoid and adjacent to the coracoid process of the right shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed superior labrum anterior and posterior injury with edema in the upper recess and axillary sac. After arthroscopic surgery, the “tofu residue” tissue of the long head of the biceps was removed, and the postoperative pathological examination proved that it was gout stone. Conclusion Gouty long head of the biceps tendinitis is a rare disease. Arthroscopic surgery can probe the structural lesions of shoulder cavity in all aspects, improve the surgical accuracy, and reduce the trauma.

Estrogen deficiency is considered the most important cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, the underlying mechanism is still not completely understood. In this study, progranulin (PGRN) was isolated as a key regulator of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women through high throughput proteomics screening. In addition, PGRN-deficient mice exhibited significantly lower bone mass than their littermates in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis model. Furthermore, estrogen-mediated inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption as well as its protection against ovariectomy-induced bone loss largely depended on PGRN. Mechanistic studies revealed the existence of a positive feedback regulatory loop between PGRN and estrogen signaling. In addition, loss of PGRN led to the reduction of estrogen receptor α, the important estrogen receptor involved in estrogen regulation of osteoporosis, through enhancing its degradation via K48-linked ubiquitination. These findings not only provide a previously unrecognized interplay between PGRN and estrogen signaling in regulating osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis but may also present a new therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis by targeting PGRN/estrogen receptor α.

Background: Over-activated osteoclast (OC) is a major cause of diseases related to bone loss and bone metabolism. Both bone resorption inhibition and apoptosis induction of osteoclast are crucial in treating these diseases. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (XAF1) is an important interferon-stimulated and apoptotic gene. However, how XAF1 regulates bone formation and remodeling is unknown. Methods: We generate global and chimeric Xaf1 knockout mouse models and utilize these models to explore the function and mechanism of XAF1 in regulating bone formation and remodeling in vivo and in vitro. Results: We show that XAF1 depletion enhances osteoclast generation in vitro. XAF1 knockout increases osteoclast number and bone resorption, thereby exacerbating bone loss in both OVX and osteolysis models. Activation of XAF1 with BV6 (a potent XIAP inhibitor) suppresses osteoclast formation. Mechanistically, XAF1 deletion decreases osteoclast apoptosis by facilitating the interaction between XIAP and caspase-3/7. Conclusions: Our data illustrates an essential role of XAF1 in controlling osteoclastogenesis in both osteoporosis and osteolysis mouse models and highlights its underlying mechanism, indicating a potential role in clinical treatment.The translational potential of this article: The translation potential of this article is that we first indicated that osteoclast apoptosis induced by XAF1 contribute to the progression of osteoporosis and osteolysis, which provides a novel strategy in the prevention of osteoporosis and osteolysis.

Abstract The fracture healing outcome is largely dependent on the quantities as well as osteogenic differentiation capacities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the lesion site. Herein, macrophage membrane (MM)-reversibly cloaked nanocomplexes (NCs) are engineered for the lesion-targeted and hierarchical co-delivery of short stromal derived factor-1α peptide (sSDF-1α) and Ckip-1 small interfering RNA (Ckip-1 siRNA, siCkip-1) to promote bone repair by concurrently fostering recruitment and osteogenic differentiation of endogenous MSCs. To construct the NCs, a membrane-penetrating α-helical polypeptide first assembles with siCkip-1, and the cationic NCs are sequentially coated with catalase and an outer shell of sSDF-1α-anchored MM. Due to MM-assisted inflammation homing, intravenously injected NCs could efficiently accumulate at the fractured femur, where catalase decomposes the local hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen bubbles that drives the shedding of sSDF-1α-anchored MM in the extracellular compartment. The exposed, cationic inner core thus enables robust trans-membrane delivery into MSCs to induce Ckip-1 silencing. Consequently, sSDF-1α-guided MSCs recruitment cooperates with siCkip-1-mediated osteogenic differentiation to facilitate bone formation and accelerate bone fracture healing. This study provides an enlightened strategy for the hierarchical co-delivery of macromolecular drugs into different cellular compartments, and it also renders a promising modality for the management of fracture healing.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has the ability to invade human cortical bones and cause intracellular infections in osteoblasts, which may lead to a long-term infection that is difficult to eliminate. It is critical to identify the underlying mechanisms of the osteoblast response to the intracellular S. aureus. More recently, multiple circular RNA (circRNA) functions have been identified, including serving as protein scaffolds or miRNA sponges and being translated into polypeptides. The role that circRNAs play in intracellular S. aureus infection of osteoblasts has not, to our knowledge, been investigated. Here, we established an intracellular infection model of S. aureus in osteoblasts and compared the circRNA expression of osteoblasts between the infected and control groups using RNA sequencing technology, by which a significant difference was found. In total, 117 upregulated and 125 down-regulated differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was employed to validate the results of RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses demonstrated that DEcircRNAs were enriched in processes associated with macromolecule modification, cellular component organization or biogenesis, and intracellular non-membrane-bound organelles. Finally, a potentially important network of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA based on the DEcircRNAs was constructed. Overall, this study revealed the circRNA expression profile of human osteoblasts infected by intracellular S. aureus for the first time, and identified the circRNAs that may contribute to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases caused by intracellular S. aureus infection in human osteoblasts.

ABSTRACT Bone homeostasis, the equilibrium between bone resorption and formation, is essential for maintaining healthy bone tissue in adult humans. Disruptions of this process can lead to pathological conditions such as osteoporosis. Dual‐targeted agents, capable of inhibiting excessive bone resorption and stimulating bone formation, are being explored as a promising strategy for developing new treatments to address osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of P7C3 on bone remodeling and its potential therapeutic role in osteoporosis treatment in mice. Specifically, P7C3 can remarkably suppress receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages via the Akt‐NF‐κB‐NFATc1 signaling pathway. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis revealed that P7C3 promoted osteoblast differentiation and function through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, thereby enhancing bone formation. Furthermore, μCT analysis and histological examination of bone tissues from P7C3‐treated mice showed attenuation of both Ti‐induced bone erosion and ovariectomy (OVX)‐induced bone loss. These findings suggest that P7C3 may have a novel function in bone remodeling and may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Abstract The present study was developed to explore whether microRNA (miR)-760 targets heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) to control cartilage extracellular matrix degradation in osteoarthritis. Both miR-760 and HBEGF expression levels were analysed in human degenerative cartilage tissues and in interleukin (IL)-1β/tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated chondrocytes in vitro. A series of knockdown and overexpression assays were then used to gauge the functional importance of miR-760 and HBEGF in OA, with qPCR and western immunoblotting analyses. Bioinformatics assays were used to identify putative miR-760 target genes, with these predictions then being validated through RNA pulldown and luciferase reporter assays. A murine anterior cruciate ligament transection model of OA was then established to prove the in vivo relevance of these findings. These experiments revealed that human degenerative cartilage tissues exhibited significant increases in miR-760 expression with a concomitant drop in HBEGF levels. IL-1β/TNF-α-treated chondrocytes also exhibited significant increases in miR-760 expression with a concomitant drop in HBEGF expression. When chondrocytes were transfected with either miR-760 inhibitor or HBEGF overexpression constructs, this was sufficient to interfere with degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, miR-760 was confirmed to control chondrocyte matrix homeostasis by targeting HBEGF, and the overexpression of HBEGF partially reversed the effects of miR-760 mimic treatment on the degradation of the cartilage ECM. When OA model mice were administered an intra-articular knee injection of an adenoviral vector encoding a miR-760 mimic construct, cartilage ECM degradation was aggravated. Conversely, the overexpression of HBEGF in OA model mice partially reversed the effects of miR-760 overexpression, restoring appropriate ECM homeostasis. In summary, these data indicated that the miR-760/HBEGF axis plays a central role in orchestrating the pathogenesis of OA, making it a candidate target for therapeutic efforts in OA.

Efficient detection and degradation of fungicides are greatly concerned with aquatic food safety. Herein, a multifunction CoFe2O4/MoS2@Au (ACMS) composite was synthesized for crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG) photocatalytic degradation and SERS determination. As the construction of the Z-scheme heterostructure of ACMS, which enhanced the light absorption capability and the separation efficiency of photoexcited carrier significantly, ACMS possessed an excellent photocatalytic performance with a degradation rate of 94.76% for CV under simulated solar light irradiation. Furthermore, the multifunction ACMS exhibited superior SERS capability with a detection limit (LOD) of 4.309 × 10−2 μg L−1 for MG residues in water. And the ACMS substrates could be utilized to determine the MG residues in crucian carp extract, resulting in a recovery rate of 96.00~116.00%. In addition, such multifunction heterojunctions were performed for in situ monitoring of the photodegradation process. This research opened up a novel perspective on the applications of heterojunction-based multifunction materials for food safety control.

Abstract Purposes to study the effect of titanium particles on MLO-Y4 and the effects of osteocytes alterations on osteoblasts. Methods cultured MLO-Y4 osteocytes were exposed to different concentrations of titanium (Ti) particles, cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, apoptosis of MLO-Y4 cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, Real-time PCR quantification of mRNA expression of SOST, at the same time with Western Blot detection sclerosteosis protein expression levels.MC3T3-E1 cells culture with MLO-Y4 cells exposed to different concentrations of titanium (Ti) particles in vitro, in order to detection of osteoblast osteogenetic activity. Results Our results showed that Ti particles inhibited cell viability of MLO-Y4 osteocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with Ti particles caused apoptosis of MLO-Y4cells.Treatment with Ti particles significantly increased expression of the osteocytic marker SOST/sclerostin. Furthermore, treatment of MLO-Y4 cells with Ti particles produced a dose-dependent decrease in ALP activity and decreased mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells through direct cell-cell contact. Conclusions Titanium particles damage osteocytes and inhibit osteoblast differentiation.

Abstract Background To restore rotation center exactly in revision hip arthroplasty is technically challenging, especially in Paprosky type III. The technical difficulty is attributable to the complicated acetabular bone defect. In this study, we discussed the method of restoring rotation center in revision hip arthroplasty and reported the clinical and radiological outcome of mid-term and long-term follow-up. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 45 patients (48 hips) who underwent revision hip arthroplasty, in which 35 cases (35 hips) were available for complete follow-up data. During the operation, the acetabular bone defect was reconstructed by impaction morselized bone graft, and the hip rotation center was restored by using remnant Harris fossa and acetabular notches as the marks. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Harris hip score. Pelvis plain x-ray was used to assess implant migration, stability of implants, and incorporation of the bone graft to host bone. Result The average follow-up duration was 97.60 months (range 72–168 months). The average Harris hip score improved from 29.54 ± 10.87 preoperatively to 83.77 ± 5.78 at the last follow-up. The vertical distance of hip rotation center measured on pelvis x-ray was restored to normal, with the mean distance (15.24 ± 1.31) mm (range 12.4~17.3 mm). The mean loss of vertical distance of hip rotation center was (2.21 ± 0.72) mm (range 1.1 ~ 5.3 mm) at the last follow-up. Conclusion Satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome can be obtained through restoring hip rotation center by using remnant Harris fossa and acetabular notches as the anatomical marks in revision hip arthroplasty.

For survival and quality of human life, the search for better ways to ensure food safety is constant. However, food contaminants still threaten human health throughout the food chain. In particular, food systems are often polluted with multiple contaminants simultaneously, which can cause synergistic effects and greatly increase food toxicity. Therefore, the establishment of multiple food contaminant detection methods is significant in food safety control. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique has emerged as a potent candidate for the detection of multicomponents simultaneously. The current review focuses on the SERS-based strategies in multicomponent detection, including the combination of chromatography methods, chemometrics, and microfluidic engineering with the SERS technique. Furthermore, recent applications of SERS in the detection of multiple foodborne bacteria, pesticides, veterinary drugs, food adulterants, mycotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are summarized. Finally, challenges and future prospects for the SERS-based detection of multiple food contaminants are discussed to provide research orientation for further.

Abstract Purpose To restore rotation center exactly in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is technically challenging for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis due to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The technical difficulty is attributable to the complex acetabular changes. In this study, we investigated the pathomorphology of acetabulum and Harris fossa of Crowe types I to IV and discussed the method of restoring rotation center of the hip. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 56 patients (59 hips) who underwent cementless THA due to end-stage osteoarthritis of DDH. The pathomorphology of acetabulum and Harris fossa was observed during operations. Using the preoperative and postoperative pelvic radiographs, the vertical and the horizontal distances of hip rotation center were measured in order to evaluate the effects of restoring rotation center of the hip. Results Adult DDH acetabulum could be classified into four basic pathological types which include the shallow cup shape, the dish shape, the shell shape, and the triangular shape. Adult DDH Harris fossa could be classified into four pathological types, including the crack shape, the closed shape, the triangle shape, and the shallow shape, in accordance with the osteophyte coverage. The vertical and horizontal distances of hip rotation center on the pelvic radiographs before and after operations were as follows: the preoperative vertical distance of hip rotation center was (39.96 ± 5.65) mm, and the postoperative one was (13.83 ± 2.66) mm; the preoperative horizontal distance of hip rotation center was (42.15 ± 6.42) mm, and the postoperative one was (28.12 ± 4.56) mm. Conclusions The acetabulum and Harris fossa can display different pathological types on account of different degrees of dislocation and osteophyte hyperplasia in the end-stage osteoarthritis of adult DDH. The hip rotation center can be accurately restored by locating the acetabular center with Harris fossa and acetabular notch as the marks.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), the only glial cell type that normally penetrates the transition zone between the peripheral and central nervous systems, are one of the most promising candidates for cell transplantation in repairing spinal cord injury (SCI). However, we must manipulate and regulate OECs' behavior to make these cells effective in cell transplantation. In the present study, we assessed the response of rat OECs to different variants of nanofibrous silk fibroin mats with regard to cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and migration and the related gene and protein expression. Results showed that OECs adhere and spread more easily on Tussah silk fibroin (TSF) fibers than Bombyx mori silk fibroin fibers, resulting in a higher rate of cell proliferation and gene and protein expression, examined by RT-PCR and ELISA. In addition, the morphology of OECs on microfibers is mainly polygonal with short protrusions, whereas the OECs on nanofibers exhibit a bipolar shape with long protrusions that align along the fibers, especially when aligned fibers are employed. Moreover, OECs on silk fibroin nanofibers migrate more efficiently than those on poly-l-lysine (PLL). Based on the experimental results, the morphology, adhesion, spread, gene and protein expression, and migration of OECs could be modulated and regulated by adjusting the contents and structure of silk fibroin nanofibers, shedding light on the control of OECs' behavior in nerve tissue engineering and thus the future therapeutic intervention for nerve repair after injury. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) supplement issue of Cell Transplantation .

A transient study was conducted at pilot scale to assess the impact of Fe dosage on the dynamics of biological and membrane performance of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating authentic municipal wastewater. A transient model of the AnMBR system was employed to assist with interpretation of the observed responses in the mixed liquor under different FeCl3 dosages. A high dosage (43 mg FeCl3/LSewage) resulted in a significant accumulation of fixed suspended solids and volatile suspended solids (VSS) and reduction of colloidal COD in the mixed liquor. The elevated dosages appeared to reduce the biodegradability of VSS that was present in the raw wastewater. Intermediate dosages of FeCl3 (21-12 mg/L) had less effect on these responses and did not appear to affect VSS biodegradation. Membrane performance was significantly affected by FeCl3 dosage as indicated by reversible resistance (RR) and physically irreversible resistance (IR). RR was closely related to the colloidal COD in the mixed liquor, thus responded quickly to Fe dosage. Physically, IR had a delayed response to changes in the colloidal COD concentrations in the mixed liquor and this was attributed to the effect of slow mass transfer of colloidal matter between the mixed liquor and the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-D-L lactide (PDLLA) biodegradable implants to heal fractures are widely applied in orthopedic surgeries. However, whether the process of fracture healing is regulated differently when PDLLA is used compared with traditional metal materials remains unclear. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and canonical Wnt signaling are essential and may interact reciprocally in the regulation of osteogenesis during bone repair. In the present study, a rat femoral open osteotomy model was used to compare the curative efficacy of a PDLLA rod and Kirschner wire under intramedullary fixation for fracture treatment. The dynamic expression of Runx2 and key components of the canonical Wnt signaling in callus tissue during fracture healing was also investigated. The results of the current study indicate that at weeks 4 and 6 following fixation, the callus bone structural parameters of microCT were significantly improved by PDLLA rod compared to that of Kirschner wire. In addition, at weeks 4 and 6 after fixation, the protein and mRNA expression of Runx2 and the positive regulators of canonical Wnt signaling, such as Wnts and ß-catenin, were significantly increased. However, the protein and mRNA expression levels of the negative regulators of canonical Wnt signaling, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3ß, were significantly decreased in callus tissue when treated with PDLLA rod compared with Kirschner wire. Collectively, these data indicate that compared to the traditional metal material, using PDLLA internal fixation for fracture treatment may further improve bone formation, which is associated with the increased expression of Runx2 and the enhancement of canonical Wnt signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dobutamine has been widely used for the treatment of heart failure and cardiogenic shock since the 1970s. Osteosarcoma is the most commonly observed malignant bone tumor in children. Currently, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of osteosarcoma. In the present study, the potential anticancer activity of dobutamine on human osteosarcoma cells was examined. Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were treated with dobutamine at various concentrations and for various incubation times. The inhibition of cell growth by dobutamine was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate the effect of dobutamine on cell apoptosis and the cell cycle. Furthermore, the expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were assessed by western blot analysis. The influence of dobutamine on cancer cell migration and invasion was additionally evaluated using wound-healing assay and the Boyden Chamber migration method. Dobutamine significantly inhibited the growth of MG-63 cells at a concentration of 10 μM or higher when incubated for 12 h or longer (P=0.023). Dobutamine augmented cell apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Western blot analysis revealed that dobutamine induces expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9. In addition, the invasiveness and migration of MG-63 cells was inhibited by dobutamine in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of the present study may lead to novel applications for dobutamine in the treatment of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to observe the 3-D structural changes in subchondral bone and the effects of bisphosphonate intervention in the early unsteady stage of the knee joint. Sixty healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into the model group (n= 24), the bisphosphonate (Bis) group (n= 24), and the control group (n= 12). The rabbits' right knees were used to evaluate the structural changes. The Bis group received subcutaneous injections of bisphosphonate, while the model and control groups received subcutaneous injections of isotonic saline solution. After surgical preparation, the knee joint was dissected for Micro-CT examination, and the Micro-CT results were compared using ANOVA. In the fourth postoperative week, the bone volume fraction (BVF), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) of the model group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the Bis and control groups. In the twelfth postoperative week, BVF, Tb.Th, and Tb.N of the model group were significantly higher than those of the control and Bis groups (P <0.05). Similarly, bone mineral density was higher in the model group (P <0.01), while the trabecular spacing was significantly lower (P <0.05). In the early unsteady stage of the knee joint, the subchondral bone had markedly decreased, while obvious bone formation was visible in the late stage. Bisphosphonates could protect the subchondral bone structure by inhibiting bone absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of Solid Retention Time (SRT) (40 to 100 days) and Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) (2.5 to 8.5 hours) on the treatment of municipal wastewater in pilot and bench scale AnMBRs. The results revealed good permeate quality with respect to concentrations of COD (<40 mg/L) and BOD5 (<10 mg/L) was achieved under all conditions. Over the range of values tested SRT and HRTdid not significantly influence COD and BOD5 removal efficiencies. Extended SRTs resulted in reduced sludge production and enhanced methane production. Oversaturation of dissolved methane in permeate appears to have been responsible for a consistent lack of COD mass balance closure in all tests. After calibration of biokinetic coefficients, PetWin 4 (EnviroSim Canada) was found to effectively simulate the concentrations of particulate COD, readily biodegradable COD and acetic acid over a range of SRTs and HRTs. The calibrated saturation coefficients for hydrolysis and aceticlastic methanogenesis processes were comparable to those reported in literature. The saturation coefficient of fermentation was significantly lower than those reported in literature. The simulated methane mass flows were consistently higher than the measured values which was consistent with the lack of COD mass balance closure and was attributed to reduction of sulfate and oversaturation of the permeate with respect to Henry's Law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the characteristics of biosolids of a pilot-scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating municipal wastewater. The production of total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) was comparable to that reported for the extended aeration system at solids residence time (SRT) longer than 40 days. The yields of TS and VS were reduced as SRT increased from 40 to 100 days and increased with the addition of 26 mg/L of FeCl3. The AnMBR destroyed 60-82% of the VS loading in feed wastewater and hence it was concluded the biosolids met the requirements for vector attraction reduction for land application. The concentrations of volatile suspended solids and total suspended solids in the sludge were less than those reported after anaerobic digestion of conventional primary and secondary sludge mixtures, and hence dewatering of the waste stream may be required for some applications. The nutrient content in terms of total Kjeldahl nitrogen and total phosphorus was similar to that of anaerobically digested municipal sludges. The dewaterability of the biosolids was poorer than that reported for sludges from aerobic treatment and anaerobically digested sludges. Dewaterability was improved by addition of FeCl3 and reduced SRT. The biosolids met standards for land application with regards to the concentration of heavy metals but would need further treatment to meet Class B pathogen indicator criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) on proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy in MG63 osteosarcoma cells. The growth rate of MG63 cells was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) was measured using a fluorescent probe, JC-1, and the inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis was monitored by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy was monitored by western blot analysis of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I protein levels was calculated as an indicator of the extent of autophagy. Furthermore, the expression levels of specific proteins associated with autophagy, including p53, Beclin1 and p62, were detected in cultured MG63 cells by western blotting. It was shown that the viability of MG63 cells was inhibited following the use of BafA1, and an induction in the expression levels of the apoptosis-related protein p53 and the autophagic protein Beclin1 was detected. Furthermore, a collapse in Δψ was observed, together with an induction of apoptotic cell death, following treatment with BafA1. Therefore, following BafA1-mediated inhibition of autophagy, the inhibition of MG63 cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate bioabsorbable poly-DL-lactic acid (PDLLA) intramedullary rods for fracture fixation of amputated digits. Methods: From October 2005 to October 2007, we used bioabsorbable rods made of PDLLA as intramedullary fixation in osteosynthesis procedures in 9 cases of digital replantation. Four cases involved the middle phalanx and 5 the proximal phalanx. The amputation level was diaphyseal in all cases. All patients were followed up from 6 months to 2 years, with an average of 13 months. Results: All fractures healed in 6 to 8 weeks. There were no infections. There was no evidence of hardware failure at 4 weeks after surgery. According to the Tamai et al criteria, the results were excellent in 8 cases and good in 1. Conclusions: Using bioabsorbable PDLLA rods for intramedullary fixation can be an effective technique for replantation with fractures through the proximal or middle phalanges. Bioabsorbable rods can provide rigid stable fixation, which allows early mobilization. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the clinical efficacy of reverse second and third dorsal metacarpal artery fasciocutaneous flaps for repair of distal- and middle-segment finger soft tissue defects. A total of 14 patients with distal- and middle-segment finger soft tissue defects complicated by exposure of the phalanx or tendon were repaired using second and third dorsal metacarpal artery fasciocutaneous flaps ranging between 2.0 cm × 4.5 cm and 3.0 cm × 7.0 cm. All of the skin flaps survived after surgery. Follow-up data during a 6- to 40-month period showed that the flaps exhibited a satisfactory appearance. They were not fat or clumsy, with a 2-point discrimination of 5 to 9 mm, and there was good recovery of finger function. The donor site was able to be directly sutured without dermoplasty. Pigmented linear surgical streaks appeared in the donor site. The second and third dorsal metacarpal artery fasciocutaneous flaps provide a good approach for the repair of distal- and middle-segment finger soft tissue defects and functional reconstruction because of convenient dissection, little trauma, sufficient use of the dorsal metacarpal artery, large harvested area of the flap, and a good dissection range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  We compared the effectiveness of postural reduction and instrumental reduction in the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar vertebra fracture in 40 patients. Under general anaesthesia, postural reduction in a stretching prone position was first performed. Instrumental reduction and fixation were then conducted. Radiographs were made after each reduction. Comparisons between the two films and the fracture films were made based on the changes in prevertebral height of both the fractured vertebra and the adjacent superior and inferior intervertebral spaces. It was found that the recovery of the prevertebral height in postural and instrumental reductions was basically identical. The recovery of the prevertebral height in the intervertebral spaces was more significant in instrumental reduction. Both reductions were ineffective in patients whose compression of the diseased vertebra was more than two-thirds of the normal. In cases of lower lumbar vertebra fractures, the effect of both reductions was unsatisfactory. Our findings indicated that the effectiveness of the reduction of vertebra fracture depends on the quantitative change of the spongy bone of the injured vertebra. Instrumental reduction only exerts an indirect tension. Postural reduction is effective in reducing thoracolumbar vertebral fracture, while instrumental reduction exerts only a relatively weak effect but it is particularly useful to maintain the result of postural reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • This study is aimed to examine the correlation between the transitions in the muscular strength pre and post arthroscopic meniscus suture surgery. Methods • A total of 87 patients records were collected from the electronic medical records of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from 2020 to 2021. Patients in the operative group underwent arthroscopic meniscus sutures. The isokinetic muscular strength test system (ISOMED2000) tool was utilized to examine the isokinetic intensity of the knee joins on both sides and the balance was marked and adjusted to the training methods before the test. The HSS score was used to assess the transitions in the knee activity. Results • There was a significant variation in the extensor muscle strength found on the affected portion where F value was observed at 3747.845 (P < .01). The extensor knee joint strength of the affected side was less than the healthy side when compared with pre-operation, one month, three months, and six months post-surgery where F values were found to be 5287.41, 5510.517, and 1947.91 respectively (P < .001). After six months of the surgery, there was an improvement in the isokinetic muscular strength of patients, where the measurement of the damaged side and the healthier side was observed as 89.11 ±6.78 and 93.45±5.59, respectively. Conclusion • Arthroscopic meniscus suture surgery is observed to have a superior influence on the treatments. After 6 months of surgery, the muscular force of the knee extensor on the affected joint portion enhanced remarkably in contrast to the other durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study was performed to determine the effect of Dipsacus asperoides (roots), commonly known as Xu Duan, on rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: All the animals were separated into 3 groups: normal control; a group that received Dipsacus asperoides treatment after spinal injury, and a group that received phosphate-buffered saline after SCI. These groups allowed for determination of the effect of Dipsacus asperoides treatment on SCI-injured rats. Evaluation of locomotor function restoration based on Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score was carried out while expressions of I-kBa and NF-kB p65 were estimated. Evaluation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 levels was also carried by Western blotting and densitometry. Results: The results showed that 10-mg/kg/day dose of Dipsacus asperoides restored locomotor function in rats after a period of 4 weeks. The treatment also decreased expressions of I-kBa, NF-kB p65 and Bax, but significantly increased expression of Bcl-2 (p < 0.01) in treated rats, compared to untreated rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that treatment with Dipsacus asperoides extract effectively mitigates spinal cord injury by attenuating inflammation and apoptosis in SCI rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the feasibility of a small gap anastomosis as treatment procedure for peripheral nerve rupture by scissoring and sleeve jointing an autologous epineurium. The rats that were used in this experiment were able to quickly recover autonomic activities. This study concludes that the aforementioned procedure can be used to repair peripheral nerve rupture and that it is superior to epineurium neurorrhaphy in situ.

The article reports on simplified methods for isolating, culturating, purifying olfactory, ensheathing cells. The isolation of olfactory ensheathing cells was conducted using shearing, dispersion processes. A three-step purification procedure was then performed after the primary cultures attained confluence. Cells attached and developed quickly. The three-step purification process allows for the cells to be preserved for extended periods of time in culture.

Background: The traditional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique usually involves implantation of two cages through a bilateral approach and bilateral laminectomy, which requires bilateral transpedicle screw fixation. The procedure itself has several negative impacts. Therefore, a modified PLIF procedure that includes insertion of a unilateral cage through the symptomatic side with supplementary unilateral pedicle screws has been conducted., Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients with unilateral radiculopathy who were diagnosed with spinal stenosis along with degenerative disc disease and a herniated intervertebral disc with lumbar instability underwent a unilateral PLIF using a single cage and unilateral pedicle screws. The postoperative clinical evaluation was based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for back pain and leg pain at multiple time points following the surgery. Radiological assessments were performed with lateral plain radiographs taken preoperation, immediately postoperation, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperation and at the most recent follow-up., Results: The patients all underwent a single-level fusion, and the mean duration for the surgeries was 94 min. The mean haemorrhage volume was 250 ml, and no blood transfusion was required for any of the cases. Twelve months postoperatively, all patients had achieved an Excellent or Good outcome (Excellent in 28 patients and Good in 3). The mean pain score was 6.8 prior to surgery and decreased to 2.3 at the 3-month postoperative examination. No significant complications or neurological deterioration occurred. None of the 31 patients appeared to have any fusion failure. No broken screw, screw loosening, significant cage migration or subsidence was observed in any of the cases. A mean increase in the intervertebral disc height of 3.14 mm from the preoperative measurement to the most recent follow-up examination was determined to be statistically significant (p = 0.05)., Conclusions: Conducting PLIF using the diagonal insertion of a single cage with supplemental unilateral transpedicular screw instrumentation enables sufficient decompression and solid interbody fusion to be achieved with minimal invasion of the posterior spinal elements. This technique is a more clinically secure, straightforward and cost-effective way to perform PLIF.