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Invasive alien plants are likely to be released from specialist herbivores and at the same time encounter biotic resistance from resident generalist herbivores in their new ranges. The Shifting Defense hypothesis predicts that this will result in evolution of decreased defense against specialist herbivores and increased defense against generalist herbivores. To test this, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 61 common garden studies that provide data on resistance and/or tolerance for both introduced and native populations of 32 invasive plant species. We demonstrate that introduced populations, relative to native populations, decreased their resistance against specialists, and increased their resistance against generalists. These differences were significant when resistance was measured in terms of damage caused by the herbivore, but not in terms of performance of the herbivore. Furthermore, we found the first evidence that the magnitude of resistance differences between introduced and native populations depended significantly on herbivore origin (i.e., whether the test herbivore was collected from the native or non-native range of the invasive plant). Finally, tolerance to generalists was found to be higher in introduced populations, while neither tolerance to specialists nor that to simulated herbivory differed between introduced and native plant populations. We conclude that enemy release from specialist herbivores and biotic resistance from generalist herbivores have contrasting effects on resistance evolution in invasive plants. Our results thus provide strong support for the Shifting Defense hypothesis. published

The morphology of Isoxys auritus Jiang, 1982 is reinterpreted in the light of abundant new specimens from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang biota, South China. I. auritus was a bivalved arthropod, its shield armed with two cardinal spines sub-equal in length. Two morphotypes (shield with and without ornamentation) which are of several original differences were interpreted as sexual dimorphs. 81 specimens examined here, which range between 4.8 mm and 47.0 mm, represent a successive developmental sequence. The earliest stages were characterized by short cardinal spines, large spherical eyes, a pair of elongated antennulae, and seven pairs of post-antennular appendages. The slim antennula is uniramous, consisting of nine articles, each armed with short spines. It differs from that of great appendage and lacks any grasping function. During the ontogeny, the body length increases, accompanied by addition of trunk somites and appearance of primary reticulated ornaments, and both cardinal spines become evident. In the fully grown adult, there are up to 11 pairs of post-antennular appendages, equipped with the stout endopod composed of 6 or 7 podomeres lacking endites, and a terminal claw; the paddle shaped exopod is fringed with long setae along its posterior margin. Secondary reticulation of the shield has developed inside each primary one; the cardinal spines more elongated; and the ratio of length to height of shield increases. However, the size of eye and antennula relative to the body length significantly decreases. Accordingly, intraspecific variation, including sexual dimorphs and developmental change, is evident in I. auritus . Recognizing such differences is important for detecting possible synonymies in the genus. Furthermore, the ontogenetic changes of I. auritus described here, particularly the postembryonic segment addition and possible allometric growth may also improve our understanding of development of Cambrian arthropods in Burgess-shale type preservation, especially those possessing such a large shield.

Harvest and salinity are two important factors of the growth of common reed (Phragmites australis). We here examined the different impact of winter harvest treatment on the Phragmites australis between high and low salinity (mean soil electrical conductivity is 7.87 ms/cm and 0.91 ms/cm) areas in Dongtan wetland of Yangtze River estuary, China. We measured phenology, Shoot density, stem diameter and height, biomass (total, aboveground and belowground biomass) and spike weight. At high salinity areas, harvest significantly inhibited the individual growth of stem height yet enhanced ramet density, and consequently led to an insignificant change in aboveground biomass. The belowground parts of reed were significantly inhibited. The root shoot ratio and the proportion of asexual reproduction decreased significantly. At low salinity areas, however, winter harvest generally has no significant influence on reed growth. Our results suggest that the winter harvest management may cause a decline of reed populations in the long term under condition of high salinity; however winter harvesting can be suggested as a proper management for sustainable utilization of reed communities at low salinity areas.

The relative contribution of long-distance dispersal and local diffusion in the spread of invasive species has been a subject of much debate. Invasion of the intertidal mudflats by Spartina alterniflora is an ideal example of stratified diffusion, involving both long-distance dispersal of seeds and local diffusion due to clonal growth. In conjunction with experimental data on range radius-versus-time curve, a traveling wave equation-based model is used to investigate the sensitivity of the spread rate of exotic S. alterniflora to parameters of long distance dispersal (c, maximum colonial establishment rate) and local colony diffusion (r, intrinsic growth rate) at two tidal marshes, the Eastern Chongming and the Jiuduansha Islands, at the Yangtze River estuary. Both Eastern Chong ming and Jiuduansha Islands are now national natural reserves in China, which were established in 2005. However, the mudflats and salt marshes in the two reserves are now heavily infested with introduced S. alterniflora, which may threaten the estuarine ecosystems and their biodiversity. S. alterniflora was first found in 1995 on Chongming. For rapid sediment accretion in mudflats in the estuary, S. alterniflora was also intentionally introduced to Jiuduansha in 1997 and Chongming in 2001, which has led to a rapid range expansion in the estuary. Our results show that range expansion of species with stratified diffusion is affected by both long-distance dispersal and local colony diffusion, and that there is a critical c*, below which the spread rate is more influenced by long-distance dispersal than by local diffusion. After applying this model to the invasion of S. alterniflora in the Yangtze River estuary, we derive that c = 1.7 × 10-3, c* = 0.126 and c = 4.8 × 10-3 km-2·yr-1, c* = 0.140 km-2·yr-1 at Chongming and Jiuduansha (Shanghai), respectively. Our results suggest that the range spread of S. alterniflora in the Yangtze River estuary is more influenced by long-distance dispersal than local colony diffusion, and that S. alterniflora generates about 1.7 × 10-3 to 4.8 × 10-3 colonies per square kilometers per year. This study provides important information about dispersal dynamics of S. alterniflora that may be useful for finding optimal control strategies. ·

Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is often accompanied by an impression fracture in the anterior surface of the humeral head, called a reverse Hill–Sachs injury. This bone defect can engage on the posterior glenoid rim, which can lead to recurrent instability and progressive joint destruction. We describe a new arthroscopic procedure that fills the reverse Hill–Sachs lesion with an iliac bone-block autograft and repairs the posterior articular capsule arthroscopically, which can stabilize the posterior shoulder. It avoids the need to detach the subscapularis tendon and can reduce the risks associated with open procedures. Level of evidence V, technical note.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair is now considered as an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears. We reported a new method for repairing a full-thickness RC tear by using the double-row technique with transposition of the long head of biceps (LHB). The novelty of this technique is using the long head of the biceps as an augmentation. The indication of this technique consists of two aspects including LHB lesions and RC tears. Three patients were enrolled. An ideal reconstruction of the anatomic footprint of the tendon and stabilization of glenohumeral joint was achieved after the double-row technique with the transposition of the long head of biceps. At 6-month postoperation, the mean VAS score was 1.23 ± 0.15 and the mean Constant score was 88.00 ± 9.17. Transposition of the long head of biceps is a choice for full-thickness RC tear. Level of evidence IV, case series.

We tested the hypothesis that introduced populations may have higher resource capture ability and utilization efficiency than native ones of invasive plants. We compared ecophysiological traits including maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax), apparent quantum yield (Q), specific leaf area (SLA), photosynthetic energy use efficiency (PEUE), photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE), water use efficiency (WUE), mass-based and area-based leaf construction cost (CCmass and CCarea), and mass-based and area-based leaf nitrogen concentration (Nmass and Narea) between native (Argentina) and introduced (USA) populations of two varieties (North Apa and South Apo) of Alternanthera philoxeroides under common garden conditions in China. For Apo and Apa, Pmax, Q, Nmass and WUE were not significantly different between native and introduced populations; introduced populations had significantly lower SLA and lower CCmass but significantly higher Narea and CCarea than native ones. For Apa, the introduced populations showed significantly lower PEUE and lower PNUE while for Apo, PEUE and PNUE were not significantly different between native and introduced populations. The results indicated that introduced populations of A. philoxeroides do not show higher resource capture ability and resource utilization efficiency than their native ones in the common garden experiment, suggesting that these traits may not necessarily contribute to successful invasion of invasive plants.

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of intra-articular magnesium sulphate and a saline placebo for postoperative pain control following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Sixty patients underwent THA and were randomly allocated into two groups to receive intra-articular injections of either 10 ml magnesium sulphate (100 mg/ml; magnesium group, n=30) or 10 ml normal saline solution (control group, n=30). Postoperative analgesia was maintained by intravenous morphine injection. The outcome measurements were visual analogue score (VAS), morphine consumption and Harris hip score (HHS). The two groups were well matched. The outcome of VAS at rest was significantly lower at postoperative hours 6 and 12 in the magnesium group as compared with the control group, although the difference was insignificant preoperatively and at postoperative hours 2, 4, 24 and 48, and days 3, 7 and 14. This indicator during activity was also lower in the magnesium group at postoperative hour 24 than that of the control group, although the difference was insignificant preoperatively and at hour 48, and days 7 and 14. The consumption of morphine (the total quantity) at 0-6, 6-12 and 0-48 h in the magnesium group was significantly lower than in the control group, although no significant differences were observed at 12-24 and 24-48 h between the groups. The improvements of HHS from preoperative to postoperative scores were statistically significant, however, no significant differences were identified between groups. Thus, the findings indicate that intra-articular magnesium sulphate injections provided improved pain control and reduced the need for morphine when compared with a saline placebo following THA.

The failure to accept reinnervation is considered to be one of the reasons for the poor motor functional recovery of intrinsic hand muscles (IHMs) after nerve injury. Rat could be a suitable model to be used in simulating motor function recovery of the IHMs after nerve injury as to the similarities in function and anatomy of the muscles between human and rat. However, few studies have reported the muscle fiber types composition and endplate morphologic characteristics of intrinsic forepaw muscles (IFMs) in the rat. In this study, the myosin heavy chain isoforms and acetylcholine receptors were stained by immunofluorescence to show the muscle fiber types composition and endplates on type-identified fibers of the lumbrical muscles (LMs), interosseus muscles (IMs), abductor digiti minimi (AM) and flexor pollicis brevis (FM) in rat forepaw. The majority of IFMs fibers were labeled positively for fast-switch fiber. However, the IMs were composed of only slow-switch fiber. With the exception of the IMs, the other IFMs had a part of hybrid fibers. Two-dimensional morphological characteristics of endplates on I and IIa muscle fiber had no significant differences among the IFMs. The LMs is the most suitable IFMs of rat to stimulate reinnervation of the IHMs after nerve injury. Gaining greater insight into the muscle fiber types composition and endplate morphology in the IFMs of rat may help understand the pathological and functional changes of IFMs in rat model stimulating reinnervation of IHMs after peripheral nerve injury.

The daily dose and course of treatment for the surveyed orphan drugs. (DOC 52 kb)

Unauthorized list of 35 orphan drugs for 14 rare diseases in the China market. (DOC 59 kb)

The unit prices of brand name and generic orphan drugs surveyed in 24 public tertiary hospitals in China. (DOC 53 kb)

The questionnaire on the availability and prices of orphan drugs for several serious rare diseases in hospitals. (DOC 248 kb)

List and general situation of 165 unique orphan drugs marketed in China. (DOC 316 kb)

List of 31 orphan drugs surveyed in 24 public tertiary hospitals in China. (DOC 46 kb)

An ongoing controversy exists on whether mobile-bearing design is superior over fixed-bearing design in unicondylar knee arthroplasties (UKAs). The present study conducted a systematic review to ascertain differences in performance between fixed- and mobile-bearing designs in UKAs. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. A total of 9 comparative studies involving 915 knees comparing outcomes of mobile-bearing UKAs with fixed-bearing UKAs were included in the current analysis. Outcomes of interest included knee function, quality of life, radiographic outcomes, reasons and incidence of reoperation, timing of failures, and survivorship. The results presented no significant differences between the two designs in terms of knee scores, range of motion, limb alignment, implant positioning, incidence of radiolucent lines and overall reoperation rates. However, their differences have been noted in their modes and timing of failures. Early failures are related to the risk of bearing dislocation in the mobile-bearing design. In contrast, later failures are related to the risk of polyethylene wear in the fixed-bearing design. The available evidence has not confirmed the advantage of mobile-bearing UKAs over fixed-bearing UKAs but pointed out specific modes of failure. Therapeutic study (systematic review and meta-analysis), Level III.

Background Local chronic inflammatory reaction plays an important role in the process of aseptic loosening of implants after total joint replacement. In addition, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key upstream regulator of inflammation, and it is a significant regulator of inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate if the fibroblasts and macrophages in the interfacial membranes overexpress MIF. Materials and Methods The 15 tissue samples of interfacial membranes were obtained from the tissues around the aseptically loosened femoral implants adjacent to osteolytic lesion in 15 patients. The 15 control synovial samples of hip joints were obtained from 15 patients who underwent primary hip arthroplasty because of the fresh fracture of the femoral neck. The levels of MIF protein and mRNA were evaluated by ELISA assay, immunofluorescence labeling, and real-time RT-PCR. Fibroblasts and macrophages were identified by immunofluorescence labeling. Results The levels of MIF protein and mRNA were significantly increased, as well as the numbers of MIF+ fibroblasts and macrophages in the interfacial membranes compared with the control synovium. Conclusion Not only the macrophages, but also the fibroblasts in interfacial membranes overexpress MIF. MIF may play a significant role in the process of aseptic-loosening implants after total joint replacement.

Wear particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis is the major cause of aseptic loosening after total joint replacement. The predominant cell type within periprosthetic tissues is macrophages. We investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Bzb) on murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with titanium (Ti) particles. RAW 264.7 cells were cultured with 1 nM Bzb and 0.1 mg/ml Ti particles for 48 h; cells without Ti and Bzb or without Bzb were used as negative and loading controls. Results showed that the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), chemokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α)], and inflammatory enzymes [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)] increased in RAW 264.7 cells cultured with Ti. Bzb treatment significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1α, iNOS, and COX-2 and induced the expression of IL-10 in a time-dependent manner. These results suggest that Bzb inhibits Ti-induced inflammation in macrophages, and provide a promising therapeutic target for treating or preventing aseptic loosening.

Wear particle-induced vascularized granulomatous inflammation and subsequent inflammatory osteolysis is the most common cause of aseptic loosening after total joint replacement (TJR); however, the precise mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. This study investigates the effects of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Bzb) on the expression of key biochemical markers of bone metabolism and vascularised granulomatous tissues, such as receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). In addition, the effect of Bzb on apoptosis of CD68+ cells was examined. A total of 32 female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into four groups. After implantation of calvaria bone from syngeneic littermates, titanium (Ti) particles were injected into established air pouches for all mice (excluding negative controls) to provoke inflammatory osteolysis. Subsequently, Bzb was administered at a ratio of 0, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/kg on day 1, 4, 8, and 11 post-surgery to alleviate this response. All of the air pouches were harvested 14 days after the surgical procedure and were processed for molecular and histological analysis. The results demonstrated that Ti injection elevated the expression of RANKL, OPG, VEGF, and TRAF6 at both the gene and protein levels, increased counts of infiltrated cells and thickness of air pouch membranes, and elevated the apoptosis index (AI) of CD68+ cells. Bzb treatment significantly improved Ti particle-induced implanted bone osteolysis, attenuated vascularised granulomatous tissues and elevated AI of CD68+ cells. Therefore, the proteasome pathway may represent an effective therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of aseptic loosening.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a computer-assisted navigation system for treating osteoarthritis with extra-articular deformity. Between January 2006 and January 2009, computer-assisted navigation TKAs were performed on eight knees in eight patients, who had severe osteoarthritis with an ipsilateral extra-articular deformity. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months. The involved knees were evaluated by function scores, Knee Society knee scores, and analyzing knee flexion before the operation and at the latest follow-up. Postoperatively, the function scores, Knee Society knee scores, and knee flexion all improved significantly. The ideal mechanical axis of the lower extremity was obtained in all cases. TKA using a computer-assisted navigation system might provide an efficient treatment for patients with osteoarthritis in combination with an extra-articular deformity.

Despite the frequency with which total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are performed, whether they are best performed using all-polyethylene or metal-backed tibial components remains a controversy. The aim of the present study was to determine the advantages and disadvantages of metal-backed compared with all-polyethylene tibial components during TKAs through an evaluation of current literature. A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized and non-randomized comparative studies comparing metal-backed with all-polyethylene tibial components during TKAs were performed. The focus of the analysis was on the outcomes of knee score, range of motion (ROM), quality of life, implant alignment, tibial migration, radiolucent line, complication, reoperation, and implant survivorship. A total of 10 randomized/quasi-randomized controlled trials and 13 non-randomized comparative studies assessing 19,767 TKAs were eligible. On the basis of these studies, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to knee score, ROM, quality of life, complication, and reoperation. The findings indicated that using all-polyethylene tibial components is associated with lower continuous migration rate compared with metal-backed tibial components. Only 13 studies provided adequate data on implant survivorship during intermediate or long-term follow-up. Of these, 9 found that no statistical significance existed between the 2 groups. The other 3 studies found that using all-polyethylene components yielded a higher survival rate than using metal-backed components. Metal-backed tibial components had no obvious advantages over all-polyethylene tibial components in TKAs. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution due to publication bias, low methodological quality of the included studies, and different surgical interventions. Therapeutic study (systematic review and meta-analysis), Level III.

Wear particle-induced aseptic loosening has been recognized as a harmful inflammatory process that jeopardizes the longevity of total joint replacement. The proteasome controls the activation of NF-κB and subsequent inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α and IL-1β; thus, we investigated whether proteasome inhibition can ameliorate wear particle-induced inflammation in a murine model. A total of 48 BALB/C mice were divided into four groups. Titanium (Ti) particles were injected into the established air pouches of all mice (except negative controls) to provoke inflammation, and then 0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg of Bortezomib (Bzb, a proteasome inhibitor) was administered to ameliorate the inflammation response, while air pouches without Bzb administration were used as loading controls. The air pouches were harvested 2 or 7 days after Bzb injection for molecular and histological analyses. Inflammation responses in the air pouch tissues of Bzb treatment groups are lower than those in the Ti-stimulated group, and this occurs in a dose-dependent manner. Bzb can significantly attenuate the severity of Ti-induced inflammation in air pouches.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a significant regulator of inflammatory diseases, and local inflammation plays an important role in the aseptic loosening of failed total hip arthroplasty (THA). A high-level MIF expression was found in the interfacial membrane around implants. However, the cause of increased MIF expression and the action of MIF in the process of aseptic-loosening implant is still unknown. This study is to investigate MIF expression and its upregulating effect on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in the particles-stimulated air pouches in mice that appear to closely resemble the interfacial membranes. A total of 48 murine air pouches were divided into four groups, and were injected with PBS, titanium particles suspensions, titanium particles suspensions with neutralizing antibody of MIF, and titanium particles suspensions with normal IgG, respectively. Histological and cytokine responses were evaluated. The inflammatory reaction of air pouch membranes induced by titanium particles was significantly suppressed by neutralizing antibody. The levels of MIF protein and mRNA were significantly increased in the titanium particles-stimulated air pouch membranes compared with the control groups. So were the levels of MMP13 protein and mRNA. However, the levels of MMP13 protein and mRNA were significantly reduced by neutralizing antibody. Our study demonstrates that titanium particles can cause the air pouch membranes to increase the expression of MIF, which upregulates the production of MMP13 and induces inflammatory reaction in vivo. The results indicate that MIF may play an important role in the process of aseptic-loosening implants after THA.

The evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis proposes that invasive species evolve decreased defense and increased competitive ability following natural enemy release. Previous studies have found evidence both for and against EICA. The resource-enemy release hypothesis (R-ERH) suggests that fast-growing species may experience stronger enemy release than slow-growing species. On the basis of R-ERH, the prediction of EICA will be held true for slow-growing genotypes, i.e., the slow-growing genotypes from the introduced range will be less resistant to herbivory and grow faster than those from the home range; while the EICA will not be held for fast-growing genotypes, i.e., there will be no significant differences in growth and defense traits between the introduced and native fast-growing genotypes. We tested these predictions preliminarily using five populations of the invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides. This species has two varieties in its home range, which showed a distinct growth-defense strategy: the northern A. p. var. acutifolia (Apa) had higher growth rate but lower resistance, while the southern A. p. var. obtusifolia (Apo) had lower growth rate but higher resistance level. Our results suggest that the EICA hypothesis is consistent with the slow-growing Apo, but not with the fast-growing Apa. We suggest that evolutionary changes in growth or resistance following enemy release are influenced by variation in growth rate within an invasive alien plant. These findings have important implications for the EICA hypothesis, and may partially explain why previous studies have found evidence both for and against EICA.

Knowledge about the life-history traits of native conspecifics of exotic invasive plants can be of fundamental importance in exploring their origin of invasiveness and disentangling distinct invasion mechanisms. We conducted a common garden experiment to examine genetically based differentiation in growth and biomass allocation among three native Alternanthera philoxeroides varieties (Alternanthera philoxeroides var. obtusifolia, Alternanthera philoxeroides var. acutifolia and Alternanthera philoxeroides var. lancifolia) from Argentina. Results showed that the high-latitude var. obtusifolia had lower values of relative growth rate and plant size. In contrast, the low-latitude var. acutifolia showed distinctly higher growth vigor. The mid-latitude var. lancifolia generally showed intermediate growth vigor. Regarding allocation, var. obtusifolia allocated a distinctly higher proportion of biomass to storage roots and leaves, whereas var. acutifolia and var. lancifolia allocated more biomass to stems. This pattern of variation might be the outcome of evolutionary differentiation in response to their geographic distributions and local habitats. The acutifolia and lancifolia varieties may have higher potential invasiveness than var. obtusifolia.

Casein-graft-dextran copolymer was produced using the Maillard reaction. The copolymer is molecularly soluble in neutral aqueous solution whereas beta-carotene is extremely insoluble. By the method of dialysis or evaporation then dispersing in water, the solubility of hydrophobic complex of casein and beta-carotene decreases whereas the solubility of dextran increases gradually, then nanoparticles formed with casein and beta-carotene core and dextran shell. The particles have spherical shape and are stable in aqueous solution against dilution, pH change, ionic strength change, FeCl3 oxidation and long time storage. The encapsulated beta-carotene can be released by pepsin or trypsin hydrolysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous nanoparticle formation and encapsulation induced by hydrophobic interaction. Casein-graft-dextran copolymer and the nanoparticle preparation is a green process in which only alkali and ethanol, no other chemicals, were used.

Background The treatment of discoid meniscus is debatable. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of combined outside-in and FasT-Fix sutures for the treatment of serious discoid meniscal tears. Methods This study included 32 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal plasty for serious discoid meniscal tears (full-thickness vertical, longitudinal tears >10mm) between October 2006 and June 2012. A combination of outside-in and FasT-Fix sutures was used to treat serious discoid meniscal tears. Disappearance of clinical symptoms (locked knee, pain, and clicking) and negative results in the McMurray and Apley grind tests were assessed during follow-up (26 to 47months). The Lysholm, IKDC, and Tegner scores were assessed for therapeutic efficacy. Some patients were followed up with MRI. Results Symptoms (pain, clicking, and locking) disappeared in all patients. The Lysholm score improved from 39.1±9.2 to 89.6±6.7 at six months, and to 90.1±6.3 at the last follow-up. The same trends were observed for the IKDC score (from 38.0±9.5 to 90±6.3, and to 91.1±6.4) and the Tegner score (from 2.8±0.6 to 5.2±0.6, and to 5.2±0.5). Among all patients, 13 were followed up with MRI. Among these patients, four had an unhealed stitched edge, but they did not complain of any discomfort in the knees. Conclusions The use of a combination of outside-in and FasT-Fix sutures for meniscal plasty had good outcomes for serious discoid meniscal tears and can thus be regarded as a good surgical option.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine phosphatase involved in meiosis, mitosis, sperm capacitation, and apoptosis. Abberant activity of PP2A has been associated with a number of diseases. The homolog PPP2CA and PPP2CB can each function as the phosphatase catalytic subunit generally referred to as PP2AC. We generated a Ppp2ca conditional knockout (CKO) in C57BL/6J mice. Exon 2 of Ppp2ca was knocked out in a spatial or temporal-specific manner in primordial germ cells at E12.5. This Ppp2ca-null mutation caused infertility in male C57BL/6J mice. These CKO mice provide a powerful tool to study the mechanisms of Ppp2ca in development and disease.

Both phenotypic plasticity and locally adapted ecotypes may contribute to the success of invasive species in a wide range of habitats. Here, we conducted common garden experiments and molecular marker analysis to test the two alternative hypotheses in invasive alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), which colonizes both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Ninety individuals from three pairs of aquatic versus terrestrial populations across southern China were analyzed, using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker, to examine population differentiation in neutral loci. Two common gardens simulating aquatic and terrestrial habitats were set up to examine population differentiation in quantitative traits. We found no evidence of population differentiation in both neutral loci and quantitative traits. Most individuals shared the same ISSR genotype. Meanwhile, plants from different habitats showed similar reaction norms across the two common gardens. In particular, plants allocated much more biomass to the belowground roots in the terrestrial environment, where alligator weed may lose part or all of the aboveground shoots because of periodical or accidental disturbances, than those in the aquatic environment. The combined evidence from molecular marker analysis and common garden experiments support the plasticity hypothesis rather than the ecotype hypothesis in explaining the adaptation of alligator weed in a wide range of habitats.

Relatively few studies have compared invasibility and species invasiveness among microhabitats within communities, synchronously. We surveyed the abundance and performance of non-native Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. (alligator weed), its co-occurring native congener, Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC. (sessile joyweed), and other species in a wetland community along a riparian zone in southeast China to test the hypotheses that: i) degree of invasion differs between different types of microhabitats within the community; and ii) microhabitat types that differ in invasibility also differ in soil resource availability or in sediment characteristics likely to affect resource availability; iii) phenotypic plasticity of A. philoxeroides may play a key role in its adaptation to diverse habitats as can be concluded from its extremely low genetic diversity in China. The study riparian zone comprises different types of microhabitats including wet abandoned field, swamp, marsh dunes and gravel dunes. Consistent with these hypotheses, cover of A. philoxeroides was high in abandoned fields (73 ± 2.9%) and swamps (94 ± 1.3%), which had high soil nutrients and water availability. On the contrary, cover of native A. sessilis was relatively high in marsh dunes and grave dunes, which had coarse gravel surfaces, low soil nutrients and low water availability. A. philoxeroides showed greater morphological plasticity in response to habitat variation. In abiotically harsh habitats, stems had limited growth, and were prostrate with weak adventitious roots at nodes, forming thin, scattered patches. In the two richer habitats, the highly branched plants spread over the water or soil surface, supporting dense stronger leaf-bearing stems which grew vertically. The growth pattern of A. sessilis among microhabitats did not exhibit significant variations. These results suggest that morphological plasticity and microhabitat types with high soil resources may facilitate invasions of A. philoxeroides.

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic differentiation are two possible mechanisms that plants use to cope with varying environments. Although alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) possesses very low genetic diversity, this alien weed has successfully invaded diverse habitats with considerably varying water availability (from swamps to dry lands) in China. In contrast, its native congener (Alternanthera sessilis) has a much narrower ecological breadth, and is usually found in moist habitats. To understand the mechanisms underlying the contrasting pattern, we performed a greenhouse experiment to compare the reaction norms of alligator weed with those of its native congener, in which water availability was manipulated. Our results revealed that the two congeners had similar direction of phenotypic plasticity. However, A. philoxeroides showed greater plasticity in amount than did A. sessilis in many traits examined during the switch from wet to drought treatment. Nearly all of the phenotypic variance in A. philoxeroides could be ascribed to plasticity, while A. sessilis had a much higher fraction of phenotypic variance that could be explained by genotypic variation. These interspecific differences in plastic responses to variable water availability partially explained the difference in spatial distribution of the two congeners.

Changes in plant biomass allocation in response to varying resource availabilities may result from ontogenetic drift caused by allometric growth (i.e., apparent plasticity), a true adjustment of ontogenetic trajectories (true plasticity) or both (complex plasticity). Given that the root allocation of annual species usually decreases during the growth, the developmentally explicit model predicts that annual herbs will exhibit true plasticity in root allocation under above-ground resource limitation and apparent plasticity for moderate stress of below-ground resource. For perennial species, the root allocation of which increases during growth, the reverse patterns would be expected. In this study, we tested the developmentally explicit model with a perennial weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. We report its adaptive changes and ontogenetic drift of root allocation in response to different resource levels (i.e., light, water and nutrient availability) by comparing root allocation on both an age and a size basis. The root allocation of A. philoxeroides increased with the size (i.e., ontogenetic drift) during the growth, and exhibited significant changes in response to different resource availabilities. Furthermore, the root allocation in response to water or nutrient availability exhibited typical complex plasticity, while the light stress only slowed down the growth, with the ontogenetic trajectory unchanged (apparent plasticity). The contrasting responses to above-ground and below-ground stresses were consistent with the prediction of the developmentally explicit model.

Two natural macromolecules, chitosan and ovalbumin, were used to produce nanogels by a new, green, and convenient method. Chitosan and ovalbumin solutions were mixed; the pH of the resulting solution was adjusted; and the solution was successively stirred and heated. After that, ovalbumin gelled forming nanospheres. The chitosan chains are supposed to be partly trapped in the nanogel core upon heating because of the electrostatic attractions between chitosan and ovalbumin, while the rest of the chitosan chains should form the shell of the nanogels. The nanogels did not change the size distribution after long-time storage and did not dissociate in the pH range of 2-10.5. The dispersibility, size, and hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the nanogels are pH-dependent. The nanogels are good candidates for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Cold intolerance is a common complication of digital replantation. The exact etiology is unclear, but it is considered to be multifactorial, including nonsurgical characteristics, vascular, and neurologic conditions. Blood flow may play a significant role in cold intolerance. This study was designed to evaluate the correlation of digital blood flow, including volumetric flow rate (VFR) and skin blood flow (SkBF), with cold intolerance in replanted fingers. A retrospective study was conducted among patients who underwent digital replantation between 2010 and 2013. Patients were selected into study cohort based on the inclusion criteria. Surgical data was collected on each patient, including age, sex, injury mechanism, amputation level, ischemia time, number of arteries repaired, and whether or not vascular crisis occurred. Patients were included as study cohort with both nerves repaired and without chronic disease. Cold intolerance was defined as a Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) score over 30. The arterial flow velocity and caliber were measured by Color Doppler Ultrasound and the digital VFR was calculated. The SkBF was measured by Laser Speckle Imager. Both VFR and SkBF were calculated as a percentage of the contralateral fingers. Comparative study of surgical data and blood flow was performed between the patient with and without cold intolerance. Correlation between VFR and SkBF was also analyzed. A total of 93 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Approximately, 42 patients were identified as having cold intolerance. Fingers that survived vascular crisis had a higher incidence of cold intolerance with a lower VFR and SkBF. The VFR was higher in 2-artery replantation, but the SkBF and incidence of cold intolerance did not differ significantly. No differences were found in age, sex, injury mechanism, amputation level, or ischemia time. Furthermore, no correlation was found between VFR and SkBF. Cold intolerance of digital replantation is associated with decreased SkBF and VFR in the replanted fingers, which survived vascular crisis. Further work will be focused on how vascular crisis cause the decreasing of SkBF and VFR and the increasing chance of cold intolerance.

structural parameters remains unavailable both for the silk I and the silk II forms. In this study, a density functional theory (DFT) approach was used to assess available structural parameters on the basis of the comparison of calculated 13 C chemical shifts or shielding tensors with experimental data. The results indicate that: (i) the silk I form, first proposed in this work, is a 3 1-helixlike conformation with torsion angle ranges of 〈E〉 )- 59 ( 2°, 〈a〉 ) 119 ( 2°, and 〈ˆ〉 ) 178 ( 2° for the alanine residue and 〈E〉 )- 78 ( 2°, 〈a〉 ) 149 ( 2°, and 〈ˆ〉 ) 178 ( 2° for the glycine residue in the silk fibroin; and (ii) the silk II structures independently determined by Marsh, Fossey, and Asakura are considered to be more rational than those determined by other authors. The resulting torsion angle ranges for the silk II form are 〈E〉 )- 143 ( 6°, 〈a〉 ) 142 ( 5°, and 〈ˆ〉 ) 178 ( 2° both for Ala and Gly residues.

Osteocyte apoptosis is the main manifestation of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). STAT1 and caspase 3 participate in the process of apoptosis and STAT1 upregulates the expression of caspase 3. We examined the relationship between the STAT1-caspase 3 pathway and apoptosis in SANFH. All specimens were divided into four groups: the negative control group, Ficat I-II group, Ficat III group, and Ficat IV-V group, and examined histologically, with a TUNEL assay, immunohistochemically, with a caspase 3 activity assay, with ELISAs of STAT1 and phospo-STAT1 (p-STAT1), with a western blotting analysis of p-STAT1 and with real-time RT-PCR. The proportion of empty lacunae increased significantly with the development of SANFH. The proportion of TUNEL-positive cells and immunohistochemical analysis of caspase 3 also increased significantly, although the Ficat I-II group did not differ significantly from the negative control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of STAT1 and p-STAT1, caspase 3 activity all showed significant differences among the groups. An ELISA and a western blotting analysis of p-STAT1 showed significant differences among the groups. An ELISA of STAT1, real-time RT-PCR analysis of caspase 3 and STAT1 all showed significant differences among the groups except between the Ficat I-II and negative control groups. The correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between the proportion of empty lacunae and the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells between caspase 3 activity and the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells and between the levels of p-STAT1 protein and caspase 3 mRNA. The apoptotic process in SANFH develops with the upregulated expression of caspase 3 via the expression and activation of STAT1. The STATI-caspase 3 pathway plays a critical role in the development of SANFH.

The optimized graft for use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still in controversy. The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft has been accepted as the gold standard for ACL reconstruction. However, donor site morbidities cannot be avoided after this treatment. The artificial ligament of ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) has been recommended for ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to compare the midterm outcome of ACL reconstruction using BPTB autografts or LARS ligaments. Between July 2004 and March 2006, the ACL reconstruction using BPTB autografts in 30 patients and LARS ligaments in 32 patients was performed. All patients were followed up for at least 4 years and evaluated using the Lysholm knee score, Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and KT-1000 arthrometer test. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the data of Lysholm scores, Tegner scores, IKDC scores, and KT-1000 arthrometer test at the latest follow-up. Our study demonstrates that the similarly good clinical results are obtained after ACL reconstruction using BPTB autografts or LARS ligaments at midterm follow-up. In addition to BPTB autografts, the LARS ligament may be a satisfactory treatment option for ACL rupture.

Purpose Even though computer-assisted navigation systems have been shown to improve the accuracy of implantation of components into the femur and tibia, long-term results are lacking and there is little evidence yet that navigation techniques also improve functional outcomes and implant longevity following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to summarize and compare the clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed using navigation-assisted and conventional techniques. Methods The study was conducted according to the guidelines described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statements. Methodological features were rated independently by two reviewers. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi- randomized controlled trials (qRCTs) was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of CAS versus conventional TKA. Data were pooled in fixed and random effects models and the weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. Heterogeneity across studies was determined, and subgroup analyses by the type of navigation system (image-based or image-free navigation system) were conducted. Results Twenty-one studies that included 2333 knees were collected from different countries. The surgical time was longer for CN TKA than for the conventional procedure. There was no significant difference in the Knee Society Score between the two groups at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up. The rates of postoperative complications in patients who had CN TKA were similar to those in the patients who had conventional TKA. Conclusion No significant differences in short-term clinical outcomes were found following TKAs performed with and without computer navigation system. However, there is clearly a need for additional high-quality clinical trials with long-term follow-up to confirm the clinical benefits of computer-assisted surgery.

Chronic synovitis of knee joints that cannot be treated by conservative measure effectively can be treated successfully by the operations through resecting the inflamed synovium. The operations include open synovectomy and arthroscopic synovectomy. The purpose of this study is to compare the two operations in alleviating symptoms and cosmetic effect. There were 42 patients in this study, and they suffered from chronic synovitis of knee joints, including rheumatoid arthritis and non-specific synovitis. Twenty-two knees of 22 patients underwent arthroscopic synovectomy with two to five approaches whose lengths were about 1.0 cm, and 20 knees of 20 patients underwent open synovectomy with two approaches whose lengths were more than 10.0 cm. Patients were evaluated by visual analog scale for pain at the 24th hour after operation. Patients were followed up for 16–20 months and were evaluated by the Ogilvie–Harris scoring system. This study showed that both arthroscopic synovectomy and open synovectomy successfully alleviated the symptoms and the short-term results are similar after operation. However, the scars in the patients of the former group were much shorter than the latter group. Pain intensity of patients underwent arthroscopic synovectomy was less than that of open synovectomy at the 24th hour after operation. Both operations could treat chronic synovitis successfully. However, the arthroscopic synovectomy is the preferred operation due to fast recovery, less postoperative pain, and excellent cosmetic effect.

The self-assembly of beta-casein and lysozyme, a linear and a globular protein with isoelectric point of pH 5.0 and 10.7, respectively, was studied. Polydisperse electrostatic complex micelles formed when mixing beta-casein and lysozyme aqueous solutions. After the micelle solution was heated, lysozyme gelated and beta-casein was trapped in the gel, producing narrowly dispersed nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized with laser light scattering, zeta-potential, steady state fluorescence, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles have spherical shape and their sizes depend on the pH of the heat treatment and the molar ratio of beta-casein to lysozyme. The nanoparticles display amphoteric property and are relatively hydrophobic at pH around 5 and around 10. The net charges on the surface stabilize the nanoparticles in the solution.

Release from specialist insect herbivores may allow invasive plants to evolve traits associated with decreased resistance and increased competitive ability. Given that there may be genetic trade-off between resistance and tolerance, invasive plants could also become more tolerant to herbivores. Although it is widely acknowledged that light availability affects tolerance to herbivores, little information is available for whether the effect of light availability on tolerance differ between the introduced and native populations. We conducted a common garden experiment in the introduced range of Alternanthera philoxeroides using ten invasive US and ten native Argentinean populations at two levels of light availability and in the presence or absence of a specialist stem-boring insect Agasicles hygrophila. Plant biomass (total and storage root biomass), two allocation traits (root/shoot ratio and branch intensity, branches biomass/main stem biomass) and two functional traits (specific stem length and specific leaf area), which are potentially associated with herbivore resistance and light capture, were measured. Overall, we found that A. philoxeroides from introduced ranges had comparable biomass and tolerance to specialist herbivores, lower branch intensity, lower specific stem length and specific leaf area. Moreover, introduced populations displayed higher shade tolerance of storage root biomass and lower plastic response to shading in specific stem length. Finally, light availability had no significant effect on evolution of tolerance to specialist herbivores of A. philoxeroides. Our results suggest that post-introduction evolution might have occurred in A. philoxeroides. While light availability did not influence the evolution of tolerance to specialist herbivores, increased shade tolerance and release from specialist insects might have contributed to the successful invasion of A. philoxeroides.

The copolymer of beta-casein-graft-dextran was prepared using the Maillard reaction and the acidic solution properties of the copolymer were studied with dynamic light scattering. At pH range 4-5 where is close to the isoelectric point of beta-casein, the copolymer forms micelles which are spherical verified by atomic force microscopy imaging. The size and existent time of the micelles depend on the graft degree and the length of dextran side chains of the copolymers. During storage at pH 4.6, the micelles formed by the copolymers with short side chains and low graft degree tend to precipitate, while the micelles formed by the copolymers with long side chains and high graft degree tend to dissociate. The micellization of the copolymers can be suppressed by adding NaCl. Optical microscopy and turbidity studies show that the copolymers dissolved in molecular state and with higher hydrophilicity have better emulsifying ability.

Casein is almost insoluble at around pH 4.6, which is its isoelectric point (pI). Grafting copolymer, casein-g-dextran, was prepared through the Amadori rearrangement of the Maillard reaction. The copolymer has a reversible pH sensitive property: micellization at the pI of casein forming a casein core and dextran shell structure and dissociation when pH differs from the pI. The micelles produced at pH 4.6 have a spherical shape and their size is dependent on the Maillard reaction: reaction time, molar ratio of casein to dextran, and molecular weight of dextran used. Typically, the hydrodynamic diameter of the micelles is about 100 nm and the critical micelle concentration is about 10 mg/L. The micelles are very stable in aqueous solution and can be stored as lyophiled powder. The micelles are able to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds such as pyrene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 29–38, 2006 This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com