Search

Background: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for clavicular shaft fracture yields favorable functional outcomes and results in less surgery-related soft tissue injury than other techniques. Anterior chest and shoulder skin numbness, a common complication after open reduction and plate fixation, is related to injury to the supraclavicular nerves. We propose MIPO combined with a mini-open approach without fluoroscopy for nerve preservation to minimize the risk of postoperative numbness compared with traditional open plating without nerve preservation. Methods: A total of 59 patients were retrospectively identified, with a follow-up period of 6 months. Thirty-two patients underwent MIPO with mini-open and nerve preservation technique (MIPO group), and 27 patients underwent traditional open plating without nerve preservation (open group). Constant–Murley shoulder outcome score, operation time, wound length, skin numbness, and number of implant removals were compared between the groups. Results: The MIPO group had significantly lower rates of anterior chest and shoulder skin numbness than the open group (MIPO: 12.5% vs. open: 55.6%; p < 0.001). Operation time was significantly longer in the MIPO group than in the open group (MIPO: 109.38 ± 18.83 vs. open: 81.48 ± 18.85; p < 0.001). Wound length was significantly shorter in the MIPO group than in the open group (MIPO: 4.73 ± 0.79 vs. open: 9.76 ± 1.64; p < 0.001). Both groups had similarly excellent Constant–Murley shoulder scores. There were significantly fewer implant removals in the MIPO group than in the open group (MIPO: 6.3% vs. open: 25.9%; p = 0.036). Neither group experienced any infection, implant failure, or nonunion. Conclusions: Our technique combining MIPO with the mini-open approach and supraclavicular nerve preservation yields a lower incidence of skin numbness than traditional open plating without nerve preservation.

Previous researchers have found that head-down bed rest (HDBR) will affect the emotional state of individuals, and negative emotions such as anxiety are closely related to attention bias. The present study adopted the dot-probe task to evaluate the effects of 15-days of −6° HDBR on the attention bias of threatening stimulus in 17 young men, which was completed before (Pre-HDBR), during (HDBR-1, HDBR-8, HDBR-15), after (Post-HDBR) the bed rest. In addition, self-report inventories (State Anxiety Inventory, SAI; Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, PANAS) were conducted to record emotional changes. The results showed that the participants’ negative affect scores on HDBR-8 were significantly lower than the HDBR-1 in PANAS while there was no significant difference on positive affect scores and anxiety scores in SAI. And the results showed that at the Pre-HDBR, HDBT-1, HDBR-15, Post-HDBR, the response speed to threatening stimulus was faster than neutral stimulus, but no statistical significance. However, reaction time of threatening stimulus is significantly longer than neutral stimulus in the HDBR-8, indicating that HDBR may have an effect on the participants’ attention bias, and this effect is manifested as attention avoidance.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases leading to physical disability, with age being the main risk factor, and degeneration of articular cartilage is the main focus for the pathogenesis of OA. Autophagy is a crucial intracellular homeostasis system recycling flawed macromolecules and cellular organelles to sustain the metabolism of cells. Growing evidences have revealed that autophagy is chondroprotective by regulating apoptosis and repairing the function of damaged chondrocytes. Then, OA is related to autophagy depending on different stages and models. In this review, we discuss the character of autophagy in OA and the process of the autophagy pathway, which can be modulated by some drugs, key molecules and non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs). More in-depth investigations of autophagy are needed to find therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers through in vitro and in vivo situations, making autophagy a more effective way for OA treatment in the future. The aim of this review is to introduce the concept of autophagy and make readers realize its impact on OA. The database we searched in is PubMed and we used the keywords listed below to find appropriate article resources.

Abstract. Background:. The pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of OSA by assessing the association between the human tandem of P domains in a weak inwardly rectifying K+ channel (TWIK)-related acid-sensitive K+ channel-1 (TASK-1) gene and OSA. Methods:. A total of 164 patients with severe OSA and 171 patients without OSA were recruited from the Center for Hypertension of People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (China) from April to December in 2016. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1275988 and rs2586886) in the TASK-1 gene were selected and genotyped using a kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction genotyping system. Clinical-pathological characteristics and genotype data were compared between the severe and non-OSA groups to explore the association between TASK-1 gene polymorphism and severe OSA. Results:. There were no significant differences in genotype distribution, allele frequency, and the recessive and dominant model of the two selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1275988 and rs2586886) between the severe and non-OSA groups in the total population (P > 0.05). However, for patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2, the distribution of genotypes and alleles, and the recessive model (GG + GA vs. AA) exhibited significant differences between the severe and non-OSA group (for genotypes: P = 0.014 and P = 0.026; for alleles: P = 0.006 and P = 0.011; for the recessive model: P = 0.005 and P = 0.009, respectively). The simple logistic regression analysis revealed that the GG genotype was a risk factor for OSA. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 4.902 (1.582–15.186, P = 0.006) for rs1275988 and 4.420 (1.422–13.734, P = 0.010) for rs2586886, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the combination of GG genotypes of rs1275988 with BMI ≥28 kg/m2 increased the risk of severe OSA (OR = 8.916, 95% CI 4.506–17.645, P

Background and Objectives: For the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA), intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and novel crosslinked single-dose hyaluronic acid (HA) have both been reported to improve outcomes, but no study has compared them for the treatment of knee OA. We hypothesized patients with early-stage knee OA who received PRP injections would have more WOMAC score changes than those who received HA injections. This is the first prospective, double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of intra-articular single-dose PRP versus novel crosslinked HA (HyajointPlus) for treating early-stage knee OA. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed 110 patients randomized into the PRP (n = 54) or HA (n = 56) groups. The primary outcome is the change of WOMAC score at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups compared to baseline. Results: The data revealed significant improvements in all WOMAC scores in the PRP group at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits compared with the baseline level except for the WOMAC stiffness score at the 1-month follow up. In the HA group, significant improvements were observed only in the WOMAC pain score for all the follow-up visits and in WOMAC stiffness, function, and total scores at 6-month follow-up. When comparing the change of WOMAC score at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups, no significant differences were found between PRP and HA group. Conclusions: This study revealed that both PRP and HA can yield significant improvements in WOMAC scores at 6-month follow-up without any between-group differences at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Thus, both the single-injection regimens of PRP and HA can improve the functional outcomes for treating early-stage knee OA.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and causes severe joint pain, physical disability, and impaired quality of life. Recently, it was found that mitochondria not only act as a powerhouse of cells that provide energy for cellular metabolism, but are also involved in crucial pathways responsible for maintaining chondrocyte physiology. Therefore, a growing amount of evidence emphasizes that impairment of mitochondrial function is associated with OA pathogenesis; however, the exact mechanism is not well known. Moreover, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)–Sirtuin (SIRT) signaling pathway, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) are important for regulating the physiological and pathological processes of chondrocytes, indicating that these may be targets for OA treatment. In this review, we first focus on the importance of mitochondria metabolic dysregulation related to OA. Then, we show recent evidence on the AMPK-SIRT mediated pathway associated with OA pathogenesis and potential treatment options. Finally, we discuss current research into the effects of lncRNA and miRNA on OA progression or inhibition.

A rapid and efficient NFSI-mediated hydroxy or alkoxy-selenation of internal alkenes and chalcones is presented. This reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature and features broad substrate scope, which employs NFSI as the oxidizing agent, affording β-hydroxy(alkoxy)selenides with excellent yields and high regioselectivity. An electrophilic mechanism is proposed for the transformation.

Primary thyroid hemangioma is an extremely rare clinical disease. Only 31 cases have been reported to date according to a PubMed search, and most were postoperatively diagnosed by pathologic examination. Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging modality for thyroid disease screening. However, preoperative ultrasonic diagnosis of thyroid hemangioma has been rarely reported. We herein describe a 24-year-old woman with a painless mass in the left thyroid lobe. Routine ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) were performed. Routine US revealed an anechoic tumor with linear echogenic septal lines and compressibility. CEUS showed a characteristic “slow in and slow out” pattern of contrast filling and perfusion. Based on the combined findings of routine US and CEUS, the initial diagnosis was thyroid venous hemangioma. Postoperative pathological examination demonstrated multiple irregular dilated vessel lumens filled with red blood cells and multiple hemorrhagic zones. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for CD31 and smooth muscle actin.. Overall, this case showed US characteristics of a rare case of thyroid hemangioma, which is of importance for preoperative planning to avoid a large amount of blood loss during surgery. This case together with our literature review will help radiologists to bridge the knowledge gap of thyroid hemangioma, especially at the initial US screening.

This study has two purposes: (1) to compare the clinical results between the Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN) and plate fixation of the displaced midshaft clavicle fracture; and (2) to demonstrate the relationship between length shortening and functional outcome after TEN fixation, especially in the comminuted fracture pattern. A retrospective, case-controlled study was conducted and 55 patients were included in our study: 25 in the TEN fixation group (TEN group) and 30 in the plate fixation group (plate group). All patients were classified into four subgroups: simple fracture in the TEN group (ST; n = 13), simple fracture in the plate group (SP; n = 15), comminuted fracture in the TEN group (CT; n = 12), and comminuted fracture in the plate group (CP; n = 15). Wound size was significantly smaller in the TEN group (p

The THOR formula is widely used in the investigation of vulnerability and effectiveness of weapon system, however, its application was limited by the small slenderness ratio and limited materials of target. In order to investigate the damage effect of KE-rod warhead, this paper, basing on the classic THOR formula, focused on improving the formula of residual velocity and residual mass. The improved THOR model could predict the residual velocity and residual mass of KE-rod penetration in the complex conditions, and the predictions were found to be consistent with the experimental numerical results in the literatures. As the experimental data is limited, for the better validation of the improved formula, the paper investigated further research and verification of the improvement THOR formula with numerical simulation. Since the experimental data are limited for hypervelocity impact, comparisons of results between M-THOR with experimental and numerical data were widely preceded. The error is less than 4.8% for the predicted residual velocity while 5.4% for predicted residual velocity. The effect of yaw angle in the modified THOR formula was also found to agree quite well with the reference.

A dehydroabietyl derivative 2 bearing a 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole unit was synthesized and its sensing behaviors toward metal ions were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy methods. In THF solution, compound 2 exhibited excellent selectivity for Cu(II) over miscellaneous other metal ions including Cr(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Al(III), Mg(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), Na(I), Li(I) and K(I) evidenced through the quenching of the fluorescence of the benzimidazole fragment. The reaction between 2 and Cu2+ was found to be stoichiometric with the formation of a 1:1 complex.

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been used to generate huge amounts of sequencing data from many organisms. However, the correct choice of candidate genes and prevention of false-positive results computed from digital gene expression (DGE) of RNA-seq data are vital when using these genetic resources. We indirectly identified 18 salt-stress-induced Reaumuria trigyna transcripts from the transcriptome sequencing data using differential-display reverse transcription PCR (DDRT-PCR) combined with local BLAST searches. Highly consistent with the DGE results, the quantitative real-time PCR expression patterns of these transcripts showed strong upregulation by salt stress, suggesting that these genes may play important roles in R. trigyna’s survival under high-salt environments. The method presented here successfully identified responsive genes from the massive amount of RNA-seq data. Thus, we suggest that DDRT-PCR could be employed to mine NGS data in a wide range of applications in transcriptomic studies. In addition, the genes identified in the present study are promising candidates for further elucidation of the salt tolerance mechanisms in R. trigyna.

All non-H atoms of the cation of the title salt, C6H5N2+·HSO4−, are essentially coplanar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.005 (1) Å] . In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O and C—H...N interactions link the molecules into a two-dimensional network parallel to the (001) plane. Weak π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings of neighbouring molecules further stabilize the structure [centroid–centroid distance = 3.785 (1) Å].

During the formation of the title salt, C7H10N+·C3H3O4−, an H atom of a carboxyl group was transferred to the amino group. All non-H atoms of the cation are essentially coplanar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.007 (4) Å]. The mean planes of the carboxylate and carboxyl groups of the anion form a dihedral of 69.67 (1)°. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the anions and cations, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to the bc plane.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C6H5N2+·H2PO4−·C6H4N2·H3PO4, contains one 4-cyanopyridinium cation, one H2PO4− anion, one independent isonicotinonitrile molecule and one independent H3PO4 molecule. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the separate protonated and unprotonated pyridine rings is 9.93 (8)°. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O and C—H...N intermolecular interactions connect the organic molecules into a two-dimensional network parallel to the ac plane. O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the H2PO4− anions and H3PO4 molecules provide additional support from the inorganic groups Weak π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings of neighbouring organic molecules [centroid–centroid distances = 3.711 (4) and 3.784 (2) Å] further link the layers into a three-dimensional network.

In the title salt, C16H21N2O+·Cl−, the amide group makes a dihedral angle of 24.98 (2)° with respect to the pyridinium ring. In the crystal, both the amide and pyridinium N atoms are involved in N—H...Cl hydrogen bonding. Weak intermolecular C—H...Cl and C—H...O interactions also occur.

In the crystal of the title salt, C6H8NO+·C2H2ClO2−, the 4-hydroxyanilinium cation links to adjacent chloroacetate anions via N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds; weak C—H...O interactions also occur between the anions and cations.

In the title molecular salt, C6H16N+·NO2−, the cation forms two N—H...O hydrogen bonds to nearby nitrite anions which link the ionic units into chains propagating along the b-axis direction.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [MnCl2(C16H20N2O)4]·2C16H20N2O, is composed of two coordinating N-(adamantan-1-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide molecules, one Cl− anion, an MnII ion, lying on an inversion centre, and one free N-(adamantan-1-yl)pyridine-4-carboxamide molecule. The distorted octahedral Mn environment comprises two terminal Cl atoms and four monodentate N atoms from four organic ligands. All the carbamoyl N atoms are involved in intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions which link the molecules into a chain along the a axis.

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Fe(C5H5)(C11H17N)]ClO4, contains two independent allyl(ferrocenylmethyl)dimethylammonium cations and two ClO4− anions. The anions are disordered each over two sets of sites, with an occupancy ratio of 0.617 (6):0.383 (6). The distances from the Fe atoms to the centroids of the unsubstituted and substituted cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings are 1.645 (1)/1.657 (1) and 1.644 (1)/1.647 (1) Å. The dihedral angles between the two Cp rings are 2.49 (3) and 1.45 (4)° in the two ferrocenyl groups of the cations.

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Fe(C5H5)(C9H15N)]ClO4, contains one discrete (ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium cation and one perchlorate anion. The anion is disordered over two sets of sites, with refined occupancies of 0.776 (8) and 0.224 (8). The distances from the Fe atom to the centroids of the unsubstituted and substituted cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings are 1.650 (1) and 1.640 (1) Å, respectively. The Cp rings form a dihedral angle of 2.66 (3)°.

In the title compound, 2C17H24NO+·BF4−·F−·H2O, the asymmetric unit contains two N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)adamantan-1-aminium cations, one BF4− anion, one F− anion and one water molecule. Both amine N atoms are protonated. The hydroxy O atoms, amino N atoms and water O atom are involved in intermolecular O—H...O, O—H...F, N—H...O and N—H...F hydrogen bonding.

In the centrosymmetric dimeric title compound, [Cu2Cl4(C16H20N2O)4]·0.5H2O, the CuII atom is in a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal environment defined by two bridging Cl atoms, one terminal Cl atom and two N atoms from two monodentate 4-(adamantan-1-ylcarbamoyl)pyridine ligands. The amine N atoms are involved in intramolecular N—H...O and intermolecular N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. The latter hydrogen bonds link the complex molecules into a ribbon along [010]. The uncoordinated water molecule is 0.25-occupied.

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, {(C5H12NO)[BiCl4]}n, contains two bridging and two cis non-bridging chloride ligands coordinated to a central BiIII atom, and one 4-methylmorpholin-4-ium cation. The BiIII atoms are linked by the bridging chloride ligands into linear chains parallel to the c axis. The chloride ions create a pseudo-octahedral geometry about each BiIII atom. Bifurcated N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds link the cations to the anionic chains.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C17H23NO, contains two independent molecules. In both molecules, the hydroxy group is involved in the formation of an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, there are two crystallographically independent chains of the molecules propagating along the c axis and formed by weak intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds.

ABSTRACT Previously, a modified HIV Env protein with a heterologous membrane anchor was found to be incorporated into HIV virus-like particles (VLPs) at 10-fold-higher levels than those of unmodified Env. To further improve the immunogenicity of such VLPs, membrane-anchored forms of bacterial flagellin (FliC) or a flagellin with a truncated variable region (tFliC) were constructed to be incorporated into the VLPs as adjuvants. HIV-specific immune responses induced by the resulting VLPs were determined in a guinea pig model. The VLPs induce enhanced systemic antibody responses by either systemic or mucosal vaccination and enhanced mucosal immunity by a mucosal immunization route, as demonstrated by high levels of HIV-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgG and IgA. The quality of the antibody responses was also improved, as shown by enhanced neutralization capacity. VLPs incorporating FliC were more effective in inducing systemic responses, while VLPs containing tFliC were more effective in inducing mucosal IgA responses. The IgG titers in sera were found to last for at least 5 months without a significant drop. These results indicate that HIV VLPs incorporating high levels of Env and a molecular adjuvant have excellent potential for further development as a prophylactic HIV vaccine. IMPORTANCE A prophylactic vaccine is urgently needed to control the spread of HIV/AIDS. Antigens inducing strong systemic and mucosal immune responses are promising as vaccines for this mucosally transmitted disease. We found that novel HIV virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting a high level of Env in its native membrane-bound form and coincorporating an innate immune-signaling adjuvant in the same particles were effective in inducing enhanced systemic and mucosal immunity. As new HIV vaccine candidates, these VLPs bridge the gaps of the innate and adaptive, as well as systemic and mucosal, immune responses, providing a new approach for HIV vaccine development.

In the title compound, C20H18N4O2, the aminoacrylamide group makes a dihedral angles of 4.0 (1)° with the amino-bound pyridyl ring and 15.66 (12)° with the amide-bound pyridyl ring. The dihedral angle between the aminoacrylamide group and the pendant 4-methoxyphenyl group is 71.22 (9)°. In the crystal structure, N—H...N hydrogen bonds and C—H...O and C—H...N interactions help to establish the packing. Intramolecular C—H...O and C—H...(N,O) contacts also occur.