Assessment of quality of life in patients with craniopharyngioma and identification of risk factors for compromised overall wellness

ABSTRACT Objective: Quality of Life (QoL) has been a multifactorial concerning issue in oncology. We aimed to inspect the pre-operative QoL among patients with craniopharyngioma and to explore the potential correlations between parameters of QoL and clinical indices. Subjects and methods: We enrolled a total of 109 patients with craniopharyngioma. We utilized Short Form 36 (SF-36), Symptom Check List-90, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire scale (GAD7), Patient Health Questionnaire Depression (PHQ9) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to prospectively evaluated their QoL. Parameters of QoL along with clinical indices were compared among sub-groups divided according to Puget classification. Correlation analyses and regression analyses were performed to detect influential determinants to self-reported wellness. Results: Patients presented impaired QoL compared with general population ( p < 0.001), as assessed by SF-36. Correlation analyses indicated the detrimental influence resulting from central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Multivariate linear regression unveiled the adverse effect of CDI on Mental Component Summary (coefficient = −13.869, p = 0.007), GAD7 total score (coefficient = 2.072, p = 0.049) as well as PHQ9 total score (coefficient = 3.721, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression verified CDI as a risk factor of developing depressive symptoms (OR = 6.160, p = 0.001). Conclusion: QoL of patients with craniopharyngioma was remarkably compromised before operation. CDI exerted detrimental influences on patients' QoL and it might serve as a marker for early identification of patients at risk of depression.

Characteristics of unintentional burns among left-behind children and their parents/guardians’ cognitive level of burns / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the characteristics and influencing factors of unintentional burns among left-behind children in rural areas of northern Guizhou, from the perspective of parents and children, to formulate strategies to prevent children from burns.@*Methods@#A total of 508 left-behind children were recruited by using a multistage cluster sampling method, and 196 left-behind children’s families were also investigated with a self-designed questionnaire.The relative factors of burns were analyzed by unconditional logistic regression and multiple regression analysis.@*Results@#The report rate of burns among left-behind children was 12.20%(62/508). Left-behind girls were a risk factor for burns(OR=1.81). The time of employment >5 years and the higher of the score of burn-related knowledge were the protective factors(OR=0.23, 0.38)(P<0.05). Only 64.80% of left-behind children’s main guardians had a burns-related knowledge score of 60 or more. The age of their main guardian, the number of minor children, and whether understand of unintentional injury were the influencing factors of burns score.@*Conclusion@#The report rate of burns among left-behind children in rural areas in northern Guizhou is still high; parents/guardians have a low cognition level of burns. The knowledge of burns should be strengthened and left-behind children should be cared to reduce the incidence of burns.

Effect of Heat-sensitive Point Moxibustion on High-normal Blood Pressure in Persons with Yin or Yang Deficiency / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of heat-sensitive point moxibustion on high-normal blood pressure in persons with yin or yang deficiency.Methods Eighty-six persons with high-normal blood pressure were randomized to a treatment group (42 cases, 20 with yin deficiency and 22 with yang deficiency) and a control group (44 cases, 19 with yin deficiency and 25 with yang deficiency). The control group received health education and diet guidance and the treatment group, heat-sensitive point moxibustion in addition. Both groups were followed up twice a week with blood pressure measured. The clinical therapeutic effects, hypertension diagnosis rates and neutral constitution transformation percentages were compared between the two groups of persons with different constitutions after one month of treatment.Results The total efficacy rate was 90.0％ in persons with yin deficiency and 100％ in persons with yang deficiency of the treatment group and correspondingly 78.9％ and 92.0％ of the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Post-treatment hypertension diagnosis rate 15.0％ in persons with yin deficiency and 9.1％ in persons with yang deficiency of the treatment group and correspondingly 36.8％ and 16.0％ of the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Post-treatment neutral constitution transformation percentage was 23.3％ in persons with yin or yang deficiency of the treatment group and 13.6％ in those of the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusions Heat-sensitive point moxibustion can reduce high-normal blood pressure and hypertension incidence and effectively rectify biased constitution in persons with yin or yang deficiency.

Internal fixation with elastic intramedullary nail versus plate-screw system for treatment of fibular diaphyseal fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To compare elastic intramedullary nail (EIN) and plate-screw (P+S) system in the treatment of fibular diaphyseal fractures. Methods From January 2014 to April 2017, 48 tibiofibular fractures were treated with internal fixation using EIN (21 cases) or plate-screw (27 cases). The 2 groups were compared in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operative time, fibular healing time, fibular union rate, ankle function and postoperative complications.Results All the patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months (average, 14.0 months). The intraoperative blood loss (17.9 ± 4.9 mL), operative time (23.2 ± 5.8 min) and fibular healing time(10.3 ± 1.8 weeks)for the EIN group were significantly less than those for the plate-screw group (28.9 ± 9.6 mL, 30.0 ± 10.7 min and 11.6 ± 2.0 weeks)(P <0.05). There were no significant differences be-tween the 2 groups in fibular union rate(95.2% versus 92.6%) or incision infection(0 versus 7.4%)(P> 0.05) . The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scoring revealed 12 excellent, 8 good and one fair cases (91.0 ± 5.3 points on aver-age) in the EIN group, and 14 excellent, 10 good and 3 fair cases(90.1 ± 6.1 points on average) in the plate-screw group, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups(P=0.594). Conclusions Compared with plate-screw system, elastic intramedullary nail for fibular diaphyseal fractures may be in line with the biome-chanical characteristics of the fibula and with the basic principles of minimally invasive surgery. It may be ad-vantageous in blood loss, operative time and fracture healing but not in fibular union rate or functional recovery of the ankle. An appropriate way of internal fixation for a fibular diaphyseal fracture should be chosen according to the specific conditions of the patient.

Middle-term follow-up results of Pipkin type IV femoral head fracture patients treated by reconstruction plate and bioabsorbable screws / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>To investigate the mid-term curative effects of the treatment of Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures using a reconstruction plate and bioabsorbable screws and provide the evidence for clinical practice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2010 to September 2014, 21 patients with Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures were treated surgically. There were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 20-65 years). The causes of the fractures included traffic accidents (13 cases), falls from a height (four cases), heavy lifting injuries (three cases), and sport injury (one case). All patients were followed up with radiography and three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography and other checks and any complications were actively managed. Closed reduction of fracture-dislocation of the hip was attempted under general anesthesia using the Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Femoral head fractures were treated with internal fixation or excision based on the size of the fracture fragments, whereas acetabular fractures were fixed with a reconstruction plate and screws following anatomic reduction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incisions healed by primary intention in all patients after surgery, without any infection, deep venous thrombosis, or other complications. All 21 patients were followed up for 36-76 months, with an average follow-up duration of 49 months. Postoperative imaging data showed that all dislocations and fractures were anatomically reduced, and bony union of the fractures was achieved. Heterotopic ossification was found in four patients, post-traumatic osteoarthritis in three, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head in two. At the final follow-up, the assessment of hip joint function according to the Thompson-Epstein scoring scale was excellent in 10 cases, good in six cases, fair in three cases, and poor in two cases. The rate of excellent and good functional outcomes was 76.1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mid-term curative effects of a reconstruction plate and bioabsorbable screws in the treatment of Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures is significant, and such the treatment can significantly improve the patient's joint function and quality of life.</p>

Early and mid-term results of transarticular external fixation in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV equivalent ankle fractures / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>To investigate the early and mid-term results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with transarticular external fixation (TEF) but no deltoid ligament repair (DLR) in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV equivalent (SER IV E) ankle fractures (AO/OTA classification 44-B 3.1) and provide evidence for clinical practice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study cohort consisted of 22 patients with SER IV E ankle fractures that underwent ORIF with TEF but no DLR between December 2011 and December 2014. There were 13 males and 9 females, mean age 38.9 years (range, 17-73 years). Eight cases involved the left side and 14 the right side. The causes of fractures included road traffic accidents (11 cases), falling from height (6 cases) and sports injuries (5 cases). The mean period of hospitalization was 9.8 days (range, 6-14 days). For all the patients, MRI and three-dimensional CT were done before surgery and X-rays done preoperatively and during follow-ups. The external frame was kept for 8-10 weeks. The preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was 56.86 ± 4.400, the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-item (SF-36) questionnaire score was 57.41 ± 4.102 and the visual analog score (VAS) was 5.50 ± 1.058. Patients' main complaints about inconvenience of daily life were also recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the 22 patients were followed up for 24-63 months (mean, 33.6 months). None of them developed nonunion during the follow-up; pin site infection was observed in one patient and posttraumatic osteoarthritis in another. At the final follow-up, the average AOFAS score, SF-36 score and VAS score were respectively 90.59 ± 5.096, 79.59 ± 5.394 and 1.82 ± 1.181, which were significantly improved compared with the preoperative data (t = 26.221, p < 0.001; t = 11.910, p < 0.001; t = 11.571, p < 0.001). The therapeutic effect was excellent in 13 cases, good in 7 cases and fair in 2 cases, with a good-excellent rate of 90.9%. Patients' main complaints were inconvenience of clothing (17 cases) and extremity cleaning (5 cases).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In the treatment of SER IV E ankle fractures, ORIF with TEF but no DLR can achieve satisfactory outcome, but long-term effect should be confirmed by large sample randomized controlled trials.</p>

Application of arthroscopic surgery for patients with calcaneal fractures / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of bridge baton fixation with arthroscopic surgery in treatment of calcaneal fractures. Method From May 2013 to November 2014, 18 cases suffered from calcaneal fracture with arthroscopic surgical bridge baton fixation treatment in our hospital served as the object of the study. They were retrospectively analyzed during preoperative, postoperative the joint surface, the Bohler angle and Gissane angle , mean follow-up of 12 months, Maryland Foot Score were compared by the analysis. Results All cases were followed up for 12 months averagely. Joint surface flatness of 18 cases were significantly improved, Bohler angle, Gissane angle were also significant differences (P < 0.05). The excellent rate of Maryland score was 86.8%. Conclusion The bridge baton fixation with arthroscopic surgery for treatment of calcaneal fractures is certain effective and minimally invasive. Arthroscopy can restore the articular surface. The foot function recovery of the patients is satisfied.

Strategy and management of cardiopulmonary bypass with cardiac surgery for pregnant women / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To evaluate the strategy and management of cardiopulmonary bypass ( CPB) with cardiac surgery for pregnant women.Methods The clinical data of 4 pregnant women with severe cardiac diseases ,who received cardiac surgery with CPB in our hospital form January 2016 to June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed ,meanwhile the maternal and neonatal outcomes were reviewed also .Results Among 4 patient s,there were 1 case of subacute bacterial endocarditis ,2 cases of congenital heart disease complicated with subacute bacterial endocarditis,1 case of rheumatic heart disease.The New York Heart Association(NYHA) functional classification:there were 2 cases with class Ⅲand 2 cases with classⅣ.Operations included 2 mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve plasty ,1 right coronary artery fistula re-pair and aortic valve replacement ,1 patent ductus arteriosus closure and mitral valve repalcement ,aortic valve replacememnt ,pulmonary valve replacement,tricuspid valve plasty.The CPB time ranged from 85 to 287 minutes(median 135 minutes),the aortic cross clamp time ranged from 52 to 178 minutes (median 89 minutes),the gestational age of pateints received cardia surgery ranged from 25 to 32 weeks(median 29 weeks).All patients were followed up for 1 to 16months(median 6 months),with no death;4 neonatal outcomes included 3 of full-term labor with cesarean section ,all of the 3 newborns were alive and no malformation ,1 of death in the uterus and spontaneous abortion at 2 days post-operative .Conclusion Cardiac surgery can be performed with relative safety during pregnancy .According to the physiological characteristics of pregnancy ,a reasonable CPB plan should be formulated pre-operative ,better maternal and fetal survival rates may be achieved by optimized management of CPB and used fetal mornitoring perioperative ,reduce the incidence of complications .

Application of arthroscopic surgery for patients with calcaneal fractures / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of bridge baton fixation with arthroscopic surgery in treatment of calcaneal fractures. Method From May 2013 to November 2014, 18 cases suffered from calcaneal fracture with arthroscopic surgical bridge baton fixation treatment in our hospital served as the object of the study. They were retrospectively analyzed during preoperative, postoperative the joint surface, the Bohler angle and Gissane angle , mean follow-up of 12 months, Maryland Foot Score were compared by the analysis. Results All cases were followed up for 12 months averagely. Joint surface flatness of 18 cases were significantly improved, Bohler angle, Gissane angle were also significant differences (P < 0.05). The excellent rate of Maryland score was 86.8%. Conclusion The bridge baton fixation with arthroscopic surgery for treatment of calcaneal fractures is certain effective and minimally invasive. Arthroscopy can restore the articular surface. The foot function recovery of the patients is satisfied.

Tacrolimus inhibits vasoconstriction by increasing Ca(2+) sparks in rat aorta / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The present study attempted to test a novel hypothesis that Ca(2+) sparks play an important role in arterial relaxation induced by tacrolimus. Recorded with confocal laser scanning microscopy, tacrolimus (10 µmol/L) increased the frequency of Ca(2+) sparks, which could be reversed by ryanodine (10 µmol/L). Electrophysiological experiments revealed that tacrolimus (10 µmol/L) increased the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) currents (BKCa) in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (AVSMCs), which could be blocked by ryanodine (10 µmol/L). Furthermore, tacrolimus (10 and 50 µmol/L) reduced the contractile force induced by norepinephrine (NE) or KCl in aortic vascular smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent manner, which could be also significantly attenuated by iberiotoxin (100 nmol/L) and ryanodine (10 µmol/L) respectively. In conclusion, tacrolimus could indirectly activate BKCa currents by increasing Ca(2+) sparks released from ryanodine receptors, which inhibited the NE- or KCl-induced contraction in rat aorta.

Inhibitory effects of neferine on Nav1.5 channels expressed in HEK293 cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid in Lotus Plumule, was proved to have a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated the effects of neferine on Nav1.5 channels that are stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. We found that neferine potently and reversibly inhibited Nav1.5 currents in a concentration dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibition (IC50) being 26.15 μmol/L. The inhibitory effects of neferine on Nav1.5 currents were weaker than those of quinidine at the same concentration. The steady-state inactivation curve was significantly shifted towards hyperpolarizing direction in the presence of 30 μmol/L neferine, while the voltage-dependent activation was unaltered. Neferine prolonged the time to peak of activation, increased the inactivation time constants of Nav1.5 currents and markedly slowed the recovery from inactivation. The inhibitory effect of neferine could be potentiated in a frequency-dependent manner. These results suggested that neferine can block Nav1.5 channels under the open state and inactivating state and it is an open channel blocker of Nav1.5 channels.

Tacrolimus inhibits vasoconstriction by increasing Ca(2+) sparks in rat aorta / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The present study attempted to test a novel hypothesis that Ca(2+) sparks play an important role in arterial relaxation induced by tacrolimus. Recorded with confocal laser scanning microscopy, tacrolimus (10 µmol/L) increased the frequency of Ca(2+) sparks, which could be reversed by ryanodine (10 µmol/L). Electrophysiological experiments revealed that tacrolimus (10 µmol/L) increased the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) currents (BKCa) in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (AVSMCs), which could be blocked by ryanodine (10 µmol/L). Furthermore, tacrolimus (10 and 50 µmol/L) reduced the contractile force induced by norepinephrine (NE) or KCl in aortic vascular smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent manner, which could be also significantly attenuated by iberiotoxin (100 nmol/L) and ryanodine (10 µmol/L) respectively. In conclusion, tacrolimus could indirectly activate BKCa currents by increasing Ca(2+) sparks released from ryanodine receptors, which inhibited the NE- or KCl-induced contraction in rat aorta.

Bisphosphonates can prevent recurrent hip fracture and reduce the mortality in osteoporotic patient with hip fracture: a meta-analysis

Objective: This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the efficacy of bisphosphonates for preventing recurrent hip fracture and reducing the mortality of elderly patient with hip fracture

Methods: The databases of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched. All randomized or prospective matched controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of bisphosphonate for elderly patients with hip fracture were included. Two researchers independently extracted data of the included articles and assessed the methodological quality which was assessed based on Jadad scoring system or Newcastle- Ottawa scale. The second hip fracture incidence, mortality and complications were compared between bisphosphonates and control groups

Results: Four studies including 3088 patients were included. Results showed that there were significant difference of second hip fracture [P<0.05] and mortality [P<0.05] between bisphosphonates group and control group. While no significant intergroup difference were observed for all complications

Conclusions: Bisphosphonates can prevent subsequent hip fracture, reduce the mortality, and does not increase the overall complications in elderly patients with hip fracture

Effects of MicroRNA-132 transfection on the proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the biological role and underlying mechanism of microRNA-132 (miR-132) in liver cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of miR-132 in the cancer tissue and their adjacent tissues from 45 liver cancer patients were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The biological effects of miR-132 transfection on human liver cancer MHCC97H cells were assessed by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry,in vivo experiment in nude mice, and TUNEL test. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of p-AKT, Survivin, and Caspase 3 in liver cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expressions of Ki-67,Survivin,and Caspase 3 in the xenograft tumors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression level of miR-132 was found to be down-regulated in liver cancer tissues compared with the matched adjacent tissues (P<0.05). After transfection,the expression of miR-132 was significantly higher than blank control group and negative control group (P<0.05). The proliferation of liver cancer cells was inhibited significantly by miR-132 transfection (P<0.05). Transfection of miR-132 arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase and triggered apoptosis of MHCC97H cells (P<0.05). After miR-132 transfection,the expression of Caspase 3 was up-regulated, whereas the expressions of p-AKT and Survivin were down-regulated (P<0.05). In addition,the tumor weight in miR-132 transfection group was significantly decreased in comparison with blank control group and negative control group (P<0.05). Apoptosis occurred more frequently in the miR-132 transfection group than in control groups (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group and negative control group, the miR-132 transfection group had significantly decreased expression of Survivin but increased positive expression of Ki-67 and Caspase 3(P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>miR-132 is down-regulated in human liver cancer tissues miR-132 transfection can effectively inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of MHCC97H cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, miR-132 may become a new target in liver cancer treatment.</p>

Adenovirus-mediated RNA interference against core binding factor alpha 1 inhibits the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes is the sign of starting endochondral ossification, and it is also an essential step in endochondral ossification, which is a cascade reaction and difficult to be blocked once started. The end result is the formation of bone structure. RNA interference is a post-transcriptional gene silencing. Relevant studies have shown that the use of RNA interference to block the expression of core binding factorα1 (Cbfα1) can effectively inhibit the formation of heterotopic ossification. OBJECTIVE:To use RNA intereference technology to suppress Cbfα1 expression so as to achieve the purpose of blocking the hypertrophic diferentiation of chondrocytes. METHODs: We constructed an adenovirus containing siRNA against Cbfα1 (Ad-Cbfα1-siRNA). Retinoic acid and interleukin-1α were used to induce hypertrophic differetiation of chondrocytes, and then Ad-Cbfα1-siRNA was utilized to inhibit the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes. Immunohistochemistry method was used to analyze the expression of Cbfα1. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After induction with retinoic acid and interleukin-1α, the chondrocytes in the negative control virus group appeared to have hypertrophy and the expression of Cbfα1 was positive. In the Ad-Cbα1-siRNA group, the expression of Cbfα1 was negative. These findings suggest that the inhibition of Cbfα1 by RNA interference can be a powerful way to prevent the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes .

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on the function of alveolar polymorphonuclear neutrophils in severe acute pancreatitis rats complicated with lung injury / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on the function of alveolar polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats complicated with lung injury (LI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight adult SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the SAP group, and the GBE treatment group, 16 in each group. The SAP model was successfully induced by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct. Rats in the sham-operation group only received flipping of the duodenum. Those in the GBE treatment group received GBE intervention based on SAP model. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the sham-operation group and the SAP group. Rats were sacrificed at 6 and 12 h after operation respectively. The lung tissue was sampled to evaluate the LI score. The wet/dry ratio (W/D) of lung tissues was detected. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured. Alveolar PMN was harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage. The content of neutrophil elastase (NE) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The percentage of CD11b/CD18 double positive PMN was detected using flow cytometry. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and NE protein in the lung tissue was detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the sham-operation group, significant pathologic lesion occurred in the lung tissue of rats in the SAP group; the pathologic LI score, lung tissue W/D ratio, MPO, and NE content in BALF significantly increased, the expression of ICAM-1 and NE in the lung tissue was obviously up-regulated, and the percentage of CD11b/CD18 double positive PMN significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the SAP group, pathological lesion of the lung tissue was obviously attenuated, and the above indices were all significantly declined in the GBE treatment group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Expression of ICAM-1 in the lung tissue and the percentage of D11b/ CD18 double positive PMN were up-regulated in SAP rats complicated with LI, resulting in the adherence of PMN to pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, and then activating PMN to release NE and aggravate LI. GBE could alleviate LI through down-regulating the expression ICAM-1 and CD11b/CD18, and hindering the adherence and activation of PMN to pulmonary vascular endothelial cells.</p>

Percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures under C-arm fluoroscopy / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the applications of percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures and its related surgical considerations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2010 to June 2012,19 patients with pelvic fractures were treated with percutaneous hollow screws. There were 13 males and 6 females, with an average age of 41 years (ranged from 22 to 58 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accidents in 11 cases, by falling down from high place in 8 cases. Based on the Tile classification, there were 15 cases of Tile C type and 4 case of Tile B type. The indexes such as screw inserting time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, functional recovery and reduction conditions were observed. Fixation methods included sacroiliac screws, cannulated screw fixation of the pubic ramus and cannulated screw fixation of the pubic symphysis separation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Anatomical reduction achieved in 7 cases, satisfactory reduction 11 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction 1 case. Union time of fracture union ranged from 8 to 12 weeks (mean 10 weeks). Wound infection,ununion of fracture and nerve injuries were not found. According to the Majeed standards, 12 patients obtained an excellent results, 6 good and 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures under fluoroscopy has several advantages such as less trauma, less blood loss, fewer rates of complications, reliable fixation and no blood transfusion, which can reconstruct the stability of the pelvic ring, but it needs adequate preoperative preparation and high requirements for the surgeon.</p>

Recent advance in tendon tissue engineering using scaffolding biomaterials / 生物医学工程学杂志

An ideal biologically derived that tissue engineering material of tendon has biological activities and functions, so that it may lead to a perfect effect in histological reparation and reconstruction. In addition, the tissue engineering material can avoid disease transmission, be provided from variety of sources and be weak in immune responses. Generally, there are two kinds biologically derived material, i. e. natural biomaterials and purified biomaterials. In this review, researches about the effect, capability and relevant preparation methods, enhancing strategies and the development in the future are discussed.

Winter prevalence of obligate aphid pathogen Pandora neoaphidis mycosis in the host Myzus persicae populations in southern China: modeling description and biocontrol implication

Pandora neoaphidis overwintering had been investigated by monitoring its prevalence in Myzus persicae populations in open fields. Cabbage plants in field plots were weekly taken after mycosis initiation, to count and examine the living and dead aphids infected by P. neoaphidis. Based on the field data, infection levels (I) varied with field temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and aphid count (numbers of living aphids per plant, N) over days (D), fitting well to the modified logistic equation I=0.91/[1+exp(8.5+(2.0H T H RH-20.2NI0)D)] (r²=0.897), where H T indicated daily hours of low temperature (<4°C), H RH daily hours of high air humidity (>90% RH) and I0 primary infection level. The model demonstrated the abiotic and biotic factors influencing P. neoaphidis mycosis development in winter, and also verifies the fungal overwintering by infecting available host aphids without a resting stage. Ultimately, P. neoaphidis mycosis reduced 81.4% of aphid populations, presenting great potential for biocontrol.

Percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic fractures with fluoroscopy-based navigation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the applications of fluoroscopy-based navigation in pelvic fractures and related surgical considerations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2010 to December, 16 patients with pelvic fractures were treated with computerized navigation. There were 12 males and 4 females with an average age of 37 years (ranged from 20 to 54 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 5 cases, crush injury in 5 cases and falling from height in 6 cases. Based on the Tile classification, there were 15 cases of Tile C type and 1 case of Tile B type. In these patients, 4 patients were treated with sacroiliac screw fixation; 2 patients were treated with sacroiliac screw fixation, screw fixation for pubic symphysis diastasis and pubic fractures; 8 patients were treated with sacroiliac screw fixation and screw fixation for pubic fractures; 2 patients were treated with screw fixation for pubic fractures. The index such as screw inserting time, accurance of inserting screws, intra-operative blood losing, injuries of nerve, vascular and other organs, reduction conditions were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 36 screws were inserted. The average time was 20 min for each screw placement. The blood loss ranged from 10 to 20 ml. There were no wound infections, neurovascualr injuries and other organ injuries. The postoperative pelvic X-ray and three-dimensional CT showed that the fractures had good reduction and all the screws had good position.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Percutaneous screw fixation of pelvic fractures with fluoroscopy-based navigation have advantages such as little trauma, less blood loss, little complication, reliable fixation and no blood transfusion, which can reconstruct the stability of the pelvic ring, but need adequate preoperative reperation and high requirements for the surgeon.</p>