Promotion effect of FGF23 on osteopenia in congenital scoliosis through FGFr3/TNAP/OPN pathway / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a complex spinal malformation of unknown etiology with abnormal bone metabolism. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), secreted by osteoblasts and osteocytes, can inhibit bone formation and mineralization. This research aims to investigate the relationship between CS and FGF23.@*METHODS@#We collected peripheral blood from two pairs of identical twins for methylation sequencing of the target region. FGF23 mRNA levels in the peripheral blood of CS patients and age-matched controls were measured. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of FGF23. The expression levels of FGF23 and its downstream factors fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFr3)/tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP)/osteopontin (OPN) in primary osteoblasts from CS patients (CS-Ob) and controls (CT-Ob) were detected. In addition, the osteogenic abilities of FGF23-knockdown or FGF23-overexpressing Ob were examined.@*RESULTS@#DNA methylation of the FGF23 gene in CS patients was decreased compared to that of their identical twins, accompanied by increased mRNA levels. CS patients had increased peripheral blood FGF23 mRNA levels and decreased computed tomography (CT) values compared with controls. The FGF23 mRNA levels were negatively correlated with the CT value of the spine, and ROCs of FGF23 mRNA levels showed high sensitivity and specificity for CS. Additionally, significantly increased levels of FGF23, FGFr3, OPN, impaired osteogenic mineralization and lower TNAP levels were observed in CS-Ob. Moreover, FGF23 overexpression in CT-Ob increased FGFr3 and OPN levels and decreased TNAP levels, while FGF23 knockdown induced downregulation of FGFr3 and OPN but upregulation of TNAP in CS-Ob. Mineralization of CS-Ob was rescued after FGF23 knockdown.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results suggested increased peripheral blood FGF23 levels, decreased bone mineral density in CS patients, and a good predictive ability of CS by peripheral blood FGF23 levels. FGF23 may contribute to osteopenia in CS patients through FGFr3/TNAP / OPN pathway.

Impaired autophagy activity-induced abnormal differentiation of bone marrow stem cells is related to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis osteopenia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Osteopenia has been well documented in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are a crucial regulator of bone homeostasis. Our previous study revealed a decreased osteogenic ability of BMSCs in AIS-related osteopenia, but the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains unclear.@*METHODS@#A total of 22 AIS patients and 18 age-matched controls were recruited for this study. Anthropometry and bone mass were measured in all participants. Bone marrow blood was collected for BMSC isolation and culture. Osteogenic and adipogenic induction were performed to observe the differences in the differentiation of BMSCs between the AIS-related osteopenia group and the control group. Furthermore, a total RNA was extracted from isolated BMSCs to perform RNA sequencing and subsequent analysis.@*RESULTS@#A lower osteogenic capacity and increased adipogenic capacity of BMSCs in AIS-related osteopenia were revealed. Differences in mRNA expression levels between the AIS-related osteopenia group and the control group were identified, including differences in the expression of LRRC17 , DCLK1 , PCDH7 , TSPAN5 , NHSL2 , and CPT1B . Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed several biological processes involved in the regulation of autophagy and mitophagy. The Western blotting results of autophagy markers in BMSCs suggested impaired autophagic activity in BMSCs in the AIS-related osteopenia group.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study revealed that BMSCs from AIS-related osteopenia patients have lower autophagic activity, which may be related to the lower osteogenic capacity and higher adipogenic capacity of BMSCs and consequently lead to the lower bone mass in AIS patients.

Clinical effect of dual growth rod technique in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of dual growing rods (DGR) in the treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS), and to evaluate the safety of its clinical application.Methods:From March 2015 to August 2021, a total of 20 EOS patients with onset age within 10 years old who were treated with dual growth rod technique were retrospectively analyzed, including 8 males and 12 females. The mean age of patients at first surgery was 9.0±1.4 years (range, 6.3-10.8 years); the preoperative Cobb angle was 59.0°±16.8° (range, 41.2°-103°). The Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, T 1-T 12 height, T 1-S 1 height, coronal plane imbalance, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), apical vertebral translation (AVT) and Campbell's space available for lung ratio (SAL) were recorded and analyzed while surgery-related complications were also recorded. Results:The average follow-up time of 20 patients was 28.07±14.30 months. The average initial hospital stay was 20.56±8.28 days, the average initial operation time was 211.70±39.80 min, the average blood loss in the initial operation was 255.00±149.50 ml, and the average surgical distraction was 1.60±0.51 times per person. The Cobb angle of the main curve in the coronal plane decreased from 59.00°±16.80° before operation to 33.40°±11.80° after the initial operation, which was 29.67°±11.67° at 1 year and 29.40°±11.30° at the last follow-up. Preoperative thoracic kyphosis angle was 41.39°±6.06°, decreased to 31.72°±3.56° after the initial operation, was 30.32°±4.26° at 1-year and 30.24°±4.23° at the last follow-up; preoperative lumbar lordosis angle was 45.90°±8.03°, decreased to 42.65°±9.05° after initial operation, 41.55°±7.84° at 1-year follow-up, and 41.53°±8.21° at the last follow-up; preoperative T 1-S 1 height was 31.76±4.42 cm, initial after operation, it increased to 34.64±3.96 cm, 36.73±3.87 cm at 1 year, and 37.28±4.36 cm at the last follow-up; preoperative T 1-T 12 height was 17.38±2.76 cm. increased to 19.39±2.86 cm after the initial operation, 21.77±2.71 cm at 1 year, and 21.91±2.74 cm at the last follow-up; Preoperative coronal balance was 1.52±0.73 cm, and decreased to 0.87±0.38 cm after the initial operation, 0.81±0.38 cm at 1 year, and 0.77±0.37 cm at the last follow-up; preoperative sagittal balance was 1.94±0.78 cm, and 1.42±0.56 cm after operation, 1.28±0.55 cm at 1 year, and 1.26±0.57 cm at the last follow-up; The preoperative apical vertebra offset was 4.33±1.85 cm, and 2.16±1.47 cm after the initial operation, 1.63±1.17 cm at 1 year, and 1.61±1.23 cm at the last follow-up; SAL increased from preoperative 0.88±0.05 to 0.94±0.03 postoperatively, and 0.96±0.01 at 1-year follow-up, and 0.97±0.01 at the last follow-up. The differences between the above indicators before and after surgery were statistically significant ( P<0.05); there was a statistically significant difference in SAL between the 1-year follow-up and the last follow-up ( t=3.80, P=0.001), and other indicators were not statistically significant. Among the 20 cases, there were 5 cases of postoperative complications, including 2 cases of pedicle screw loosening and displacement, 2 cases of transverse process hook decoupling, and 1 case of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). The complication rate was 25% (5/20), all of them underwent revision treatment, and the prognosis was good after timely treatment. Conclusion:The dual growth bar technique can effectively control the progression of EOS deformity, preserve the longitudinal growth potential of the spine, and buy time for the development of the thorax in children, which has high safety.

Surgical strategy selection and clinical outcome analysis in treatment of congenital cervicothoracic scoliosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the surgical strategy of posterior correction of cervicothoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents, and to analyze the curative effect of surgical correction.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 14 patients with cervicothoracic scoliosis who underwent surgical treatment in the department of spine surgery of our hospital from January 2014 to June 2020, including 9 female and 5 male patients. 8 patients were treated with Halo traction before surgery.Among them, 7 patients were treated by posterior column osteotomy and fusion surgery, 7 patients were treated byposterior approach hemivertebra osteotomy. The scoliosis Cobb angle, T 1 tilt angle, clavicle angle, neck tilt angle, shoulder height difference, sagittal balance distance, coronal balance distance and local kyphosis angle were measured compared among before operation, after operation, at 1 year follow-up and at the last follow-up to evaluate the effect of surgical treatment and the correction loss at follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded, and the Scoliosis Research Society question naires-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire was completed preoperatively and at 24-month follow-up to evaluate the functional status and treatment effect. Results:All 14 patients successfully completed the operation, the operation time was 6.85±1.79 h (range, 5-11 h); the intraoperative blood loss was 685.71±265.61 ml (range, 400-1 200 ml), and the follow-up time was 37.28±13.75 months (range, 24-72 months). The Cobb angle of the main curve was 50.20°±15.19° preoperatively, 10.91°±6.46° postoperatively , 10.53°±6.42° at 1-year follow-up, and 10.14°±5.95° at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=45.55, P<0.001), the preoperative and postoperative difference was statistically significant ( t=10.62, P<0.001) with a correction rate of 78.32%±11.41%. The T 1 inclination angle was 16.08°±8.06° before operation, 3.71°±2.40° after operation, 4.05°±1.94° at 1-year follow-up, and 3.97°±2.04° at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=10.55, P=0.001), the preoperative and postoperative difference was statistically significant ( t=6.37, P<0.001) with a correction rate of 69.56%±25.86%. The neck tilt angle was 7.45°±3.72° before operation, 2.45°±1.12° after operation, 2.75°±0.89° at 1-year follow-up, and 3.10°±2.01° at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=6.65, P=0.008), in which postoperative correction rate was 57.92%±25.41%, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.69, P<0.001). The data of shoulder height difference before operation did not conform to normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test, P=0.017), it was 0.97 (0.54, 1.32) cm before operation and 0.53±0.40 cm after operation, and the postoperative correction rate was 50.17%±27.38%, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=3.18, P=0.001). The total score of SRS-22 questionnaire was increased from 4.21±0.29 preoperatively to 4.81±0.17 at 24-month follow-up ( t=7.35, P<0.001). Except for one patient with transient upper limb numbness, the other 13 patients showed no obvious intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion:Both posterior column osteotomy with fusion and posterior hemivertebra osteotomy are effective in the treatment of cervicothoracic scoliosis, and the surgeon can make individual treatment plans according to different conditions.

Clinical study of deformed complex vertebral osteotomy (DCVO) in the treatment of angular kyphosis of cured spinal tuberculosis / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of deformed complex vertebral osteotomy (DCVO) technique on the treatment of angular kyphosis of cured spinal tuberculosis.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on patients with angular kyphosis of cured spinal tuberculosis who underwent the DCVO technique or posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) technique from Jan, 2007 to Jan, 2019. 33 patients were included, 18 males and 15 females, the average age was 39.5±15.0 years old (ranged 9-78 years old). The vertebral deformity in thoracic vertebrae 14 cases, thoracolumbar vertebrae 16 cases, and lumbar vertebrae 3 cases. 20 cases underwent the DCVO technique, while 13 cases underwent PVCR technique. For DCVO group, the multiple malformed vertebrae were considered a malformed complex, and a larger range and angle wedge osteotomy was performed within the complex using the DCVO technique. PVCR technique would resect the whole deformed vertebrae, and subsequently brought the two separated spinal columns together with instruments and titanium mesh. The intro-operative blood loss, operating time and complications were recorded. The radiological measurements included preoperative and postoperative spinopelvic parameters, which including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) and segmental kyphosis. The recovery of neurological function was evaluated by Frankle classification.Results:All patients were followed up for 7-72 months. Comparing with the cases underwent PVCR technique, the DCVO group has a significantly lower blood loss (1315.00±462.57 ml), operating time (293.00±83.86 min) and complications rate (1.5%). At the time of preoperation, postoperation and last follow-up, the deformity angle of DCVO group was 96.80°±6.32°, 29.10°±6.96°and 29.05°±6.49°, which gained an average 69.9% correction rate. The statistical analysis suggested that deformity angle was enormously corrected. And there was an insignificant difference between DCVO group and PVCR group. Meanwhile, the preoperative, postoperative and follow-up TK of DCVO group was 96.96°±29.13°, 37.15°±4.88° and 37.00°±3.89°respectively, whosecorrection rate was 67.1%; LL was 66.70°±21.21°, 42.25°±5.53° and 41.90°±4.98°, which have a significant difference between pre-operation and post-operation/follow-up ( F=23.997, P<0.001) ; SVA was 75.95±18.63 mm, 16.30±6.88 mm and 16.55±7.30 mm. PI was 47.50°±6.12°, 47.35°±5.54°and 47.90°±5.93°, PT was 37.25°±9.63°, 18.50°±1.99° and 19.00°±1.65°; SS was 10.25°±8.27°, 29.15°±5.91° and 28.85°±5.77°. The sagittal and spinopelvic parameters of two groups improved significantly at postoperation and follow-up. No obviously difference of spinal parameters was found between two groups at preoperation and postoperation. Both groups have cases with dysneuria. And all of these cases achieved different degrees of recovery at follow-up. Conclusion:The use of DCVO technique for the treatment of post-tubercular angular kyphosis is safe and efficiency. DCVO leads a better clinical outcomes and lower complication rate than VCR technique.

Study on the Potential Targets of Guizhi Decoction Regulating Ying and Wei Based on Reverse Molecular Docking Technology / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the potential targets of Guizhi decoction regulating Ying and Wei based oncorrespondence between formulation and syndromerelationship and reverse molecular docking technology. METHODS:Active ingredients related to Guizhi decoction were obtained by literature retrievals,and PharmMapper Server was used for reverse molecular docking for ac-tive ingredients. The potential receptors of Guizhi decoction were found on the basis of docking scores,then AutoDock Vina was conducted for positive molecular docking test to observe the affinity between the ligand and the receptor molecule. 75 rats were ran-domly divided into normal group,model group,Guizhi decoction high-dose,medium-dose,low-dose groups(12,8,4 g/kg),15 in each group. Except for normal group,rats in other groups were induced for models with disharmony between Ying and Wei. Af-ter modeling,rats were intragastrically administrated once a day,for 5 d. After administration,11β-HSD1 expression levels in adi-pose tissue and muscle tissue of rats were detected. RESULTS:Reverse molecular docking for active ingredients of Guizhi decoc-tion found that 11β-HSD1 was the frequent receptor,and positive docking test confirmed that uralsaponin b,glycyrrhetnic acid and carbenoxolone and so on had higher affinity with 11β-HSD1. Results of animal test showed,compared with normal group,11β-HSD1 expression levels in adipose tissue and muscle tissue in model group were increased (P<0.05);and compared with model group,11β-HSD1 expression levels in adipose tissue and muscle tissue in Guizhi decoction high-dose group were decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Guizhi decoction regulating Ying and Wei has certain correlation with 11β-HSD1,while the reverse molec-ular docking technology can provide a feasible technical way to studycorrespondence between formulation and syndromerelation-ship.

Expanding PSO technique for the treatment of congenital severe thoracic angular kyphotic deformity / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of using the expanding pedicle subtraction osteotomy (E-PSO) technique for the treatment of congenital severe thoracic angular kyphotic deformity.Methods We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 13patients with congenital severe kyphosis admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to June 2015 including 5 males and 8 females,the average age is (34.9±20.5) years old (ranged 15-55 years old).The vertebral deformity in T7～83 cases,T8～93 cases,T9～102 cases,T10～114 cases,T9～111 case.All cases were treated by E-PSO technique.The multi-malformed vertebrae are considered as a complexus.And the osteotomy was performed within the complexus.The superior and inferior endplate of the complexus were reserved.After the osteotomy was completed,alternately pressed tightly closed the upper and lower parts.Results All cases were followed up for 10-42 months,with an average of 32 months.At the time of preoperation,postoperation andthe last follow-up,the deformity angle was 107.0°±3.5°,23.5°± 1.5° and 23.5°±0.2°;TK was 98.1°±7.6°,28.9°±3.0° and 29.5°±0.1 °,LL was 94.1 °± 1.5°,43.7°± 1.3° and 44.1 °±5.3°;SVA was (-0.6±39) mm,(1.6±7.9) mm and (6±0.7) mm,respectively;PI was 28.9°±1.6°,31.7±12.3°and 31.9°±2.1°;PT was 17.7°±1.9°,13.4°±3.4°and 13.1°±4.2°,SS was 11.3°±0.4°,18.2°±1.1° and 18.7°±2.1°,respectively.The sagittal parameters and spinopelvic parameters except SVA were significantly improved in the post-operation and the last follow-up compared with the pre-operation according to the image data.No significant loss of correction occurred during the follow-up,and there was no statistical difference.The preoperative VAS score was (5.7± 1.4) points,ODI score was (19.8±12.7) points.The last follow-up VAS score was (1.9±0.7) points,the ODI score was (9.2±0.7) points.No case of nerve damage,infection and other complications,and no dissection,displacement and rupture of internal fixation were found during the follow-up.Conclusion The use of E-PSO technique for the treatment of congenital severe thoracic kyphotic kyphosis is feasible and can achieve better curative effect.

Silencing of estrogen receptor beta gene influences the expressions of transforming growth factor beta1 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in human osteoblasts / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:There are few studies concerning estrogen receptorβgene, and its mechanism of regulating the bone metabolism is stil unclear now. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the effect of estrogen receptorβ(ERβ) silencing on the expressions of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in human osteoblasts METHODS:There were three groups:blank control group (hFOB 1.19 uninfected with any retrovirus);negative control group (containing invalid interference fragment ERβ-shRNA-nc);optimal RNAi group (ERβ-shRNA-3). ERβ-shRNA retroviral vectors in the optimal RNAi group were used to transfect human osteoblasts fol owed by resistance screening and cel expansion. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative activity of ERβ-silenced osteoblasts. Then under estrogen intervention, the stable inhibition rate of ERβwas determined using western blot assay, and the expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 in human osteoblasts after ERβsilencing were detected by RT-PCR technology and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Human osteoblasts that were stably transfected by ERβ-shRNA-3 retroviral vector was selected successful y, and ERβsilencing had no significant influence on the cel proliferation (P>0.05). Under the interference of estrogen, the silencing efficiency of ERβprotein was (93.11±0.57)%(P<0.05), and after ERβsilencing, the expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 were increased by (26.65±3.81)%and (16.62±1.71)%at mRNA level, and increased by (23.79±3.76)%and (18.08±3.20)%at protein level (both P<0.05). In conclusion, ERβmay play an important role in bone metabolism by regulating the expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP-2.

Posterior only approaches versus anterior only approaches and combined posterior and anterior approaches for lumbar tuberculosis in adults:minimum 5-year follow-up / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To compare the minimum 5?year follow?up outcomes of surgical management by posterior only, anterior only and combined posterior and anterior approaches for lumbar tuberculosis in adults, evaluate the mid?term follow?up results of the surgery for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis and explore its advantages and indications. Methods From Jun 2004 to Jan 2010, 311 adult patients with lumbar tuberculosis were treated surgically. The clinical data of 137 cases that met the enrolled criteria and had integrity following?up data was analyzed retrospectively. It included the patients who had the surgical indication of the posterior only surgery but underwent the anterior only or the combined posterior and anterior ap?proaches before 2008. There were 83 cases of male and 54 cases of female. The age ranged from 20 to 75 years, with a mean of 65.6 years. Among these patients, 63 cases were treated with single?stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion and instru?mentation (the posterior group); 42 cases were treated with posterior instrumentation, and anterior debridement and bone graft in a single or two?stage procedures (the combined group) and 32 cases were treated with anterior debridement and strut graft?ing with instrumentation (the anterior group). Trauma index (the operation time, blood loss, the length of hospital stay, compli?cations);imaging parameters (Segment kyphotic angle, corrective rate, loss angle, bone fusion time) and the quality?of?life indi?cators (Oswestry Disability Index、Frankle grade、visual analogue scale、Macnab score) were compared among three groups. Re?sults The mean operation time, mean blood loss and the complications rate were (207.9 ± 30.9) min, (409.5 ± 107.9) ml and 12.95%in the posterior group;(270.7±32.0) min, (649.0±120.0) ml and 30.95%in the anterior group;(349.7±38.9) min, (840.0± 168.7) ml and 25%in the combined group. The operation time, blood loss and the complications rate of the posterior group were less than the anterior group and the combined group, and the difference was significant;The combined group consumed the longest operation time, associated with the most intraoperative blood loss, the highest complication rate and the longest hospital stay among the three groups, and the difference was significant. The correction rate of kyphosis achieved of the anterior group ( 52%± 5.45%) was significantly inferior to the posterior group (74%±5.04%) and the combined group (69%±7.95%), while the loss of cor?rection in the anterior group (2.5°) was higher than both the posterior group (0.8°) and the combined group (1.1°), and the differ?ence was significant. The average follow?up was(6.5±1.96)years (range, 5-11). The mean bone fusion time of the posterior group, the anterior group and the combined group were (6.0±1.5) months, (6.2±1.3) months and (6.5±1.6) months respectively, and there was no statistic difference. After the surgery, the quality of life was improved obviously in all patients. At the time of the latest fol?low?up, the improvement rate of the ODI,VAS and the excellent and good rate according to the Macnab score were 80.6%±2.1%, 81.7%± 1.6%and 95.24%in the posterior group;79.8%± 1.5%, 79.7%± 2.0%and 92.95%in the anterior group;81.3%± 1.1%, 79.9%±0.8%and 90.63%in the combined group. There was no significant difference among the groups in the improvement rates of the ODI, VAS, Frankel grade and the excellent and good rate of the Macnab score. Conclusion The Mid?term follow?up of the different surgical procedures for the treatment of the lumbar tuberculosis in adults were basically satisfactory. Compared with the traditional surgery, the posterior?only surgery is a safe, minimally invasive and effective method in the management of monoseg?ment lumbar tuberculosis in adults.

Modified pedicle subtraction osteotomies (mPSO) for thoracolumbar post-tubercular kyphosis in pediatric patients: retrospective clinical cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of modified pedicle subtraction osteotomy (mPSO) for thoracolumbar post-tubercular kyphosis in pediatric patients. METHODS: From January 2008 to August 2012, 26 consecutive pediatric patients with thoracolumbar post-tubercular kyphosis underwent modified pedicle subtraction osteotomy (mPSO). The clinical and radiologic outcomes were analyzed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with thoracolumbar post-tubercular kyphosis underwent mPSO. The average operation time was 256 min (188~314 min). The mean follow-up was 41 months (18~56 months). The mean estimated blood loss was 870 ml (620 ~ 1020 ml). The thoracolumbar kyphotic angle ranged from 51° to 79° before operation, 60.6° in average. The mean thoracolumbar kyphotic Cobb angle was 19.7° after operation, with a mean correction of 40.9°. The C7 sagittal plumb line was 3.8 cm after operation, comparing to the 10.5 cm preoperative. The mean preoperative angle of thoracic kyphosis (TK) was 9.9° ± 1.2° and increased to 11.8° ± 1.4°, postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis (LL) improved from -22.8° ± 4.9° preoperative to -17.8° ± 2.1° postoperative. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was 8.7 ± 1.1 preoperative and 1.2 ± 0.4 postoperative, respectively. The mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improved from 49.2 ± 5.3 before surgery to 10.8 ± 3.3 postoperative (P < 0.01). All patients received good bone healing, no significant loss of correction angle. Most patients (24/26) considered pain and exterior was significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Modified pedicle subtraction osteotomy (mPSO) is effective and reliable for thoracolumbar post-tubercular kyphosis in pediatric patients.

One-stage posterior-anterior approach surgery for cervical fracture and dislocation combined with locked facet / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of one-stage posterior-anterior approach surgery for patients with cervical fracture and dislocation combined with locked facet.Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 21 cases of cervical dislocation and fracture combined with locked facet treated by one-stage posterior-anterior approach surgery between April 2011 and December 2012.There were 16 males and 5 females at age ranging from 23 to 61 years (mean,38.3 years).Posterior unlocking reduction by partial facetectomy and lateral mass screw fixation was performed,followed by anterior decompression,internal fixation and interbody fusion by titanium meshes.Outpatient or telephone follow-up was performed to evaluate bone fusion and recovery of neurologic function.Results Mean operation time was 140 minutes (130-210 minutes) and mean blood loss was 340 ml (range,150-600 ml).All incisions got primary healing with no operation-correlated complications.Five patients complicated with severe lung infection after surgery and one died of respiratory failure two week later.Titanium meshes achieved bone fusion within 3-9 months (mean,6 months) after surgery.At a mean follow-up of 17 months (range,12-30 months),there was no implant breakage and mesh displacement or collapse.According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score,preoperative neurologic deficit restored by mean one grade at final follow-up.Conclusion One-stage posterior-anterior approach surgery is an ideal choice for cervical fracture and dislocation combined with locked facet,for it provides unlocking reduction,canal decompression,and rigid reconstruction of the anterior-posterior column.

Multiple special formed titanium mesh cages in the treatment of lumbo-sacral spinal tuberculosis via posterior approach only / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To determine the clinical efficacy and feasibility of multiple special formed titanium mesh cages (TMCs) to treat lumbo-sacral spinal tuberculosis via posterior approach. Methods: From July, 2007 to June, 2013, 25 patients with lumbo-sacral spinal tuberculosis underwent one-stage posterior debridement, internal if xation, and interbody fusion using multiple special formed titanium meshes. We compared the parameters as follow: the pre- and post-operative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, lumbo-sacral angle, the height of intervertebral space, visual analogue scale (VAS), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and observedoperation time, intraoperative blood loss, and time of bone gratf fusion. Results: Operation time ranged from 90 to 180 min, (128±24) min in average. Blood loss in the operation ranged from 100 to 800 mL, (310±125) mL in average. hTe patients were followed up for 24 to 59 months, (43±7) months in average. One patient delayed healing of wound. ASIA score was improved in a certain degree in patients with neurological dysfunctions. hTe lumbo-sacral angle and the height of intervertebral space in the post-operation were signiifcantly higher than those in the pre-operation (P<0.001). VAS was reduced obviously atfer 2 weeks of operation. hTe ESR recovered to the normal level 6 months atfer operation in all the patients. Solid fusion was achieved within 4 to 8 months, 6 months in average. No sinus tract, cerebrospinal meningitis, tuberculosis recurrence and titanium mesh subsidence were found. Conclusion: For lumbo-sacral tuberculosis, multiple special formed titanium mesh cages via posterior approach is safe and effective, which is good to the stability in spine reconstruction.

Effects of Albizia Julibrissin Flower Total Flavonoids on Learning and Memory Abilities and Plasma Monoamine Neurotransmitters of Depression Model Rats / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to observe effects of Albizia Julibrissin Flower Total Flavonoids (AJFTF) on the learning and memory abilities and plasma monoamine neurotransmitters 5-HT and NE content of depression model rats . A total of 90 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group , model group , western medicine group ( Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 0 . 0125 g?kg-1 ) and high , middle and low dosage groups of AJFTF ( equivalent to the crude drug of 10 , 5 , 2 . 5 g?kg-1 ) . Depression model rats were induced by solitary cultiva-tion and chronic unpredictable stress . The learning and memory abilities of model rats were evaluated with the Morris water maze . And the plasma contents of 5-HT and NE were determined by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay ( ELISA ) . The results showed that AJFTF ( administered with high , middle and low dosage for 21 days ) significantly shortened the incubation period of the Morris water maze positioning and navigation ( P <0 . 05 or P < 0 . 01 ) , and increased the times of crossing the platform in space exploration ( P < 0 . 05 or P <0 . 01 ) . There was a certain dose-effect relationship . The AJFTF ( high , middle and low dosage ) increased the plasma contents of 5-HT and NE ( P < 0 . 05 ) . It was concluded that AJFTF can improve learning and memory abilities of depression model rats which indicates that AJFTF have potential antidepressant effects . Its action mechanism may be related to increase plasma monoamine neurotransmitter content of 5-HT and NE .

Study on Medication Patterns of Chinese Patent Medicine among 195 Breast Hyperplasia Cases / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to reveal the medication patterns of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of breast hyperplasia based on association rules and clustering of data mining technology. Articles on Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of breast hyperplasia were retrieved from databases. External formulas or those mixed with western drugs were excluded. Terminologies in the selected formulas were standardized. Information was extracted to build excelltables. Association rules analysis and cluster analysis were used to reveal the medication patterns of Chi-nese patent medicine in the treatment of breast hyperplasia with software R2.15.2 and Cytoscape 2.8.3. The results showed that Chinese medicinals with higher frequency in 195 formulas were Radix bupleuri, Rhizoma cyperi, Chinese Angelica, Selfheal, White Peony Root, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim et al. Chinese medicinals with lower frequency were Chinese Alangium leaf, Rhinacanthus nasutus et al. The commonly used herbal pairs were Radix bupleuri -Chinese A ngelica, Rhizoma curcumae - Rhizoma sparganii, frankincense - myrrh et al. The strong association rules indicated that Xiaoyaosan, which takes Radix bupleuri and Chinese A ngelica as its core, is the key character of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of breast hyperplasia. The cluster analysis revealed several Chinese medicine functional modules, such as Fructus forsythiae - Rhizoma smilacis glabrae - Evodia lepta - Chinese mahonia stem - Lignum millettiae et al. It was concluded that the herbal frequency, herbal pairs, strong associa-tion rules and cluster analysis can reveal the medication patterns of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of breast hyperplasia in order to provide reference evidences in the optimization of clinical treatment for mula and im-provement of therapeutic efficacy.

Effects of Herbal Pair of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae and Albizia Julibrissin Flower on Cognitive Function and Serum BDNF among Depression Patients / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to observe effects of herbal pair of semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS) and A lbizia Julib-rissin flower (AJF) on cognitive function and serum BDNF among depression patients. A total of 60 depression pa-tients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. In the SZS-AJF group, 30 patients were administered with SZS-AJF decoction. In the control group, 30 patients were administered with venlafaxine hydrochloride sus-tained-release tablets. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the serum-brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were detected before treatment and after six weeks of treatment. The results showed that there were no significant differences on the HAMD score, WCST (Response Administered (Ra), Categories Completed (Cc), Correct Responses (Cr), Perseverative Errors (Pe), Non-perseverative Errors (Npe)), serum BDNF before and after treatment between two groups. Compared with pretreatment, HAMD score, Ra, Cc, Cr, serum BDNF were increased after treatment in both groups. The Pe and Npe were decreased after treatment. There was sta-tistical significance between pretreatment and posttreatment (P< 0.05, or P< 0.01). It was concluded that the herbal pair of SZS-AJF has anti-depressant effect. It can improve cognitive function of depression patients. The anti-de-pressant mechanism of herbal pair of SZS-AJF may be related to the increasing of serum BDNF level.

Effects of Herbal Pair of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae and Albizia Julibrissin Flower on Quality of Life among Elderly Patients with Depression / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to observe the effects of herbal pair of Semen ziziphi spinosae (SZS) and A lbizia julibrissin flower (AJF) on the quality of life (QOL) among elderly patients with depression. A total of 70 elderly patients with depression were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The Chinese medicine group (with 35 cases) was given SZS-AJF decoction, and the western medicine group (with 35 cases) was given venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets. The HAMD scale score, QOL Assessment Questionnaire (GQOLI-74), and the Side-Effects Scale Score (TESS) were detected 8 weeks before and after the treatment. The results showed that there was no significant difference on the clinical efficacy between two groups. On the comprehensive assessment of QOL, the physical function dimension, mental function dimension and QOL total score of Chinese medicine group were higher than the western medicine group with significant difference (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences on the material function dimension or social function dimensions between two groups. The HAMD score, physical function dimension, mental function dimension, social function dimension and score of QOL were all higher than the pretreatment score with significant differences in both groups (P < 0.05). The TESS score in Chinese medicine group was lower than the western medicine group. And the main adverse reactions in the Chinese medicines group were nausea and vomiting. It was concluded that the herbal pair of SZS and AJF had antidepressant efficacy. It can improve the QOL among elderly patients with depression.

Value of Systemic Abdominal Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Acute Abdominal Diseases / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To investigate the value of systemic abdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute abdominal diseases. Materials and Methods A total of 234 patients with acute abdominal diseases were enrolled consecutively in the study and randomly divided into the study group who received systemic abdominal ultrasonography and the control group who received traditional selective abdominal ultrasonography. The diagnose accordance rate and diagnose duration of two groups were compared with the results of pathology or clinical follow-up which served as the golden standard. Results The diagnose accordance rate in the study group (95.04%, 115/121) was significantly higher than that of the control group (86.73%, 98/113) (χ2=4.946, P<0.05);the ultrasound examination duration in the study group was statistically longer than that of the control group [(16.41±1.31) min vs (10.11±4.35) min, t=14.771, P<0.05], and the diagnose duration in the study group was significantly shorter than that of the control group [(2.00±1.30) h vs (2.65±1.72) h, t=3.301, P<0.05]. Conclusion Systemic abdominal ultrasonography can improve the diagnosis coincidence rate and shorten the duration in the diagnosis of acute abdominal diseases.

Bedside Ultrasonography for Emergent Patients in the Diagnosis of Vasa Previa and Umbilical Cord Prolapse / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To investigate the value of bedside ultrasonography for emergent patients in the diagnosis of vasa previa and umbilical cord prolapse. Materials and Methods The bedside ultrasonography data of 12 emergent cases of vasa previa and 18 emergent cases of umbilical cord prolapse were retrospectively analyzed for detection rate. Results Nine out of 12 emergent patients with vasa previa were detected by bedside ultrasonography;2 were misdiagnosed as umbilical cord prolapsed;and 1 patient who had missed diagnosis suffered fetal demise during vaginal labour. Fifteen out of 18 emergent patients with umbilical cord prolapse were detected by bedside ultrasonography;2 were misdiagnosed as vasa previa; and 1 missed diagnosis (no death case was reported). The detection rates for both groups of patients had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Bedside ultrasonography for emergent patients can visualize the traveling of vasa previa and umbilical cord prolapse so as to promptly provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and reduce perinatal mortality.

Silenced estrogen receptor beta affects the expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand in osteoblastic MG63 cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Studies concerning how estrogen receptorβparticipates in bone metabolism are few now. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of estrogen receptorβon the expression of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in human osteblast-like cells. METHODS:The retrovirus with the most effective interference sequence and non-specific short hairpin RNA was used to transfect human osteoblast-like cellMG63 in order to screen out the stable colon, and then amplified and cultured. The blank control and non-specific short hairpin RNA were used as control, and the stable inhibition rate of estrogen receptorβwas detected. The 17β-estradiol was added into the cells in three groups, that were MG63 cells, short hairpin RNA retrovirus estrogen receptorβ-mediated MG63 cells and negative control short hairpin RNA retrovirus-medicated MG63 cells, in order to detect the expressions of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand mRNA in human osteoblast-like cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The human osteoblast-like MG63 cellline was further stably transfected with pRNAT-H1.4/Retro-estrogen receptorβshort hairpin RNA3, and then compared with the blank control and negative control, and found that estrogen receptorβcould express the stable inhibited human osteoblast-like cellline. The inhibition rate of estrogen receptorβmRNA was (88.17±1.17)%(P<0.05), and the inhibition rate of estrogen receptorβprotein was (89.01±1.22)%(P<0.05), indicating that estrogen receptorβgene knockdown human osteoblast-like cellmodels were constructed successful y. After estrogen intervention for 48 hours, the inhibition of MG63 cells with estrogen receptorβcould up-regulate the osteoprotegerin mRNA and protein expression in the blank control group and the negative control group (P<0.05), down-regulate the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05), and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand expression. The results indicate that estrogen receptorβmay play an important role in bone metabolism through regulating osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.

Endoscopic interlaminar lumbar discectomy with splitting of ligamentum flavum / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Transforaminal endoscopic discectomy needs to dissociate the ligamentum flavum, and if combined with the continuous dilator and working channel, it can keep the intact ligamentum flavum no matter how smal the incision may be (even 3-5 mm). OBJECTIVE:To present the technique of interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy with ligamentum flavum splitting. METHODS:We performed operations on 16 male and 14 female patients by interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy with ligamentum flavum splitting. The average age of the patients in the study was (48±15) years. The chief complaint before surgery was radiculopathy confined to one leg. The anatomic operative level was L 3-4 in one case, L 4-5 in 13 cases and L 5-S 1 in 16 cases. The ruptured disc migrated superiorly in four cases and inferiorly in seven cases, and intraoperative electromyo-graphic monitoring was performed in al surgeries. The ligamentum flavum was split, and after withdrawing the working channel, the ligamentum flavum could reset itself. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The total operation time was 20-40 minutes, and the fol ow-up period was (149±108) days. There were no abnormal signals on the intraoperative electromyography in any cases, and the reported symptoms were immediately improved in al patients after the operation. Fol ow-up magneticresonance imaging showed a disappearance of the ruptured disc without defect in the ligamentum flavum. There were no operation-associated complications in al the patients. Interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy with ligamentum flavum splitting is a feasible approach.