Management of a rare giant cell tumor of the distal fibula: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive giant cell tumor of the distal fibula is so rare that no consensus on a surgical strategy has been reached. Thus, an appropriate treatment strategy is still important to discuss. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old man who had been experiencing progressive swelling of the left lateral malleolus accompanied by pain for half a year was presented at our hospital. He had never been treated prior to coming to our hospital. Preoperative imaging revealed a 10 cm × 6 cm mass located in the body of the distal fibula. Pathological biopsies confirmed it was a giant cell tumor. Preoperative examination revealed he had dilated cardiomyopathy with class 3 cardiac function. The cardiologist and anesthesiologist determined that he could tolerate the operation, but the operation should be as short and minimally invasive as possible. With the patient's consent, we performed a tibiotalar fusion and followed up with him for 2 years, finding no recurrence and a satisfactory recovery. CONCLUSION: Tibial talus fusion is an effective method for the treatment of distal fibula tumors.

Morphological measurements and classification of the spinoglenoid notch: A three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography in the Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The spinoglenoid notch (SGN) is the second most common location for suprascapular nerve (SN) entrapment; however, there are few relative morphological reports on this condition. Hence, the present morphological study mainly explored the anatomical structure and classification of the SGN and the relationship with entrapment of SN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred seventy-eight scapulae were analysed thoroughly and systematically in this study. Anatomical structure and classification of the SGN were observed and measured by a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of computed tomography (CT). The measurement results were then analysed and recorded. RESULTS: Chinese scapulae were classified into three types at the SGN, and it was found that left scapulae had deeper SGN than right ones. Then, significant differences were also noted between sexes. Men had thicker, wider and deeper SGN than women. Type II (small U, 46.04%) was the most common. Type I (large U) was the widest (15.67±1.43mm) and deepest (13.71±2.39mm) compared with other types. Lastly, no significant differences in the above criteria were found in other measurements. CONCLUSIONS: These morphological measurements of the SGN may help to improve the diagnosis and successful treatment rate of the surgery for the SN entrapment, but the relative clinical trial is necessary to support it.

Cytoprotective effects of paeoniflorin are associated with translocator protein 18 kDa.

Paeoniflorin (PF) is one of the important active components in peony that are known to produce the neuroprotective effects. However, the involved cytoprotective factors on brain astrocytes are remain unclear. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) and its downstream neurosteroids biosynthesis play a significant role in cytoprotection. Based on these, the role of TSPO and neurosteroids biosynthesis in the cytoprotective effects of PF is evaluated. The astrocyte cells were cultured and AC-5216 (TSPO ligand) was selected as the positive control drug. The cytoprotective effects of PF and the levels of neurosteroids were quantified by water-soluble tetrazolium assay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The cytoprotective activities of PF were relevant to neurosteroids (e.g. progsterone and allopregnanolone) biosynthesis, while these effects were totally blocked by PK11195, trilostane and finasteride, respectively. In summary, the cytoprotective effects of PF maybe mediated by TSPO and neurosteroids biosynthesis. The findings may provide the new insights into the cytoprotective effects of PF.

Anxiolytic-like effects of paeoniflorin in an animal model of post traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the serious psychiatric disorder. Paeoniflorin (PF) produces the antidepressant-like properties. However, few studies are concerned about its anti-PTSD-like effects and mechanisms. To investigate these, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was utilized. PTSD-like behavioral deficits in rats after exposure to SPS were improved by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), evidenced by blocking increased freezing time in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) and increased time and entries in open arms in elevated plus maze (EPM) test without affecting the locomotor activity in open field (OF) test. We also found that increased levels of corticosterone (Cort), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) after exposure to SPS were reversed by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) in serum, respectively. Moreover, the decreased levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were reversed by PF (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. In summary, the anti-PTSD-like activities of PF were associated with the modulation of HPA axis and 5-HT system activation.