A Novel 3D-Printed Device for Precise Percutaneous Placement of Cannulated Compression Screws in Human Femoral Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the application of computer-aided design and 3D printing technology for percutaneous fixation of femoral neck fractures using cannulated compression screws. METHODS: Using computed tomography data, an individualized proximal femur model was created with a 3D printer. The reduction of the femoral neck fracture and the placement of the cannulated compression screws were simulated on a computer. A 3D printing guide plate was designed to match the proximal femur. After demonstrating the feasibility of the 3D model before the surgical procedure, the guide needles and cannulated compression screws were inserted with the aid of the 3D-printed guide plate. RESULTS: During the procedure, the 3D-printed guide plate for each patient matched the bone markers of the proximal femur. With the aid of the 3D-printed guide plate, three cannulated compression screws were accurately inserted into the femoral neck to treat femoral neck fractures. After screw placement, intraoperative X-ray examination showed results that were consistent with the preoperative design. The time taken to complete the procedure in the guide plate group was 35.3 ± 2.1 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 6.3 ± 2.8 mL, and X-ray fluoroscopy was only performed 9.1 ± 3.5 times. Postoperative radiographs showed adequate reduction of the femoral neck fractures. The entry point, entry direction, and length of the three cannulated compression screws were consistent with the preoperative design, and the screws did not penetrate the bone cortex. CONCLUSION: Using computer-aided design and 3D printing technology, personalized and accurate placement of cannulated compression screws can be realized for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. This technique can shorten the time required for the procedure and reduce damage to the femoral neck cortex, intraoperative bleeding, and the exposure of patients and healthcare staff to radiation.

Fisetin inhibits liver cancer growth in a mouse model: Relation to dopamine receptor.

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a natural abundant flavonoid, is produced in different vegetables and fruits. Fisetin has been reported to relate to various positive biological effects, including anti-proliferative, anticancer, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. Dopamine receptors (DRs) belonging to G protein­coupled receptor family, are known as the target of ~50% of all modern medicinal drugs. DRs consist of various proteins, functioning as transduction of intracellular signals for extracellular stimuli. We found that fisetin performed as DR2 agonist to suppress liver cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Caspase-3 signaling was activated to induce apoptosis for fisetin administration. Furthermore, TGF­ß1 was also inhibited in fisetin-treated liver cancer cells, reducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, fisetin downregulated VEGFR1, p-ERK1/2, p38 and pJNK, ameliorating liver cancer progression. In vivo, the orthotopically implanted tumors from mice were inhibited by fisetin adminisatration accompanied by prolonged survival rate and higher levels of dopamine. Together, the results indicated a novel therapeutic strategy to suppress liver cancer progression associated with DR2 regulation, indicating that dopamine might be of importance in liver cancer progression.

Facile synthesis of three-dimensional Pt-Pd alloyed multipods with enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for ethylene glycol oxidation.

A facile one-pot solvothermal method was developed for the fabrication of well-defined three-dimensional highly branched Pt-Pd alloyed multipods, using ethylene glycol as a solvent and a reducing agent, along with N-methylimidazole as a structure-directing agent, without any seed, template, or surfactant. The as-prepared nanocrystals exhibited a relatively large electrochemically active surface area, improved electrocatalytic activity and superior stability for ethylene glycol oxidation in alkaline media, compared with commercial Pt black and Pd black, making them promising electrocatalysts in fuel cells.

[Effects of microalgal diets on juvenile growth and survival of the ark shell, Scapharca broughtonii].

Under hatchery conditions (temperature, 23.5-24.0 degrees C; salinity, 29.5-30.0), effects of microalgal diets on growth and survival of the juvenile ark shell, Scapharca broughtonii, were investigated for 24 days by feeding with diets made of single or combinatory use of four different microalgae, Isochrysis galbana, Chlorella sp., Chaetoceros muelleri and Nitzschia closterium. The results showed that the survival rates were over 95% in all diet groups with no significant difference among them. When feeding with single microalgae, the best feeding effects on growth were observed in I. galbana, while the worst effects occurred in Chlorella sp. When feeding with various combinations of microalgae, the optimal effects on shell length and specific growth rate were observed in diets containing I. galbana compared to the other diets. The diet composed of I. galbana and Chlorella sp. (1:1) provided the best effects for S. broughtonii juveniles, resulting in a specific growth rate of 5.6% x d(-1) in shell length and 6.4% x d(-1) in shell height. These results should be valuable to direct the technique optimization of artificial breeding for the hatchery production of S. broughtonii seeds.

Effect of the PA-MSHA vaccine on septic serum-induced inflammatory response.

Sepsis is defined as a complex clinical syndrome caused by a serious infection followed by an amplified and deregulated inflammatory response. The complex syndrome is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality, despite substantial clinical advances. A vaccine derived from the outer membrane proteins of the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA-MSHA) has been demonstrated to exhibit immune modulatory properties. In the present study, the effect of the PA-MSHA vaccine on the inflammatory response induced by serum from septic patients in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined. It was observed that PA-MSHA pretreatment inhibits the production of septic serum-induced tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, PA-MSHA treatment increases interleukin-10 levels and promotes the generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. Thus, the results of the current study provide mechanistic insight relevant to the potential application of PA-MSHA in the treatment of sepsis.