Antibacterial property, corrosion and discoloration resistance of pure copper containing Zn or Ni.

This study focused on the effects of Zn and Ni addition on the antibacterial properties and corrosion resistance of copper alloys. The antimicrobial properties of copper and copper alloys were evaluated using Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 bacterial strain by employing the overlay and plate counting methods. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the surface composition of the alloy after contact with bacteria. A salt spray method was used to simulate an artificial sweat contact environment to test the discoloration and corrosion resistance of the alloy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the film layer and surface material composition of the corroded samples. The addition of Ni reduced the antibacterial performance of pure copper; however, the antibacterial performance of the alloy remained fast and efficient after the addition of Zn. Moreover, the addition of Zn and Ni significantly improved the corrosion resistance and surface discoloration of copper alloys in artificial sweat environments. This study provided support for the future application of copper alloys as antimicrobial surface-contact materials with safer public and medical environments in the face of diseases spread by large populations. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12598-022-02098-8.

Clinical observation of electroacupuncture with different frequencies for migraine without aura / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies in treating migraine.Methods: Ninety patients with migraine were divided into a low frequency electroacupuncture (LF-EA) group, a high frequency electroacupuncture (HF-EA) group and a variable frequency electroacupuncture (VF-EA) group by the random number table method. Shuaigu (GB 8), Hegu (LI 4), Waiguan (TE 5), Taichong (LR 3), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20) and Ashi points were selected for all three groups. After achieving needling sensation (Deqi), the LF-EA group received 2 Hz continuous wave EA stimulation; the HF-EA group received 100 Hz continuous wave EA stimulation, and the VF-EA group received 2 Hz/100 Hz sparse-dense wave EA stimulation. The EA stimulation lasted for 30 min in all the three groups, once a day, 10 times as a course, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after 2 consecutive courses of treatment. Results: After treatment, the total effective rates in the LF-EA group, HF-EA group and VF-EA group were 77.7％, 83.3％ and 93.3％, respectively. The difference in total effective rate between the LF-EA and HF-EA groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05), but the total effective rate was significantly higher in the VF-EA group than in the LF-EA and HF-EA groups (both P<0.01). After treatment, the headache scores significantly decreased in all three groups (all P<0.01). The difference in headache score between the LF-EA and HF-EA groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05), while the score was significantly lower in the VF-EA group than in the LF-EA and HF-EA groups (both P<0.01). Conclusion: VF-EA (2 Hz/100 Hz), compared with LF-EA (2 Hz) and HF-EA (100 Hz), shows superior clinical efficacy in treating migraine.

A comparison between endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization and open neck surgery in the treatment of congenital piriform fistula / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To compare the efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization (ECLC) and open neck surgery in the treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF). Methods: From September 2014 to March 2017, 80 cases with confirmed diagnosis of CPSF received initial treatment at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were prospectively analyzed, including 34 males and 46 females, aged 18 to 672 (194.17±141.18) months. They were consecutively divided into endoscopic group and open-surgery group, with 40 cases in each group. Both groups of patients received surgical treatment under general anesthesia. The endoscopic group was treated by endoscopic CO2 laser cauterization, and the open-surgery group underwent the following surgery: first, we performed suspension laryngoscopy examination to confirm the presence of fistula in the bottom of the piriform fossa, then open-neck resection of congenital piriform sinus fistula with recurrent laryngeal nerve and/or lateral branch of superior laryngeal nerve anatomy plus partial thyroidectomy were performed. The data between the two groups were compared, including the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, average length of stay, neck cosmetic scores, complications and cure rates. All patients were followed up in outpatient clinics. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. P<0.05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant. Results: All patients were successfully completed the operation. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain and average length of hospital stay in the endoscopic group were significantly less than those in the open group [(27.4±5.5) min to (105.8±52.5) min, (0.6±0.5) ml to (33.6±41.5) ml, (1.7±0.9) points to (4.6±0.7) points, (5.9±2.9)d to(8.9±3.3)d, t values were-9.400, -5.031, -16.199, -4.293, P values were all<0.01]; The neck cosmetic score in the endoscopy group was significantly greater than that of the open group [(9.9±0.4) against (5.8±0.9) points, t=25.847, P<0.01]. Compared with the open group (15.0%, 6/40), the complication rate of the endoscopic group (7.5%, 3/40) was not statistically significant (χ²=0.50, P>0.05). Three months after the first treatment, the cure rate in the endoscopic group (82.5%, 33/40) was significantly lower than that in the open-neck group (100.0%, 40/40), χ²=5.64, P<0.05. The follow-up time was 12 months after the last treatment. Eighty cases were followed up and none was lost to follow-up. During the follow-up period, the cure rate of the endoscopy group (97.5%, 39/40) was compared with that of the open group (100.0%, 40/40), and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In the treatment of CPSF, the two-surgical method each has their advantages. Compared with open-neck surgery, ECLC is simpler, repeatable. ECLC has shorter time in operation and hospital stay, less complications, and less postoperative pain and more precise cosmetic results. It could be preferred for the initial treatment of CPSF and relapsed cases after cauterization. But subject to relatively low cure rate of one-time cauterization and uncertain long-term efficacy, it cannot completely replace the open-neck surgery at present.

Challenges and strategies in developing team-based learning in Chinese medical education.

INTRODUCTION: Team-based learning (TBL) is gradually being integrated into Chinese medical education. This study reports its current application status in Chinese medical schools, as well as the underlying challenges and strategies to improve TBL application. METHOD: We screened publication databases and surveys to investigate TBL usage and concerns regarding TBL application by Chinese medical educators. Articles published by 79 Chinese medical schools include 163 articles among 20 topic areas of basic medicine and 226 articles among 16 clerkship disciplines. The opinions of 123 Chinese medical teachers were solicited from 46 medical schools in 26 provinces/municipalities. RESULTS: Approximately less than half of Chinese medical schools used TBL in basic medicine or clerkship disciplines. Among these, only 10% of schools reported TBL usage in both clerkship disciplines and basic medicine. Both quantitative and qualitative results revealed that public awareness of TBL, executive support, professional training, sharing of resources and integration of multiple disciplines are critical factors in facilitating TBL application, and in recruiting and developing TBL teachers. CONCLUSION: TBL application in Chinese medical education is limited. Executive/financial support and establishment of a platform to provide technical support, share resources and regulate TBL practice quality will facilitate TBL application in Chinese medical education.

Clinical characteristics of 34 COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU in Hangzhou, China

IntroductionThe purpose of the study was to summarize the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the coronavirus disease 2019 patients admitted to intensive care unit. MethodsWe tracked the data until March 5, 2020. The cases in our cohort were divided into cases only received noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and cases required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The characteristics between the two groups were compared. Results34 cases were included in the study. The complications rate (including, acute liver injury, acute cardiac injury and acute kidney injury) were higher in IMV cases. Lymphocytopenia and neutrophilia occurred in most cases in both groups on the admission day, however, lymphocyte levels dropped progressively and more severe lymphopenia occurred in IMV group. Increased amounts of plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were found in both groups on the admission day, the progressive decrease of which occurred in NIV cases rather than IMV cases, and the levels were higher in IMV cases during hospitalization. ConclusionsLymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, and increase of IL-6 and IL-10 occurred in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in ICU, however, the dynamics of those were significantly different in IMV cases and NIV cases during hospitalization.

Clinical characteristics of 34 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit in Hangzhou, China / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

OBJECTIVE@#This study summarizes and compares clinical and laboratory characteristics of 34 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China from Jan. 22 to Mar. 5, 2020.@*METHODS@#A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups, including those who required noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with additional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 11 patients. Clinical features of COVID-19 patients were described and the parameters of clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The rates of the acute cardiac and kidney complications were higher in IMV cases than those in NIV cases. Most patients had lymphocytopenia on admission, with lymphocyte levels dropping progressively on the following days, and the more severe lymphopenia developed in the IMV group. In both groups, T lymphocyte counts were below typical lower limit norms compared to B lymphocytes. On admission, both groups had higher than expected amounts of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), which over time declined more in NIV patients. The prothrombin time was increased and the levels of platelet, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and IL-6 were higher in IMV cases compared with NIV cases during hospitalization.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Data showed that the rates of complications, dynamics of lymphocytopenia, and changes in levels of platelet, hemoglobin, BUN, D-dimer, LDH and IL-6, and prothrombin time in these ICU patients were significantly different between IMV and NIV cases.

RNA transport proteins and their expression and function in tumors / 医学研究生学报

Malignant tumors, whose occurrence and development are related to a variety of RNA transporter proteins, seriously affect human health and quality of life. Under normal circumstances, RNA transport proteins help RNA shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm and their precise localization, effectively coupling the life activities in the nucleus and cytoplasm. During the process of tumorigenesis and progression, the expression and localization of some RNA transporters are abnormal or dysfunctional, which can change the subcellular localization, expression level, transport efficiency of downstream key RNA molecules, and the decay rate of cytoplasmic mRNA, and affect the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumors. This paper mainly reviews RNA transport proteins and their expression changes and regulation in tumors.

RNA transport proteins and their expression and function in tumors / 医学研究生学报

Malignant tumors, whose occurrence and development are related to a variety of RNA transporter proteins, seriously affect human health and quality of life. Under normal circumstances, RNA transport proteins help RNA shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm and their precise localization, effectively coupling the life activities in the nucleus and cytoplasm. During the process of tumorigenesis and progression, the expression and localization of some RNA transporters are abnormal or dysfunctional, which can change the subcellular localization, expression level, transport efficiency of downstream key RNA molecules, and the decay rate of cytoplasmic mRNA, and affect the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumors. This paper mainly reviews RNA transport proteins and their expression changes and regulation in tumors.

Caregiving burden and depression in paid caregivers of hospitalized patients: a pilot study in China.

BACKGROUND: Caregiving burden and depression in family caregivers have been investigated, but little is known about how they affect paid caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate caregiving burden and depression in paid caregivers of hospitalized patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital (Chengdu, China) that enrolled 108 paid caregivers who worked in the inpatient department. The Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale were incorporated into a self-developed questionnaire to gather demographic information on the following four aspects: general, work, income, and family. RESULTS: The mean total CBI score was 29.7 ± 12.5. The time-dependence burden had the highest score of 15.3 ± 4.0, which was followed by the physical burden score of 6.5 ± 4.6, developmental burden score of 3.7 ± 4.0, social burden score of 3.2 ± 4.0, and emotional burden score of 2.4 ± 3.1. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a higher CBI was associated with a longer time as a paid caregiver [ß=7.041, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.935 to 12.974, p = 0.009], lower income satisfaction (ß= - 6.573, 95% CI: -11.248 to -3.020, p = 0.001), and higher frequency of meeting with their relatives (ß=7.125, 95% CI: 2.019 to 12.456, p = 0.006). The mean CES-D score was 11.9 ± 8.7, and significant depression was found in 28 (25.9%) paid caregivers according to the CES-D score ≥ 16 cut-off. There was a moderate positive correlation between the CBI and CES-D scores (Pearson's r = 0.452, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high caregiving burden was commonly observed in paid caregivers of hospitalized patients in China, as was a high prevalence of depression symptoms. Several associated factors were identified that could be areas for future interventions.

Cardamonin inhibited cell viability and tumorigenesis partially through blockade of testes-specific protease 50-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway activation.

Previous studies have shown that testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50), a pro-oncogene overexpressed in many types of tumors, could promote cell proliferation, invasion, tumorigenesis, and tumor metastasis, suggesting that it is a potential cancer therapeutic target in drug discovery. Here, a luciferase assay system driven by the TSP50 gene promoter was used to screen the inhibitor of expression of TSP50. The study found that cardamonin, a flavone compound, could efficiently inhibit the expression of TSP50 in both mRNA and protein levels. Further results revealed that cardamonin also efficiently inhibited the viability of TSP50 high-expressing cancer cells by inducing G2/M-phase arrest and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. Surprisingly, knocking down the expression of TSP50 gene had the same effects as treatment with cardamonin. Moreover, it has been found that cardamonin had an inhibitory potency on TSP50 high-expressing tumor growth in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of TSP50 greatly decreased the cell sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of cardamonin and reversed the decreased tumor-inhibitory effect of cardamonin. Additionally, both TSP50 interference and treatment with cardamonin could suppress p65 nuclear translocation, and overexpression of TSP50 reversed the suppressive effect of cardamonin on p65 nuclear translocation. Taken together, these results suggest that cardamonin inhibited cell viability and tumorigenesis at least partially via blocking the activation of TSP50-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway, and cardamonin may be a promising anticancer drug candidate in the development of a novel agent for TSP50 high-expressing cancer cells.

Treatment of Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorder by Floating Needle Therapy and Duloxetine / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate clinical effect and safety of floating needle therapy and duloxetine in treating patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 108 PSPD patients were randomly assigned to the floating needle treatment group, the duloxetine treatment group, and the placebo treatment group, 36 in each group. Patients in the floating needle treatment group received floating needle therapy and placebo. Those in the duloxetine treatment group received duloxetine and simulated floating needle therapy. Those in the placebo treatment group received the placebo and simulated floating needle therapy. All treatment lasted for six weeks. Efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated using Simple McGill pain scale (SF-MPQ) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) before treatment and immediately after treatment, as well as at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment, respectively. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD, 17 items), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were assessed before treatment and at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment, respectively. Patients in the floating needle treatment group and the duloxetine treatment group with the total reducing score rate of SF-MPQ in Pain Rating index (PRI) ≥ 50% after 6 weeks' treatment were involved in the follow-up study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with the same group before treatment, SF-MPQ score, HAMD score and HAMA total scores all decreased in all the three groups at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides , each item of SF-MPQ significantly decreased immediately after treatment in the floating needle treatment group (P < 0.01). Compared with the placebo treatment group, SF-MPQ, HAMD, and HAMA total score in the floating needle treatment group significantly decreased after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). SF-MPQ score, HAMD score and HAMA total score in the duloxetine treatment group also significantly decreased after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (2) There were 3 patients (8.3%) who had adverse reactions in the floating needle treatment group, 17 (50.0%) in the duloxetine treatment group, and 7 (21.2%) in the placebo treatment group. Compared with the placebo treatment group, the incidence of adverse reaction increased in the duloxetine treatment group (χ² = 6.04, P < 0.05). Besides, it was higher in the duloxetine treatment group than in the floating needle treatment group (χ² = 14.9, P < 0.05). (3) There were 19 patients in the floating needle treatment group and 17 patients in the duloxetine treatment group involved in the follow-up study. Compared with 6 weeks after treatment, no significant difference was observed at 3 and 6 months after treatment in the score of SF-MPQ, HAMD, and HAMA in the floating needle treatment group and the duloxetine treatment group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were 5 patients (29.4%) who had adverse reactions in the duloxetine treatment group, and no adverse reactions were observed in the floating needle treatment group. The adverse reaction rate was significantly different between the two groups (χ² = 4.26, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Floating needle therapy and duloxetine were effective in treatment of patients with PSPD. However, floating needle therapy could relieve pain more rapidly than duloxetine, with obviously less adverse reactions.</p>

MiR-199a/b-3p suppresses migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by downregulating PAK4/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

MicroRNA-199a/b-3p is downregulated in several types of aggressive cancer, and its decrement significantly correlates with poor survival. Here, we aim to investigate the biological function of miR-199a/b-3p and its regulation of target genes in breast cancer cells with highly metastatic potential. In addition, we found that miR-199a/b-3p expression was much lower in MDA-MB-231, CAL120, and HCC1395 breast cancer cells with highly metastatic potential. Functional assays showed that restored miR-199a/b-3p expression inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell growth, cell-cycle progression, migration, and invasion. In addition, we experimentally demonstrated that PAK4 was the direct target of miR-199a/b-3p, hypo-expression of PAK4 suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, and overexpression of PAK4 significantly rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-199a/b-3p on MDA-MB-231 cell growth, migration, and invasion. Further, we also observed that miR-199a/b-3p could inactivate the PAK4/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Thus, miR-199a/b-3p functions as a tumor suppressor and has an important role in breast cancer metastasis through PAK4/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

Alantolactone induces cell apoptosis partially through down-regulation of testes-specific protease 50 expression.

Testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50) is aberrantly expressed in many cancer biopsies and plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, which make it a potential cancer therapeutic target for drug discovery. Here, we constructed a firefly luciferase reporter driven by the TSP50 gene promoter to screen natural compounds capable of inhibiting the expression of TSP50. Then we identified alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, could efficiently inhibit the promoter activity of TSP50 gene, further results revealed that alantolactone also efficiently inhibited the expression of TSP50 in both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, we found alantolactone could increase the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and activate caspase-9 and caspase-3 in the cancer cells with high expression of TSP50, surprisingly, the same effects can also be observed in the same cells just by knockdown of TSP50 gene expression. Furthermore, our results suggested that overexpression of TSP50 decreased the cell sensitivity to alantolactone-induced apoptosis in those cancer cells. Taken together, these results suggest that alantolactone induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis at least partially via down-regulation of TSP50 expression.

Testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50) promotes cell proliferation through the activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway.

TSP50 (testes-specific protease 50) is a testis-specific expression protein, which is expressed abnormally at high levels in breast cancer tissues. This makes it an attractive molecular marker and a potential target for diagnosis and therapy; however, the biological function of TSP50 is still unclear. In the present study, we show that overexpression of TSP50 in CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cells markedly increased cell proliferation and colony formation. Mechanistic studies have revealed that TSP50 can enhance the level of TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α)- and PMA-induced NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)-responsive reporter activity, IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB) α degradation and p65 nuclear translocation. In addition, the knockdown of endogenous TSP50 in MDA-MB-231 cells greatly inhibited NF-κB activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated an interaction of TSP50 with the NF-κB-IκBα complex, but not with the IKK (IκB kinase) α/ß-IKKγ complex, which suggested that TSP50, as a novel type of protease, promoted the degradation of IκBα proteins by binding to the NF-κB-IκBα complex. Our results also revealed that TSP50 can enhance the expression of NF-κB target genes involved in cell proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of a dominant-negative IκB mutant that is resistant to proteasome-mediated degradation significantly reversed TSP50-induced cell proliferation, colony formation and tumour formation in nude mice. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that TSP50 promotes cell proliferation, at least partially, through activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway.

Temporary ex vivo posterior tibial artery bypass for iliofemoral artery injury.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to report a temporary, ex vivo, distal extremity revascularization technique providing distal perfusion and allowing for a staged repair of complex iliofemoral injury. In addition, the objective of this report is to provide outcome data after this novel procedure including mortality, limb salvage, and quality of limb assessment. METHODS: From February 1993 to December 2005, temporary ex vivo posterior tibial artery revascularization from the uninjured (donor) to the injured extremity was performed in 14 patients. All patients had blunt iliofemoral artery injury with class III or IV hemorrhagic shock. An end-to-end anastomosis between the two posterior tibial arteries was performed. Muscle strength of both legs was measured using the Medical Research Council scale and grade 5 means normal strength. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 35 years+/-7.4 years (mean+/-SD). All patients with ipsilateral legs survived. Patency of the bypass was achieved in all cases. At a mean time of 30 days+/-10 days after injury, the injured iliofemoral artery was reconstructed, and the bypass was transected 7 days later. At the final follow-up, the muscle strength of both legs was of grade 5 based on Medical Research Council scale. Static two-point discrimination test scores were similar on both feet. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary ex vivo revascularization of the posterior tibial artery is a feasible option in selecting patients with blunt iliofemoral artery injury with ischemia and severe physiologic derangements. This unconventional method provides extremity perfusion distal to the injury and maintains neuromuscular viability during an interval period, allowing for a staged, proximal revascularization after improvement in the patient's physiologic condition.

A pilot study on the regeneration of ferrous chelate complex in NOx scrubber solution by a biofilm electrode reactor.

A chemical absorption-biological reduction integrated process has been proposed for the removal of nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) from flue gases. In this study, we report a new approach using biofilm electrode reactor (BER) to regenerate Fe(II)EDTA via simultaneously reducing Fe(II)EDTA-NO and Fe(III)EDTA in NO(x) scrubber solution. Biofilm formed on the surface of the cathode was confirmed by Environmental Scan Electro-Microscope. Experimental results demonstrated that it was effective and feasible to utilize the BER to promote the reduction of Fe(II)EDTA-NO and Fe(III)EDTA simultaneously. The reduction efficiency of Fe(II)EDTA-NO and Fe(III)EDTA was up to 85% and 78%, respectively when the BER was continuously operated with electricity current at 30 mA. The absence of electricity induced an immediate decrease in reduction efficiency, indicating that the bio-regeneration of ferrous chelate complex was electrochemically accelerated. The present approach is considered advantageous for the enhanced bio-reduction in the NO(x) scrubber solution.

Pull-out wire fixation for acute mallet finger fractures with k-wire stabilization of the distal interphalangeal joint.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe and assess a surgical technique for the treatment of mallet finger fractures using a pull-out wire with K-wire stabilization of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in extension. METHODS: From May 2003 to January 2008, we performed pull-out wire fixation of the fracture fragment with stabilization of the DIP joint using a K-wire in 65 closed mallet finger fractures in 65 patients with a mean age of 32 years (range, 18-48). The mean time between the injury and surgery was 8 days (range, 0-19 d). In this cohort, the mean joint surface involvement was 39% (range, 30% to 49%) and all injuries were associated with DIP joint subluxation. Fifteen days after surgery, the digits were assessed for skin necrosis, skin breakdown, and wound and wire track infection. Patient follow-up lasted 24 to 27 months, with a mean period of 25.5 months. The fingers were assessed for loss of extension and flexion of the DIP joints. We graded the results using Crawford's criteria. RESULTS: Fracture reduction was maintained and all fractures united. We found no skin necrosis, skin breakdown, infection, or nail deformities. At the final follow-up, the mean extensor loss of the DIP joints was 7° (range, 0° to 37°). The mean flexion loss of the DIP joints was 1° (range, 0° to 15°). We noted extensor loss of the joint less than 10° in 57 digits and 10° to 15° (mean, 13°) in 8 digits. Based on Crawford's criteria, 52 digits were excellent, 8 were good, 4 were fair, and one was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Pull-out wire fixation of the reduced fracture fragment and K-wire stabilization of the DIP joint is a useful technique for the treatment of mallet finger fractures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

[Effects of Artesunate on MCP-1 and MCP-1 mRNA expression of renal tissue in the rat IgA nephropathy model].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Artesunate on expression of MCP-1 and MCP-1 mRNA in renal tissue of the rat experimental IgA nephropathy model. METHODS: 40 rats were divided randomly into 4 groups with 10 rats in normal control group while the other 30 in model control group, low dose Artesunate group and high dose Artesunate group after the establishment of IgA nephropathy model. MCP-1 and MCP-1 mRNA in renal tissue were tested by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methods. RESULTS: The expression of MCP-1 mRNA in model control group was significantly increased (0.4726+/-0.086 vs 0.1445+/-0.095, P<0.05, compared with normal control group), which was suppressed in low dose Artesunate group (0.2844+/-0.065) and high dose Artesunate group (0.2184+/-0.058) (both P<0.05, compared with model control group). In addition, hemouria, proteinuria and pathological changes in renal tissue were improved in the Artesunate groups. CONCLUSION: Artesunate shows the ability of downregulating the expression of MCP-1 in renal tissue, which may explain one of the mechanisms of Artesunate effectiveness in clinical treatment of IgA nephropathy.

A new approach for Fe(III)EDTA reduction in NO(x) scrubber solution using bio-electro reactor.

A new process for the removal of NO(x) by a combined Fe(II)EDTA absorption and microbial reduction has been demonstrated, in which part of the Fe(II)EDTA will be oxidized by oxygen in the flue gas to form Fe(III)EDTA. In former studies, strain FR-2 has been found to reduce Fe(III)EDTA efficiently. Otherwise, it has been reported that bio-electro reactor could efficiently provide a chance for simultaneous denitrification and metal ion removal. Therefore, a use of bio-electro reactor is suggested to promote the reduction of Fe(III)EDTA by strain FR-2 in this paper. The results showed that the concentration of Fe(III)EDTA decreased rapidly when electric current was applied, and that as the current density rose, the Fe(III)EDTA reduction rate increased while followed by a decrease afterward. The formation of the biofilm on the electrode was observed by ESEM (Environmental Scan Electro-Microscope). In addition, the Fe(III)EDTA reduction rate obviously decreased with the existence of NaNO(2).

Continuous renal replacement therapy in the treatment of severe acute mountain sickness.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is usually seen in unacclimatized individuals ascending to a high altitude within a short period of time. Severe cases may be complicated with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which results in very high mortality. We reported a case of a 20-year-old girl who developed AMS complicated with high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and acute renal failure. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was successfully carried out in this patient and achieved satisfactory effects. The treatment of this patient suggests that early intervention of CRRT may be a useful therapy for patient with severe AMS, especially those with MODS.