Retraction notice to "The comparative study of clinical efficacy and safety of baclofen vs tolperisone in spasticity caused by spinal cord injury" [Saudi Pharm. J. 25 (2017) 655-659].

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2017.04.041.].

A novel hybrid fixation (percutaneous anterior pelvic bridge with K-wire) for the treatment of traumatic pelvic ring injury: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to introduce a novel percutaneous technique for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries using a percutaneous anterior pelvic bridge (PAPB) with K-wire. METHODS: From December 2010 to November 2016, a prospective study of 86 patients with anterior pelvic ring fracture (42 utilizing PAPB with K-wire and 44 utilizing PAPB). Patient data was retrieved from electronic charts. Radiological results were assessed based on the Matta criteria system to evaluate the quality of the reduction and time to union. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed scoring system. Postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Age, sex, cause of injury, type of fracture, functional recovery, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, union time, Majeed scoring and complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. The quality of the reduction and pain scoring differed between groups (all p-values < 0.05). Group A got better reduction and less pain scoring. CONCLUSIONS: The novel percutaneous technique with hybrid fixation using PAPB with K-wire is a successful alternative for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries, which results in better quality of reduction and less pain scoring outcomes comparing to PAPB. May the PAPB + K-wire could provide more stability.

The comparative study of clinical efficacy and safety of baclofen vs tolperisone in spasticity caused by spinal cord injury.

In the present study we compared the clinical efficacy and safety of baclofen vs tolperisone in spasticity caused by spinal cord injury. A total of 150 patients were enrolled in the present study and were divided into two groups with 75 patients in each group, receiving baclofen or tolperisone, respectively. We used Modified Ashworth Scale, Medical research council scale, Barthel Index, and Coefficient of efficacy to measure clinical efficacy. After 6-week treatment, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in muscle tone, muscle strength and functional outcome (Group I, 1.55 ± 0.053, 2.79 ± 0.032, 59.31 ± 1.32; Group II, 1.57 ± 0.053, 3.04 ± 0.032, 73 ± 1.32 respectively). There was no significant difference regarding improvement in muscle tone and muscle strength between the two groups (Group I, 1.055 ± 0.053 vs Group II, 1.57 ± 0.053; Group I, 2.79 ± 0.032 vs Group II, 3.04 ± 0.032, p > 0.05). However, the improvement in functional outcomes was greater in group II as compared to that in group I (Group I, 59.31 ± 1.32 vs Group II, 73 ± 1.32, p < 0.05). In addition, overall efficacy coefficient was greater for group II as compared to group I (Group I, 3.6 vs Group II, 2.3, p < 0.05). Group I had more side effects compared to Group II. Compared to baclofen, tolperisone offers greater improvement in activities of daily living compared to baclofen.

[Low-dose lipopolysaccharide mediated up-regulation of Nrf2 attenuates inflammatory response in rats with spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the neuroprotective effects of preconditioning with low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats after spinal cord injury and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Forty-eight female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: empty virus (EV), LPS combined with empty virus (LPS-EV), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) interference virus (NIV), and LPS combined with Nrf2 interference virus (LPS-NIV) (n=12 per group). The model of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) was established by the modified Allen's method. Hind limb motor function of the rats was assessed by the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score 3 days after the operation. The injured spinal cord tissues were harvested after the operation. The pathological changes of spinal cord were observed by HE staining. The Nissl body and neuron survival index were assessed by Nissl staining. The expressions of Nrf2, NF-κB and associated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α) were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. RESULTS: NIV group showed descended Nrf2 protein expression and ascended NF-κB, IL-1ß, TNF-α protein levels compared with EV group, and no significant difference from LPS-NIV group. The Nrf2 protein expression of LPS-EV group increased significantly compared with EV group and LPS-NIV group, and NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1ß protein expression decreased significantly at the same time. Compared with those of EV group and LPS-NIV group, the neuron survival index of LPS-EV group was improved. The morphological change of LPS-EV group was also obviously alleviated. The BBB score had no statistical significance among these groups. CONCLUSION: Low-dose LPS preconditioning had neuroprotective effects on spinal cord injury. This protective effect was mediated by activating the Nrf2 to down-regulate expressions of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviate inflammatory response.

Bone plate composed of a ternary nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66/glass fiber composite: biomechanical properties and biocompatibility.

An ideal bone plate for internal fixation of bone fractures should have good biomechanical properties and biocompatibility. In this study, we prepared a new nondegradable bone plate composed of a ternary nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66/glass fiber (n-HA/PA66/GF) composite. A breakage area on the n-HA/PA66/GF plate surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Its mechanical properties were investigated using bone-plate constructs and biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The results confirmed that adhesion between the n-HA/PA66 matrix and the glass fibers was strong, with only a few fibers pulled out at the site of breakage. Fractures fixed by the n-HA/PA66/GF plate showed lower stiffness and had satisfactory strength compared with rigid fixation using a titanium plate. Moreover, the results with regard to mesenchymal stem cell morphology, MTT assay, Alizarin Red S staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin showed that the n-HA/PA66/GF composite was suitable for attachment and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, and did not have a negative influence on matrix mineralization or osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. These observations indicate that the n-HA/PA66/GF plate has good biomechanical properties and biocompatibility, and may be considered a new option for internal fixation in orthopedic surgery.