BACKGROUND:Traditional external fixation of tibial fractures exhibits obvious stress shielding that delays fracture healing. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material has a similar elastic modulus to the bone, and it wil be possible to address this clinical problem.
OBJECTIVE:To compare the outcome of PEEK external fixator versus traditionaly external fixator in the treatment of tibial fractures.
METHODS:Clinical data of 86 patients with tibial fractures, including 64 males and 22 females, aged 24-78 years (mean age of 56 years), were retrospectively reviewed. There were 30 cases of closed fractures and 56 cases of open fractures; 32 cases received flat-patient surgery and 54 cases underwent emergency surgery. Al the patients were divided into two groups according to different fixation methods: PEEK group and traditional external fixator group. After operation, patients were checked regularly and at the last folow-up, functional recovery was evaluated according to Johner-Wruhs criteria.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al the patients were folowed up for 5-20 months. The mean fixator removal time of the PEEK group was 8.7 weeks and the mean duration of fracture healing was 4.2 months. The mean fixator removal time of the traditional external fixator group was 10.6 weeks and the mean duration of fracture healing was 6.1 months. At the last folow-up, in the PEEK group, 26 cases were assessed as excelent, 13 as good, 4 as poor; in the traditional external fixator group, 19 cases were assessed as excelent, 13 as good, 11 as poor. These findings indicate that PEEK external fixator for different types of tibial fractures can maintain the fracture stability, promote fracture healing and contribute to the functional recovery of the affected limbs.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose prednisone combined with methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods In this 12-week study,150 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into two groups:prednisone group (70 cases who were received prednisone 5 ～ 10 mg/d + MTX 10 mg/w +HCQ 0.2 g/d) and control group (80 cases who were treated by Meloxicam 7.5 mg/d + MTX 10 mg/w +Leflunomide (LEF) 20 mg/d).The primary end-points were tender and swollen joint counts,visual analogue scales (VAS),and global physician and patients assessments of disease.The secondary end-points were morning stiffness time,C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ),DAS28 and ACR20,ACR50.Results After 12 weeks,in terms of primary endpoints,tender and swollen joint counts,VAS and global physician assessments in the prednisone group were improved significantly [(4.5 ± 2.5),(3.2 ± 3.36),(21 ± 15),(24.2 ± 16.4),(20.2 ± 10.4) vs (6.4 ±5.84),(6.6±5.5),(46±14),(37.9±19.7),(34.1±12.4),P ＜0.05orP ＜0.01].In terms of secondary end-points,the prednisone group produced higher response rates [HAQ score (0.93 ± 0.52),CRP(10.2 ± 5.8) mg/L,ESR(30 ± 14) mm/h,morning stiffness time (32.0 ± 32.3) min,DAS 28 score (3.1±0.9) vs (1.22 ±0.81),(16.3±10.1)mg/L,(33±29)mm/h,(54.7±45.4)min,(4.9±1.9),P ＜0.05 orP ＜0.01].The incidence of adverse events was similar between two groups (43％ vs 49％,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Low-dose prednisone combined with MTX and HCQ produced rapid and relevant improvements in RA signs and symptoms.

Objective To investigate the factors associated with seizure relapse after antiepilepsy drug (AED) withdrawal in childhood epilepsy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in epileptic children of Hunan Children's Hospital from Jan.2003 to Jan.2011.Among those with anti-epileptic therapy for seizure-free period over 2 years,the patients who relapsed after withdrawal were followed up through outpatient clinic visits and/or by telephone interviews for at least 2 years.Results Of the 127 cases of children enrolled in this study,28 patients(22.05％) relapsed [male:12/59 cases (20.34％) and female:16/68 cases (23.53％)].Cumulative relapse rates were 18.18％ (8/44 cases) in infancy,15.79％ (6/38 cases) in toddlers,23.53％ (8/34 cases) in preschool children,and 54.55％ (6/11 cases)in school age group.Of the patients who relapsed,generalized seizure occurred in 12/87 cases (13.79％),partial seizure in 16/40 cases(40.00％).According to seizure frequency between the first seizure and AED administration,3 cases(6.25％) relapsed among 48 cases of seizure frequency ＜ 5 times,13 cases(24.07％) relapsed among 54 cases of seizure frequency 5 to 10 times,and 12 cases(48.00％) relapsed among 25 cases of seizure frequency more than 10 times.Relapse occurred in 9 cases of monotherapy(9/91 cases,9.89％) and in 19 cases of polytherapy (19/36 cases,52.78％).According to the seizure control period (period between the beginning of antiepileptic treatment and AED withdrawal),14 cases relapsed among 37 cases with the seizure control period of 2 to 3 years (37.84％),8 cases relapsed among 51 cases with the period of 3 to 4 years (15.69％),and 6 cases relapsed among 39 cases with the period of 4 to 5 years(15.38％).According to AED tapering off period,10 cases relapsed among 24 cases with the period of 3 months (41.67％),9 cases relapsed among 36 cases with the period of 3-6 mc ths (25.00％),and 9 cases relapsed among 67 cases with the period of over 6 months(13.43％).Factors associated with an increased risk of relapse were age of epilepsy onset,seizure type,route of administration,timing of antiepileptic trug withdrawal,tapering speed,which were had statistical significance (x =8.051,6.780,16.896,27.607,7.576,8.451,all P ＜0.05).Gender difference was not associated with the risk of relapse(x2 =0.187,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Factors associated with an increased risk of relapse are age of epilepsy onset,seizure type,route of administration,timing of antiepileptic drug withdrawal,tapering speed.Standard therapies of early treatment,adherence to medication for at least 3 years,taper period for more than 6 months are associated with a decreased probability for relapse.

Objective To analyze the therapeutic efficacy and treatment related toxicities for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) combined with concurrent chemotherapy. Methods From January 2007 to February 2008, 181 patients with stage ⅡA-ⅣA cervical cancer were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with CT-based three-dimensional external beam and 192Ir intracavity radiotherapy combined with concurrent weekly cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The median age was 50 years (range, 32 to 82 years). The overall survival ( OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and local control (LC) rates were calcalated by Kaplan-Meier method and the difference was compared using Log-rank test. The treatment related toxicities were evaluated according to Radiotherapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Results With a median follow-up time of 34 months and following rate of 92. 2%, the 3-year OS, DFS and LC rates were 73.4%, 70. 4% and 91.3%,respectively. The 3-year OS rate was 66. 9% for patients with tumor diameter ≥4 cm and 86. 4% for those with tumor diameter ＜4 cm( χ2 =6. 29 ,P =0. 012). The incidences of grade 1 and grade 2 acute toxicities of the lower gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system were 40. 0% ,45.0% and 19. 9% ,4. 4%,retrospectively. There were no grade 3 or more acute toxicities. The incidence of grades 3 or 4 late toxicities of the lower gastrointestinal tract was 4. 9%. Conclusions CT-based three-dimensional external beam and 192Ir intracavity radiotherapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy can achieve good therapeutic effects for locally advanced cervical cancer. The acute and late toxicities are significantly reduced compared with historic controls as a result of incorporation of 3DCRT technique.

Objective To detect the disparity of three biological molecules Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF in cerebrospinal fluid of children with viral encephalitis at the different stages; to explore the role of Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF in the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis;and to evaluate their clinical significance in assessing the severity and prognosis of viral encephalitis.Methods We recruited 65 inpatients children with viral encephalitis in the Second Neurology Department of Hunan Children's Hospital from July 2011 to July 2012.Subjects were divided into 2 groups:54 cases of acute phase and 11 cases of recovery phase.According to the clinical manifestations,they were re-divided into 40 patients with mild viral encephalitis and 25 cases of severe viral encephalitis.Twenty healthy age matched controls (10 cases of epilepsy and 10 cases of congenital abnormality) were also taken for the study.Cerebrospinal fluid exam,EEG,head MRI and other tests were performed in all patients.Caveolin-1,IL-1β and VEGF levels in cerebrospinal fluid of 65 children with viral encephalitis and 20 age-matched controls were measured using ELISA.Results Cerebrospinal fluid Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF levels in the acute phase of viral encephalitis were (49.209 ± 22.320) pg/ml,(16.923 ± 6.823) ng/ml,(44.342 ± 19.264) ng/ml respectively,and (33.253 ± 20.349)pg/ml,(11.724 ± 3.009)ng/ml,(30.312 ± 18.147) ng/ml in recovery phase,which were significantly higher than those of controls (P ＜0.01).The difference was statistically significant between acute phase and recovery phase (P ＜ 0.05).Acute viral encephalitis patients had higher Caveolin-l,IL-1β,VEGF levels than the epilepsy group,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).In viral encephalitis group,children with cerebrospinal fluid protein content (0.5 ～ 1.0 g / L) had higher of Caveolin-1,IL-1β and VEGF levels as compared with those with cerebrospinal fluid protein content ≤ 0.5 g/L,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).Cerebrospinal fluid Caveolin-1,IL-1 β and VEGF showed no significant difference among children with different severity of encephalitis,different levels of frequent seizures,different degrees EEG changes (P ＞ 0.05).But in the patients with severe head MRI changes,cerebrospinal fluid Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF levels increased significantly (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Caveolin-1,IL-1β and VEGF may participate in the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis.Detection of these parameters may be helpful to the evaluation of the severity and prognosis of viral encephalitis.

The clinical data of a case of paroxysmal extreme pain disorder(PEPD) in Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The male patient, age of first examination was 7 months, began to have recurrent tonic accompanied by facial redness or cyanosis at 5 months after birth.The patient was diagnosed with epilepsy.The oral solution of sodium valproate and Levetiracetam were not effective.The video electroencephalogram examination displayed that, when the patient had tonic and bradycardia, the synchro electroencephalogram did not show epileptic discharge, so the patient was considered to have non-epileptic tonic.Genetic examination suggested that SCN9A gene mutation of c. 5240T >C resulted in amino acid changes: Val1747Ala.Combined with the skin changes, the patient was diagnosed as PEPD caused by SCN9A gene mutation.After the treatment with Carbamazepine, the patient′s abnormal skin changed and his-epileptic tonic disappeared, and his condition improved significantly.The early stage of PEPD can be mainly manifested as non-epileptic tonic.It is easy to be misdiagnosed as epilepsy, so the patient′s characteristic skin changes should be noticed, and genetic examination is also helpful in the diagnosis of the disease.

Objective To explore the different apoptotic gene expressions and apoptotic signaling transduction of human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells infected by enterovirus 71 (EV71) in different stage.Methods The survival of EV71-infected RD cells was observed by trypan blue staining.The apoptotic morphology and rates of RD cells were surveyed and detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry,respectively.PCR array was employed to analyze 88 apoptotic gene expressions from EV71-infected RD cells at 8 h and 20 h postinfection (p.i),respectively.Results After RD cells were infected with EV71 (MOI =5) at 8 h p.i,the viability was significantly decreased.Flow cytometry data demonstrated that the apoptotic rates of EV71-infected RD cells had increased to 18.0％ and 19.1％ at 20 h p.i in early and later stage respectively.RT-PCR array studies revealed significant variations in the expression of apoptotic genes.Among 88 genes,only the expression of IFN-β1 was upregulated 5.22 folds,whereas 47 genes including ACIN1,Akt,Apaf1,caspase and CIDEB were found to be downregulated that were lower than 2 folds at 8 h p.i.However,28 genes including FasL,CD40L,TNF,caspase-10 and caspase-3 were induced more than 2 folds after EV71 infection at 20 h.Conclusion The downregulation of apoptosis-related genes is associated with viral apoptosis-suppressing effect in RD cells in the early stage of EV71 infection.The death receptor signaling pathways including Fas/FasL and TNF/TNFR are activated to induce cell apoptosis in the late stage of EV71 infection.Moreover,host cell can also inhibit apoptosis by regulating signal pathway of CD40/CD40L,NF-κB/RelA and PI3K/Akt activation.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotype and genotype characteristics of children with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) and provide evidence for diagnosis.Methods:Clinical data of 3 children with PDE enrolled in the Department of Neurology of Hunan Children′s Hospital from July 2016 to December 2020 were collected, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used for analysis. Pathogenic variants were analyzed and screened using bioinformatics tools combined with clinical phenotype. Sanger sequencing was used to analyze the source of mutations in children′s core family members.Results:Cases 1 (female) and 2 (male) were siblings, both of whom had convulsions within 24 hours after birth. WES results showed that the siblings carried compound heterozygous mutations of c.796C>T (p.R266 *) and c.1553G>C (p.R518T) in the ALDH7A1 gene, coming from the father and mother of the siblings respectively. Both of the mutations have been reported as pathogenic. Case 3, female, developed convulsions at the age of 1. WES results revealed that she carried compound heterozygous mutations of c.1094-109T>A and c.7C>T (p.R3C) in the ALDH7A1 gene, coming from her father and mother respectively. After searching HGMDPro, PubMed, 1000 Genomes, and dbSNP databases, both of the 2 mutations of c.1094-109T>A and c.7C>T (p.R3C) were not reported. The pathogenicity predictions of the 2 mutations were carried out by different biological information analysis software. The results showed that both of the mutations were harmful. All the 3 children had no epileptic seizures after treatment with increased doses of vitamin B6. Conclusions:When infants have unexplained convulsions, especially in the neonatal stage, PDE caused by ALDH7A1 gene mutation should be considered. Pyridoxine precision treatment has a good effect. The 2 de novo mutations of c.1094-109T>A and c.7C>T (p.R3C) enrich the mutation spectrum in the ALDH7A1 gene. WES has the auxiliary significance in the diagnosis of epilepsy.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by pathogenic microorganisms that infect the host.If treated improperly, it can progress to severe sepsis or even septic shock.As such, it′s one of the main reasons for the death of children in PICU.The inflammatory response of sepsis exerts great influence on a series of basic physiological functions of cells, including the oxidative phosphorylation of the mitochondria.Oxidative phosphorylation is a process during which oxygen is reduced to generate high-energy phosphate bonds in the form of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), which supplies energy for cells and produces a series of functional by-products.During sepsis, the process of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria undergoes a series of complex alterations, which in turn can further promote the development of septic organ injury.The present review aims to clarify the relationship between changes in oxidative phosphorylation and the impairment of various organs in sepsis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and rate of ischemic stroke recurrence.

METHODSA total of 1 059 patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled from 5 community health centers and underwent baseline surveys during the period of January 2003 to December 2006. After baseline surveys, patients were followed up every 6 months until December 31, 2008. The new stroke events were recorded as the primary study endpoint. The association between HDL-C, HDL-C/TC and ischemic stroke recurrence was analyzed by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTSThe proportions of stroke patients with high ( ≥ 1.55 mmol/L), moderate (1.04-1.54 mmol/L) and low (<1.04 mmol/L) HDL-C levels were 15.58% (165/1 059) , 54.58% (578/1 059) and 29.84% (316/1 059) respectively. During a mean of (3.21 ± 1.04) years follow-up, recurrent ischemic stroke was recorded in 137 patients. Compared with HDL-C ≥ 1.40 mmol/L group, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that stroke recurrence rates of patients with HDL-C ≤ 1.00 mmol/L and ranged from 1.01 to 1.19 mmol/L increased by 0.944 (HR = 1.944, 95%CI:1.033-3.659, P = 0.039) and 1.027 (HR = 2.027, 95%CI:1.116-3.682, P = 0.020)fold , respectively. Recurrence rates increased 1.237 (HR = 2.237, 95%CI:1.208-4.144, P = 0.010) fold in patients with HDL-C/TC ≤ 0.19 mmol/L compared to patients with HDL-C/TC ≥ 0.28 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONThe risk of ischemic stroke recurrence increases with decreasing HDL-C level or HDL-C/TC ratio.

Aged ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; blood ; epidemiology