OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical outcome of arthroscopically assisted combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL/PCL) reconstructions using Achilles tendon-bone allografts.

METHODSAssociated meniscus injuries were treated according to established methods prior to ligament reconstructions during arthroscopic surgery. Thirty Achilles tendon-bone allografts were used to reconstruct torn ACL and PCL in 15 knees. At postoperative follow-up, all knees were graded using the modified IKDC and the Lysholm scoring systems just as done preoperatively.

RESULTSwere analyzed compared with the contralateral healthy knees. Results: Eleven men and 4 women with a minimum of 3-year follow-up (mean 38 months) were included in the study. Preoperatively, the group ratings by the modified IKDC standards were all severely abnormal. Twelve bicruciate reconstructions were performed in subacute or chronic stage (larger than 3-8 weeks), 3 for acute ligamentous deficiencies (less than or equal to 3 weeks). The noticeable early complication was transitory local fever combined with joint effusion in one case. At postoperative follow-up, 9 knees were normal, 5 nearly normal and 1 abnormal. On Lysholm score the difference was statistically significant (t- test, P less than 0.001) before and after operation.

CONCLUSIONSAchilles tendon-bone allograft offers an alternative for simultaneous arthroscopic ACL/PCL reconstructions. However, further investigation is needed to eradicate its potential immunogenicity for better use.

Achilles Tendon ; transplantation ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; surgery ; Arthroscopy ; methods ; Bone Transplantation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of regenerating a whole menisci using poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) scaffolds loaded with meniscal cells in rabbits undergoing total meniscectomy, and to explore its protective effect on cartilage degeneration.

METHODSA solvent casting and particulate leaching technique was employed to fabricate biodegradable PHBV scaffolds into a meniscal shape. The proliferated meniscal cells were seeded onto the polymer scaffolds, transplanted into rabbit knee joints whose lateral menisci had been removed. Eight to 18 weeks after transplantation, the rege- nerated neomenisci were evaluated by gross and histological observations. Cartilage degeneration was assessed by Mankin score.

RESULTSEighteen weeks after transplantation, the implants formed neomenisci. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of the neomenisci sections revealed regeneration of fibrocartilage. Type I collagen in the neomenisci was also proved similar to normal meniscal tissue by immunohistochemical analysis and Sirius scarlet trinitrophenol staining. Articular cartilage degeneration was observed 8 weeks after implantation. It was less severe as compared with that in total meniscectomy controls and no further degeneration was observed at 18 weeks. At that time, the regenerated neomenisci strongly resembled normal meniscal fibrocartilage in gross and histological appearance, and its mechanical property was also close to that of normal meniscus.

CONCLUSIONSThe present study demonstrates the feasibility of tissue-engineering a whole meniscal structure in total meniscectomy rabbit models using biodegradable PHBV scaffolds together with cultured allogeneic meniscal cells. Cartilage degeneration is decreased. But long-term in vivo investigations on the histological structure and cartilage degeneration of the neomenisci regenerated by this method are still necessary to determine the clinical potential of this tissue engineering avenue.

Animals ; Cartilage, Articular ; Cells, Cultured ; Knee Joint ; Menisci, Tibial ; Polymers ; Regeneration ; Tissue Engineering

A new sesquiterpene hydroquinone (1) was isolated from a deep sea sediment derived fungus, Phialocephala sp.. Its structure and stereochemistry were established on the basis of spectroscopic data and optical rotation. This compound was tested for cytotoxicity against P388 (murine leukemia cell) and K562 (human leukemia cell) cell lines, and displayed strong cytotoxic effects with IC50 value of 0.16 and 0.05 micromol x L(-1), separately.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Ascomycota ; chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Humans ; Hydroquinones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia P388 ; pathology ; Mice ; Molecular Structure

BACKGROUNDThe cause of the adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after fusion remains unknown. It is reported that adjacent facet joint stresses increase after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This increase of stress rate may lead to tissue injury. Thus far, the load rate of the adjacent segment facet joint after fusion remains unclear.

METHODSSix C2-C7 cadaveric spine specimens were loaded under four motion modes: Flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending, with a pure moment using a 6° robot arm combined with an optical motion analysis system. The Tecscan pressure test system was used for testing facet joint pressure.

RESULTSThe contact mode of the facet joints and distributions of the force center during different motions were recorded. The adjacent segment facet joint forces increased faster after fusion, compared with intact conditions. While the magnitude of pressures increased, there was no difference in distribution modes before and after fusion. No pressures were detected during flexion. The average growth velocity during extension was the fastest and was significantly faster than lateral bending.

CONCLUSIONSOne of the reasons for cartilage injury was the increasing stress rate of loading. This implies that ASD after fusion may be related to habitual movement before and after fusion. More and faster extension is disadvantageous for the facet joints and should be reduced as much as possible.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; physiopathology ; Range of Motion, Articular ; physiology ; Spinal Fusion ; adverse effects ; Spine ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo explore the optimal methods for the reconstruction and preservation of the glans after partial penis resection in the treatment of early-stage penile cancer.

METHODSBetween January 2012 and June 2015, we treated 6 cases of early- stage penile cancer by partial penis resection, inner thigh skin graft, and glans reconstruction and followed them up for 0.5-3 years.

RESULTSThe length of the penis before and after operation was ([6.5 ± 1.2] vs [4.5 ± 1.8] cm) in the flaccid state and ([12.8 ± 2.3] vs [9.1 ± 2.1] cm) in the erectile state. The sense of the reconstructed glans was completely recovered at 3 months after surgery. The glans skin was pale red and soft, nearly normal at 12 months, with no obvious graft contracture or scar formation. All the patients achieved normal erection and their partners were satisfied with their intercourse. No recurrence or metastasis was observed.

CONCLUSIONThe strategy of partial penis resection, inner thigh skin graft and glans reconstruction, simple, effective, and with few complications, is one of the best treatments of early-stage penile cancer, which not only ensures radical removal of the tumor but also maximally reserves the function of the organ.

Humans ; Male ; Penile Neoplasms ; surgery ; Penis ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; Thigh

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of exposure of paraquat and maneb on the behavior, the morphology and electrical activity of the Substantia nigra and striatum, and to discuss the relationship between this two pesticides and Parkinson's disease.

METHODS37 rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: control group (n = 11), paraquat (10 mg/kg) group (n = 13) and combinative group of paraquat (10 mg/kg) and maneb (30 mg/kg) (n = 13), and were exposed twice a week for 6 weeks by intraperitoneal injection. The behavior of animals in the declined-plane, the vertical-grid and the open-field test were observed. The morphology of substantia nigral neurons were investigated by HE pathology. The spontaneous discharge of striatum neurons were recorded after exposure.

RESULTSCompared to the control group and the pre-exposure group, both the numbers of animals sliding down from the declined-plane and the latency of rats' moving on the vertical-grid significantly increased, and the animals' autonomic movement decreased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). After the combinative exposure, the neurons of the Substantial nigra pars compacta (SNPc) were progressively impaired, the cell density of the paraquat group [(82.17 ± 12.91) n/mm(2)] and the combined group [(41.15 ± 6.44) n/mm(2)] were lower than that in control group (143.10 ± 20.85 n/mm(2)] (P < 0.01). In the paraquat group (5.97 ± 7.30 Hz) and the combined group [(6.95 ± 9.87) Hz], the average discharge rates of the striatum neurons were increased significantly compared to the control group [(1.78 ± 5.05) Hz] (P < 0.01). The bursting discharge was increased significantly in the combined group (22.3%) compared to the control group (9.8%) and the paraquat group (5.6%) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe co-exposure of paraquat and maneb could induce similar symptoms to Parkinsonism syndrome of rats such as rigidity, moving reduction and etc, and the combined exposure had a certain enhanced effect compared to alone paraquat exposure. The combinative exposure of paraquat and maneb could cause neural loss in SNPc and it is involved with the enhanced electrophysiological activity in striatum. The synergy toxicity of paraquat and maneb in nigrostriatal system is related to Parkinson's disease.

Animals ; Corpus Striatum ; drug effects ; Male ; Maneb ; toxicity ; Paraquat ; toxicity ; Parkinsonian Disorders ; chemically induced ; Pesticides ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Substantia Nigra ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the minimal invasiveness of laparoscopic operation for colorectal carcinoma.

METHODSForty cases with pathologically proven colorectal carcinoma were divided into laparoscopic group (n=20) and open surgical group (n=20). Perioperative alterations of peripheral blood IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, CRP, sICAM-1 and WBC CD11b were compared between the two groups. TNF-alpha, IL- 6, IL- 8 and sICAM-1 were determined by ELISA, CRP by scattered radiation turbidity comparison and WBC CD11b by flow cytometry with monoclonal antibody PS- CD11b, M2Ab.

RESULTSThe postoperative cytokine levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 in open surgery group were significantly higher than those in laparoscopic group (P< 0.05). Dynamic level of sICAM-1 at 6 and 24 hours after operation in open surgery group were significantly higher than those in laparoscopic group. Peripheral WBC CD11b decreased to the lowest level at 6 hours after operation in open surgery group,significantly lower than that in laparoscopic group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma exerts less effects on patients than traditional open surgery, and can maintain patients defense function,therefore it is less invasive.

Aged ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Interleukin-8 ; blood ; Laparoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objective To investigate the effect of 131I on apoptosis of thyrocytes in patients with Graves disease. Methods Forty-seven patients with Graves disease were divided into two groups, two week group (G2w) and four week group (G4w). All patients underwent thyoid needle biopsy before 131I treatment and the repeated biopsy at two weeks (G2w) or four weeks (G4w) after 131I treatment. The positive units of pro-apoptotic proteins (Fas, FasL) and anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) were studied with immunohistochemistry staining. The differences of the two groups were compared with t-test. Liner correlation analysis was applied to study the correlation between 131I dose and apoptosis-related proteins and that between serum sTSH after 131I treatment and apoptosis-related proteins. Results Fas, FasL and Bcl-2 expression (positive units) were significantly increased in both groups after 131I treatment, G2w :22.84 ± 9.31 vs 16.20 ± 6.75,21.13±6.29vs 14.56±4.06, 21.69±7.83 vs 15.22 ±5.94, t= -3.08, -3.73, -4.05 (allP<0.05); G4w:21.69 ±4.52 vs 15.83 ±5.03, 19. 11 ±3.75 vs 14.02 ±4.98, 19.06 ±3.44 vs 16.63 ±4. 73, t = - 5.26, - 5.00, - 2.41 (all P<0.05). However, no statistical differences were found between G2w and G4w (t = 0. 53, 0. 82, 1.46, all P > 0.05). Significant correlation was found between 131I 0. 727, rFasL = 0. 763 (both P<0.05)), but not between the dose and Bcl-2, rBcl-2 = - 0. 094, 0. 102(both P > 0.05). There were significant correlation between serum sTSH three months after 131I treatment and apoptosis-related proteins, rFas = 0.433, rFasL = 0. 601, rBcln2 = - 0. 397, (all P<0. 05). Conclusions 131I can induce thyrocytes to express the pro-apoptotic proteins in patients with Graves disease.

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the relationship between the operative methods and the therapeutic results of the patients with hypospadias.

METHODSNine operative types and different tissue materials taken in hypospadias operations in the past 12 years were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSThe operative types and tissue materials had significantly effects on the therapeutic results besides the clinical experience of the operators. The cure rates of Tunneltron Urethroplasty, Preputial island flap urethroplasty and Bladder mucosa graft urethroplasty were 86.4%, 83.3% and 83.0% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSAll the nine types and different tissue materials of Hypospadias operations have its own advantages and disadvantages. They are worth further study and improvement.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; surgery ; Infant ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; transplantation ; Penis ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethral Stricture ; surgery ; Urinary Bladder ; transplantation ; Urinary Fistula ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods

Objective:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of B7-H3 and IL-21 in serum of patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer.Methods: Gathering 121 cases of HBV-related patients,50 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma of them were considered as hepatic carcinoma group,71 cases of benign group including 12 cases with acute hepatitis,21 cases of chronic moderate to severe hepatitis,20 cases of compensatory phase cirrhosis,18 cases of decompensated cirrhosis and 20 cases of healthy persons in the same period as normal control.The content of serum B7-H3 and IL-21 were detected by ELISA.HBV DNA quantitative results were analyzed by Quantitative Real-time PCR.Results: The levels of B7-H3 and IL-21 in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma were (207.60±57.16)ng/ml and(2 357.28±805.01)pg/ml,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the normal control subjects(P<0.001).Comparison with the normal control subjects,the content of B7-H3 and IL-21 in serum of patients with different clinical types in the benign group increased significantly(P<0.001).B7-H3 and IL-21 were positively associated with each other in serum of patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer.The expression of sB7-H3 was not significantly correlated with the degree of HBV DNA replication.The expression of IL-21 was correlated with HBV DNA replication in patients with HBV associated hepatocellular carcinoma,but was not significantly correlated with the degree of HBV DNA replication.Conclusion: HBV-related primary hepatic carcinoma express sB7-H3 and IL-21 with high level.The continuous high expression of sB7-H3 and IL-21 in the body may be related to the development and prognosis of the patients.