BACKGROUND: It was reported that the reason why the fracture healing become more and more difficult with the increasing age may be associated with the varied gene regulation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into osteoblast and lipoblast. However, the exact mechanism under it remains poorly understood.OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of the age-related changes on expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and core binding α1 (Cbfα1) with the age-relatad fracture healing impairment, we studied the expression changes of PPARγ and Cbfα1 during aging fracture healing.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized control animal trial was performed in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between October 2007 and Febuary 2008. MATERIALS: Six male SD rats of 3 months and the other six of 23 months, randomly-selected, were divided into two groups: the old experiment group (23 months) and the young control group (3 months). METHODS: Transverse osteotomies on the middle-upper parts of left tibiae were performed to the rats, with the self-made extemal mini-fixator implanted there simultaneously. Tractions were taken twice a day (0.2 mm/d) for 14 days from day 2 till day 15 post operation. On day 15 post operation, rats were sacrificed to harvest left tibea samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Both imaging examination and histological observation were performed to the fractures of rats. The PPARγ and Cbfα1 expression were detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. RESULTS: All samples were involved in the results analyses. The imaging examination showed that many osteotylus generated between the broken ends of fractures in the young control group; that the bone formation of the young control group was much better than that of the old experiment group. The histological observation showed that large amounts of osteotylus growth occurred to every animal in the young control group and their membrane bone formation was remarkable; comparatively, the osteotylus growth in the old group was weakened dramatically, and only fibrous joints were seen. The RT-PCR detection showed that differences of significance existed in both PPARγ and Cbfα1 mRNA expressions between the two groups, with the much higher Cbfol mRNA expression in the bone marrow of rats in the young group and the much higher PPARy mRNA expression in the bone marrow of rats in the old group.CONCLUSION: Rats of different ages show different fracture healing abilities, i.e. the higher ages, the lower fracture healing abilities. In addition, expressions of PPARγ and Cbfα1 in the bone marrow of rats alter with the increasing age, which indicates that there are certain associations between the changed expression level of the two factors and the fracture healing impartment.

Objective To explore the anatomy for transethmoidal-sphenoid optic nerve decompression under endoscopy and its significance in operation. Methods Fifteen cases (30 sides) of formalin-fixed adult optic canal specimens were dissected under the microscope. The anatomic characteristics of the optic canal and its adjacent were observed, and the relative parameters were evaluated according to nasal endoscopic approach. Results ①The relationship between the optic carotid triangle(OCT)with the optic canal, the ophthalmic artery, the cavernous sinus and the internal carotid artery were invariable, its present ratio were in 66.7%. ②The mean distance from the front margin of nasal columella floor to medial wall of the orbital opening, middle portion and the cranial opening in the optic canal were (72.79 ± 5.40)mm, (75.85 ± 5.10)mm and (79.34 ± 4.95)mm, respectively, and the elevation angles were (39.45 ± 3.68)°, (37.30±4.24)°and (35.45 ± 4.16)°, respectively. ③The mean thickness of sheath in the medial wall of the orbital opening,middle portion and the cranial opening were (0.70 ± 0. 18)mm, (0.51 ± 0.15)mm and (0.49-0.22)mm,respectively. The difference in thickness between the orbital opening and middle portion, the cranial opening were very remarkable(P ＜ 0.01 ). ④The lateral deviate distance from medial wall of the orbital opening, middle portion and cranial opening to sagittal median plane of cadaveric were 1/2 (12.69 ± 2.73)mm、1/2( 19.61± 3.47)mm and 1/2 (25.79 ± 3.23)mm, respectively. Conclusion OCT is the most reliable anatomic landmark to locate the optic canal, and the key point is at the orbital opening of the optic nerve in the optic nerve decompression. It is secure and feasible to cut the sheath from the place where the medial wall crosses the superior wall of the optic nerve.

Objective:To investigate the effects of establishment of a trauma center on the therapeutic efficacy for patients with severe multiple injuries.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in the patients who had been treated at The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China for severe multiple injuries from October 2015 to September 2019. They were assigned into 2 groups. The study group included 102 patients who had been treated after establishment of our trauma center (from October 2017 to September 2019) while the control group 126 patients who had been treated before establishment of our trauma center (from October 2015 to September 2017). The 2 groups were compared in terms of time for emergency treatment (from admission to emergency surgery or ICU), ICU stay, hospital stay, total medical costs and mortality.Results:There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in time for emergency treatment [51 (47, 57) min for the study group versus 97 (87, 107) min for the control group] ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in ICU stay [4 (1.8, 9.3) d versus 4 (2.0, 10.0) d], hospital stay [25.5 (15.8, 39.0) d versus 21.5 (12.8, 41.5) d], or total medical costs [￥41,259.0 yuan (￥26,950 yuan, ￥81,599 yuan)] ( P>0.05). There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in mortality [12.7% (13/102) for the study group versus 24.6% (31/126) for the control group] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Establishment of a trauma center can effectively shorten time for emergency treatment, improve treatment efficacy and reduce mortality for patients with severe multiple injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To explore a simple and accurate method for localization of upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and provide instructions for surgical treatment. METHOD: Fifty OSAHS patients confirmed by PSG underwent acoustic rhinometric and pharyngometric assessment by Eccovision. The parameters were recorded, including nasal minimal cross-sectional area (NMCA), distance of MCA from the nostril (DCAN), minimum cross-sectional area at the nasal valve(MCA), nasal resistance (NR) and nasal volume from 0 to 6 cm from the nostril (NCV), as well as pharyngeal cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume from 4.8 to 15.0 cm. The sensitivity and specificity of acoustic rhinometry and pharyngometry on localization of airway obstruction was determined by a comprehensive imaging and endoscopic study. RESULT: In 50 cases with severe OSAHS, NMCA, DCAN, MCA, NCV, NR were (0.61 +/- 0.35) cm2, (2.06 +/- 0.12) cm, (0.87 +/- 0.12) cm2, (9.24 +/- 2.31)cm3 and (0.51 +/- 0.32)kPa/(L x min), respectively. Pharyngeal CSA and volume were statistically significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). The value of DCAN was (2.06 +/- 0.12) cm, (9.50 +/- 4.08) cm, (13.10 +/- 2.52) cm in type I II, III patient, respectively. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Acoustic rhinometry and pharyngometry is a simple and safe method in localization of airway obstruction in patients with OSAHS.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; physiopathology ; Nasopharynx ; physiopathology ; Rhinometry, Acoustic ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing used to assist the treatment of pilon fracture combined with ipsilateral tibial shaft fracture.Methods From May to July 2016,3 patients with pilon fracture combined with ipsilateral tibial shaft fracture were treated at Department of Traumatic Orthopedics,The Second Affiliated Hospital,University of South China.They were all male,aged from 26 to 47 years.They all had preoperative 3D CT scan.Their CT data were imported to Mimics software for 3D reconstruction.After their fracture 3D models were manufactured by 3D printing,precise patient-specific surgical plans were made to guide their actual operations.Postoperatively,Johner-Wruhs scores were used to evaluate the treatment of tibial shaft fracture,Burwell-Charnley scores to evaluate the treatment of pilon fracture and Tornetta scores to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes.Results All the operations were performed according to the patient-specific surgical plans designed preoperatively.All the fractures achieved bony union without any infection,exposure of bone or internal fixation,osteofascial compartment syndrome or neurovascular injury.The outcomes of tibial shaft fracture were excellent by Johner-Wruhs scoring,anatomic reduction was achieved for pilon fractures by Burwell-Charnley scoring and the therapeutic outcomes were excellent by Tornetta scoring.Conclusion In the treatment of pilon fracture combined with ipsilateral tibial shaft fracture,3D printing can help making of precise and patient-specific surgical plans to promote clinical efficacy.

Gap junctions mediate direct communication between cells; however, toxicological cascade triggered by nonessential metals can abrogate cellular signaling mediated by gap junctions. Although cadmium (Cd) is known to induce apoptosis in organs and tissues, the mechanisms that underlie gap junction activity in Cd-induced apoptosis in BRL 3A rat liver cells has yet to be established. In this study, we showed that Cd treatment decreased the cell index (a measure of cellular electrical impedance) in BRL 3A cells. Mechanistically, we found that Cd exposure decreased expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), increased expression of p-Cx43 and elevated intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, corresponding to a decrease in gap junctional intercellular communication. Gap junction blockage pretreatment with 18β-glycyrrhizic acid (GA) promoted Cd-induced apoptosis, involving changes in expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and the mitochondrial transmembrane electrical potential (Δψm). Additionally, GA was found to enhance ERK and p38 activation during Cd-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, but had no significant effect on JNK activation. Our results indicated the apoptosis-related proteins and the ERK and p38 signaling pathways may participate in gap junction blockage promoting Cd-induced apoptosis in BRL 3A cells.
Animals ; Apoptosis/*drug effects ; Cadmium/*toxicity ; Calcium/metabolism ; Cell Communication/drug effects ; Connexin 43/genetics ; Enzyme Activation/drug effects ; Gap Junctions/*drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects ; Hepatocytes/cytology/*drug effects ; Rats ; Signal Transduction/drug effects

OBJECTIVE: To provide transnasal endoscopic optic canal decompression with the anatomic reference. METHOD: 15 samples of the adult corpse wet specimen (30 sides for the optic canal) were examined under the endoscope to scrutinize the regional anatomy of the optic canal. RESULT: distance between the spina nasalis anterior and the midpoint of optic canal medial wall is (61.02 +/- 5.83) mm, and the angle between spina nasalis anterior and the midpoint of optic canal medial wall is (45.1 +/- 4.81) degrees. The medial wall of optic canal is longest, with an average length of (11.61 +/- 1.58) mm; the lateral wall of optic canal is thickest, and the medial wall thinnest. 10 traumatic blind patient underwent endoscopic optic canal decompression with satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION The regional anatomy of the optic canal under endoscope is of importance to endoscopic optic canal decompression. Which is microinvasive with direct approach and clear view thus is widely used in clinical practice.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Blindness ; surgery ; Child ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nose ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Optic Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Orbit ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features and treatment strategies of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 40 patients with IPNB who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2000 to April 2020 were collected. There were 19 males and 21 females,aged (60±14) years. Patients underwent preoperative imaging examination and blood test for evaluation of tumor location, range and resectability. The treatment strategies of patients depended on preoperative examination and their own willingness. Observation indicators: (1) preoperative examinations and tests; (2) treatment; (3) pathological examination; (4) follow-up. Follow-up using outpatient examination, telephone interview and online diagnosis was performed to detect tumor recurrence and survival of patients up to April 2021. Count data were represented as absolute numbers and percentages. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate and draw survivla curve. Results:(1) Preoperative examinations and tests: 40 patients received preoperative imaging examination and blood test. Of 40 patients, 33 cases underwent abdominal ultrasonography, 31 cases underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) examina-tion, 21 cases underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 15 cases underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), 8 cases underwent position emission tomography CT examination, 6 cases underwent endoscopic ultrasonography; some patients underwent multiple examinations. The main imaging features of IPNB were bile duct dilatation, and intraluminal tumor. Enhanced CT scan showed tumor reinforcement. Preoperative blood tests showed of the 40 patients, 21 cases with abnormal liver function, 17 cases with increased bilirubin, 9 cases with increased carcinoembryonic antigen, and 24 cases with increased CA19-9. (2) Treatment: 35 of 40 patients underwent surgery, 5 patients underwent ERCP and biopsy and didn′t undergo surgery based on their willings. Of 35 patients with surgeries,20 cases underwent hemihepatectomy or lobectomy, 8 cases underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy, 7 cases underwent bile duct tumor resection. The operation time was (262±91)minutes, and volume of intraoperative blood loss was 300 mL(range, 50?2 000 mL). Postopera-tive complications occurred in 6 of 35 patients, including 3 cases with Grade Ⅰ complications and 3 cases with Grade Ⅱ complication according to Clavien-Dindo classi-fication system. (3) Pathological examination: 40 patients were diagnosed as IPNB by pathological examinations. There were 19 and 21 patients with extrahepatic and intrahepatic lesions, respectively. There were 20 benign lesions (15 cases of low or intermediate-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and 5 cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) and 20 malignant lesions of invasive carcinoma. There were 18 cases with mucus secretion and 22 cases without mucus secretion or information. Five of 35 patients with surgeries had positive margin and the rest of 30 patients had negative margin. A total of 154 lymph nodes were dissected in 21 patients, including 3 positive lymph nodes. (4) Follow-up: 35 of 40 patients were followed up for (53±35)months. Seventeen of 35 patients survived without tumor, and 3 patients survived with tumor of which the time to tumor recurrence were 12, 17, 37 months. Fifteen patients died, with the time interval to death of (30±19)months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates of 35 patients were 88.6%, 73.6%, and 50.7%, respectively.Conclusions:IPNB is rare, with the main imaging features as bile duct dilatation, and intraluminal tumor. The tumor is reinforce-ment after enhanced scan. Surgery is the main treatment for IPNB and lymph node metastasis is rare.