Objective To investigate the feasibility of short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw non-fusion fixation plus electro-acupuncture for the treatment of single thoracolumbar fracture.Methods Forty-three patients with single thoracolumbar fracture were treated with short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fusion,and then were given electro-acupuncture on points such as Jiaji (EX-B2),Huantiao (GB30),and Zhibian (BL54) after the operation.Before and after operation and during the follow-up,X-ray images of the spine at positive position and lateral position were taken for the measurement of vertebral anterior and posterior diameter ratio and the vetebral kyphosis Cobb's angle.Lumbago visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry scores for lumbago function disorder were used for the evaluation of clinical efficacy.Results (1) All of the 43 patients were followed-up,and the follow-up period lasted for 10-27 months.(2) After the operation and at the end of follow-up,vertebral anterior and posterior diameter ratio and Cobb's angle were much improved (P ＜ 0.01compared with those before the operation),and the two indexes at the end of follow-up were improved as compared with those after the operation (P ＜ 0.05).(3) One week after the operation and at the end of follow-up,VAS scores and Oswestry scores were obviously improved as compared with those before treatment (P ＜ 0.01),and the two kinds of scores at the end of follow-up were also improved as compared with those after the operation (P ＜0.01).Conclusion Short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation without fusion plus electro-acupuncture at points such as Jiaji is effective for the treatment of single thoracolumbar fracture by relieving pain in the waist and back,which ensures the satisfactory effect of operation.

BACKGROUND:For patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Kümmel ’s disease, how to effectively control back pain, to recover patient’s locomotor activity and to avoid a vicious cycle of disuse osteoporosis is a key therapeutic target. Kyphoplasty is a recently developed new technology of minimal y invasive spine surgery. Few reports concerned the kyphoplasty for rheumatoid arthritis and Kümmel ’s disease. OBJECTIVE:To assess the clinical outcome of bone cement kyphoplasty for the treatment of Kümmel ’s disease combined with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS:From June 2012 to July 2013, 11 female patients at the age of 65.4±5.1 years with Kümmel ’s disease combined with rheumatoid arthritis, who suffered from severe back pain, were treated with bone cement vertebroplasty. Back pain and imaging indexes were compared and observed before surgery and during fol ow-up. Imaging indexes contained preoperative and postoperative anterior height of vertebral body after fractures, the ratio of anterior height to posterior height of the vertebral body, and local kyphosis angle (Cobb method). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No patients were lost to fol ow up. 11 patients were fol owed up for 6 to 12 months. Significant differences in fol ow-up and preoperative Visual Analogue Scale scores, anterior height of vertebral body after fractures, the ratio of anterior height to posterior height of the vertebral body, and local kyphosis angle were detected (P<0.05). Two patients experienced bone cement leakage. No severe complications appeared such as pulmonary embolism or neurological dysfunction. These data confirmed that bone cement vertebroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis combined with Kümmel ’s disease can effectively lessen back pain, partial y restore the height of vertebral body after fracture, rebuild spinal stabilization, reduce local kyphosis, and is a safe effective repair method.

Objective To observe the expression of AdipoQ in Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) mice and its role in inflammation was investigated by recombinant gene transfection study in vivo. Methods As spon-taneous SS mice model, a total of 30 NOD mice were divided into 3 groups randomly: recombinant adenovirus (rADV-AdipoQ) group, normal saline control and simple adenoviruses (control group). The submandibular gland morphology, histopathological grading and the level of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), AdipoQ was compared between the three groups. The expression of AdipoQ on mice submandibular gland was assessed by means of semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results The submandibular glands of the mice of the control group were destructed, with focal lymphocytic infiltration and acinus atrophy. Compared with control model groups, the serum TNF-α and salivary gland AdipoQ expression was significantly down-regulated in the rADV-AdipoQ group [(248 ±30) vs (162 ±73) ng/ml] (P<0.05). Conclusion AdipoQ gene transfected SS mice can significantly improve the morphological features of tissues and decrease the concentration of TNF-αin serum, in addition, it can effectively inhibit inflammation, decrease the degree of protein and AdipoQgene expression. So the AdipoQ may be the protective gene in SS mice.

Objective To study the microscopic changes of white matter and the relationship between white matter changes and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using voxel-based analysis of DTI. Methods Thirty-sev?en patients with probable AD,and 32 normal controls(NC) were all examined by MMSE scores, and underwent a diffusion tensor imaging. The value of FA changes and the correlations between FA and MMSE scores were investigated. Results FA reduction was detected in the right frontal, temporal and parietal lobes as well as the thalamus, the bilateral cingu?lum, corpus callosum, precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, inferior patieto gyrus, supramaginal gyrus and hippocampus in AD. FA values in the right cingulum, left corpus callosum, left inferior temporal gyrus and the bilateral inferior parietal lobule, inferior patieto gyrus and precuneus were significantly decreased in AD than in the health control groups (P<0.05, FWE corrected). There was a positive correlation between the values of FA and MMSE scores(P<0.001,uncorrect?ed). Conclusion AD patients have significant reduction of FA values in the specific regions. There is a positive correla?tion between white matter changes and impairments of cognitive function.

Sugar-containing monomer glycosylallylamide (AAG) was synthesized by allyl amine and delta-gluconolactone in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. The sugar-based hydrogels were prepared by free radical crosslinking copolymerization of AAG and acrylamide (AM). The release properties of Aspirin from xerogels matrices were studied and the release mechanism of Aspirin was further identified by evaluating the n value in Peppas equation. The results indicate that the drug release decreases with the increase of the sugar content of hydrogel.
Acrylamide ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Aspirin ; pharmacokinetics ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Gluconates ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Hydrogels ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; Lactones ; Polymers ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic value of skeletal muscle biopsy in patients with rhabdomyolysis. Methods: Clinical and pathological data of 26 patients with rhabdomyolysis from January 2002 to December 2018 undergoing muscle biopsy were collected. Results: Eighteen males and 8 females were finally recruited with median age of 6-73 (37.3±19.6) years. The average time from onset to biopsy was 44 days (median course was 30 days). All patients had acute manifestations with muscle pain and/or weakness. Serum creatine kinase was between 1 648-92 660 U/L. Muscle biopsies showed nonspecific changes in 12 cases (a few with type 2 muscle fiber atrophy, slight deposition of lipid droplets), 10 cases with necrotizing myopathy (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration). Toxic neurogenic damages were seen in 2 cases (type 1 and type 2 angular atrophic muscle fibers with group change), lipid storage disease in 1 case (lipid droplets deposit significantly) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in 1 case (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration, with lymphocyte infiltration). The etiology of non-specific pathological changes included short-term strenuous exercise in 6 patients, poisoning in two, chronic kidney disease in one, viral infection in one, hypothyroidism in one and unknown reason in one. As to patients with necrotizing myopathy, seven were poisoning or drug-related, one with hyperthyroidism, two with unknown reason. Conclusions Among the numerous causes of rhabdomyolysis, exercise usually links nonspecific skeletal muscle changes and poisoning or drug-related disorders are commonly associated with necrotic myopathy. Rhabdomyolysis induced by primary myopathy is rare.

Objective:To investigated the efficacy and safety of transurethral bladder neck incision and laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty in the treatment of bladder neck contracture (BNC)after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).Methods:The clinical data of 57 patients with BNC after TURP who were treated in the Department of Urology, Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.And the patients were divided into two groups based on the different surgical approaches. There were 22 cases in the transurethral bladder neck incision group, with an average age of (73.75±7.62) years and the preoperative urinary flow Q max of (3.92±2.73) ml/s. The preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was (26.92±3.34) points, and the quality of life (QOL) score was (4.83±0.72) points. There were 35 cases in laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty group, with an average age of (68.57±9.31) years and the preoperative urinary flow Q max of (2.56±1.27)ml/s. The preoperative IPSS was (27.08±3.06) points, and the QOL score was (5.08±0.84) points. The patients underwent transurethral bladder neck incision: Scar tissue was incised at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock in the bladder neck, and the incision depth reached the external fat of the bladder neck at 3 and 9 o'clock. Patients with significantly elevated bladder neck were treated with plasma electrosurgical resection to remove scar tissue. The patients underwent laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty: After proper exposition of the bladder neck, the scar tissue was excised. the anterior bladder wall was incised in an inverted Y-shaped manner, the apex of the V-shaped flap was sutured to the distal urethrotomy to create a widened bladder neck. The postoperative urinary flow Q max, IPSS, and QOL of the two groups were compared. Results:All patients underwent surgeries successfully, with a one-time success rate of 94.3% (33/35) in the laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty group, which was higher than the one-time success rate of 68.2% (15/22) in the transurethral bladder neck incision group( P<0.01). There were statistically significant difference in operation time [(31.75±12.81)min vs. (68.57±22.36)min] and postoperative hospital stay [(1.73±0.94)d vs. (5.17±2.12)d] between the transurethral bladder neck incision group and the laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty group ( P<0.05). The median follow-up period was 12.6 (7.3, 27.8) months. The IPSS of the transurethral bladder neck incision group and the laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty group were (9.92±2.56) points and (7.16±2.21) points, respectively. The QOL was (2.76±1.24) points and (1.31±0.95) points, respectively. The urinary flow Q max at 6 months after operation was (15.13±4.68)ml/s and (19.96±4.17)ml/s, respectively. There was statistical significance( P<0.05). Conclusions:Both laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty and transurethral bladder neck incision are safe and effective in the treatment of BNC after TURP, and laparoscopic modified bladder neck Y-V plasty has a better clinical therapeutic effect.

The gastrointestinal tract is the largest digestive organ and the largest immune organ and detoxification organ, which is vital to the health of the body. Drosophila is a classic model organism, and its gut is highly similar to mammalian gut in terms of cell composition and genetic regulation, therefore can be used as a good model for studying gut development. target of rapmaycin complex 1 (TORC1) is a key factor regulating cellular metabolism. Nprl2 inhibits TORC1 activity by reducing Rag GTPase activity. Previous studies have found that nprl2 mutated Drosophila showed aging-related phenotypes such as enlarged foregastric and reduced lifespan, which were caused by over-activation of TORC1. In order to explore the role of Rag GTPase in the developmental defects of the gut of nprl2 mutated Drosophila, we used genetic hybridization combined with immunofluorescence to study the intestinal morphology and intestinal cell composition of RagA knockdown and nprl2 mutated Drosophila. The results showed that RagA knockdown alone could induce intestinal thickening and forestomach enlargement, suggesting that RagA also plays an important role in intestinal development. Knockdown of RagA rescued the phenotype of intestinal thinning and decreased secretory cells in nprl2 mutants, suggesting that Nprl2 may regulate the differentiation and morphology of intestinal cells by acting on RagA. Knockdown of RagA did not rescue the enlarged forestomach phenotype in nprl2 mutants, suggesting that Nprl2 may regulate forestomach development and intestinal digestive function through a mechanism independent of Rag GTPase.
Animals ; Drosophila/genetics* ; Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/metabolism* ; Mammals/metabolism* ; Carrier Proteins ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism* ; Drosophila Proteins/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence, clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory features of childhood hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in China.

METHODSA retrospective study was performed on 217 pediatric patients with HLH who were admitted to Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2006 to April 2013. All patients'medical records were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTSThe Male to female ratio was 1.11:1. The median onset age was 3 years and 5 months old (range of 6 months old to 16 years and 9 months old), and the age of onset peaked between 1-5 years old (61.3%). The most common causes of HLH was infection, especially Epstein-Barr virus-associated HLH (71.0%). Other causes included malignant hemophagocytic syndrome (MAHS), macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and so on. The outstanding clinical manifestations including persistent fever (100.0%), hepatomegaly (92.6%), splenomegaly (88.4%), and more than half of cases with central nervous system involvement and pulmonary manifestations. Laboratory data indicated that the most prominent abnormality was elevated ferritin (98.0%), and the others were hemophagocytosis in bone marrow (90.7%) and coagulation abnormalities (76.5%). Abnormal lymphocytes classification is very common in HLH.

CONCLUSIONHLH is a heterogeneous disease, with a variety of the etiology and clinical manifestations. HLH-2004 diagnostic protocol had theoretical basis and clinical operability. The hepatitis damages related indicators, lymphocytes classification, central nervous system involvement and pulmonary performance can be used as reference value for HLH diagnosis.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; diagnosis ; Male ; Retrospective Studies

A novel structural dynamics test method and device were designed to test the biomechanical effects of dynamic axial loading on knee cartilage and meniscus. Firstly, the maximum acceleration signal-to-noise ratio of the experimental device was calculated by applying axial dynamic load to the experimental device under unloaded condition with different force hammers. Then the experimental samples were divided into non-specimen group (no specimen loaded), sham specimen group (loaded with polypropylene samples) and bovine knee joint specimen group (loaded with bovine knee joint samples) for testing. The test results show that the experimental device and method can provide stable axial dynamic load, and the experimental results have good repeatability. The final results confirm that the dynamic characteristics of experimental samples can be distinguished effectively by this device. The experimental method proposed in this study provides a new way to further study the biomechanical mechanism of knee joint structural response under axial dynamic load.
Animals ; Cattle ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Knee Joint/physiology* ; Meniscus ; Mechanical Phenomena ; Weight-Bearing