OBJECTIVETo study the clinical efficacy of semiextended intramedullary nailing of the tibia using a suprapatellar approach for proximal tibial fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2013 to January 2014, a total of 16 patients with unilateral proximal tibial fractures, 14 males and 2 females, underwent closed reduction and internal fixation with TRIGEN™ META-NAIL™ via the suprapatellar approach. The average age was 42.2 years old (ranged, 26 to 57 years old). Radiographic and clinical follow-up examinations were performed at a minimum of 1 year after surgery. Measurements included surgery time, complications, bone healing time, tibial alignment, knee range of motion, pain scoring (visual analogue scale) and functional outcome (Lysholm knee score).

RESULTSThe average surgery time was (75.7±8.3) minutes (ranged, 65 to 95 minutes). No obvious complications were recorded. Average duration of follow-up was (15.6±8.1) months (ranged, 12 to 24 months). Fifteen patients attained radiological bone union for a mean time of (3.6±1.8) months (ranged, 3 to 5 months). At the final follow-up, all tibial alignments were good, and no patients complained of anterior knee pain. Mean arc of knee motion was (124.4±18.8) degrees for the affected extremity compared with (127.5±16.7) degrees for the contra-lateral knee. The total scores of Lysholm knee score ranged from 77 to 92, average 86.4±12.3.

CONCLUSIONFor proximal tibial fractures,the semiextended intramedullary nailing technique via a suprapatellar approach can obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes with simplicity in reduction and fixation, minimal complications, and good recovery of limbs function.

Adult ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibia ; surgery ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

Objective To reveal and compare the immunogenicity of glycoprotein from nucleus pulposus and collagen from anulus fibrosus in rabbit intervertebral disc. Methods According to the similarity principle of genome biology and the amount of nucleus pulposus in different intervertebral disc, Glycoprotein from nucleus pulposus was harvested from the intervertebral disc of 20 rabbits and placed into the psoas by anterolateral approach. Similar implantation of collagen from anulus fibrosus was performed in another 20 rabbits. The implantations of autologous muscle in rabbits serve as a control group.After one week,two weeks, four weeks, six weeks and eight weeks, the rabbits were killed, the tissue was harvested. HE staining was applied to detect the degree of vascularization and infiltration of lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry were used for analysis of T-helper cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) in the tissue. Results HE staining showed the infiltration of lymphocytes was found just one week after implantation and vascularization was seen at the 2nd week in the glycoprotein implanted group. However in collagen implant group,small amounts of lymphocytic and atypical vascularization were seen at the 4th week. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the proportion of activated T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) was significantly higher in the glycoproteinimplanted group at all time points, as compared with the collagen-implanted group and sham group. The proportion of activated T cells was higher in collagen-implated group than that of in sham group . Conclusion The glycoprotein in nucleus pulposus is easier to induce the differentiation and mature of T cell. The antigenicity of glycoprotein in nucleus pulposus was stronger than that of collagen in anulus fibrosus in rabbit intervertebral discs.

BACKGROUND:The cardiomyocytes obtained by traditional culture methods exhibit poor purity and viability, cells grow in clusters, the connection between cells is less, and most of cells beat separately. OBJECTIVE: To obtain high-purity cardiomyocytes presenting with a sheet-like growth by modified culture method. METHODS: Myocardial tissues were digested using 0.1% trypsin at 4℃ overnight, and then digested repeatedly through the addition of type Ⅱ collagenase, and finally were isolated and purified by differential adhesion method combined with chemical inhibitors. The morphology of cardiomyocytes was observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. The purity of cardiomyocytes was identified by cardic troponin T antibody after cultured for 48 hours. The beating frequency of cardiomyocytes was recorded every two days for 10 consecutive days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The cardiomyocytes adhered within 24 hours of culture, distributed in clusters at 72 hours and grew in sheets at 5-7 days of culture. The survival rate of cardiomyocytes was 96% and the purity identified by immunofluorescence was over 97%. There was no significant difference in the beating frequency at different time. These results suggest that the high-purity and high-viability cardiomyocytes are obtained by the modified culture method, which is an effective method for culturing neonatal cardiomyocytes.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact of nicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract (fCSE) on the serum testosterone (T) level and erectile function of male rats.

METHODSWe randomized 30 male SD rats to three groups of equal number to receive subcutaneous injection of PBS (1.0 ml / 300 g body weight per day), fCSE (1.0 ml/300 g body weight per day), and reduced glutathione hormone (GSH, 200 mg per kg body weight per day) in addition to fCSE (fCSE + GSH), respectively, all for 8 weeks. Then we evaluated the erectile function of the rats by measuring the maximal intracavernous pressure (MICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP/MAP ratio, time of stimulation to MICP (Tmax), and cavernosal filling fate (CFR). We determined the serum T level, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) , malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the cavernosal tissue, and also observed the morphological changes of the corpus cavernosum.

RESULTSCompared with the controls, the rats of the fCSE group showed obvious decreases in the levels of serum T ([5.37 ± 1.43] vs [3.22 ± 1.11] μg/L), NOS ([2.90 ± 0.27] vs [1.67 ± 0.18] U/mg) , and SOD ([18.41 ± 1.09] vs [13.36 ± 1.18] U/mg prot) and erectile function-related indexes MICP ([85.92 ± 6.36] vs [58.99 ± 10.76] mmHg), MICP/MAP (0.86 ± 0.09 vs [0.56 ± 0.08]), and CFR (2.14 ± 0.44 vs 0.89 ± 0.44), but markedly increased Tmax ([29.90 ± 5.78] vs [42.90 ± 8.56]s), with a positive correlation between the serum T level and CFR (r = 0. 364, P < 0.05). Masson staining revealed a lower ratio of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue to collagen fiber in the fCSE group (0.27 ± 0.04) than in the control (0.98 ± 0.12). Compared with the fCSE group, the fCSE + GSH group exhibited significantly improved MICP ([58.99 ± 10.76 ] vs [77.95 ± 7.71] mmHg), MICP/MAP (0.56 ± 0.08 vs 0.77 ± 0.09), and CFR (0.89 ± 0.44] vs 1.76 ± 0.42) and shortened Tmax ([42.90 ± 8.56 ] vs [32.10 ± 5.84 ] s). The ratio of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue to collagen fiber was higher in the fCSE + GSH than in the fCSE group (0.77 ± 0.09 vs 0.27 ± 0.04) but still lower than in the control (0.98 ± 0.12).

CONCLUSIONNicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract reduces the serum T level and erectile function of rats, which is related to oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapy can improve erectile function but has a limited value for morphological protection of the penile tissue.

Animals ; Erectile Dysfunction ; chemically induced ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth ; pathology ; Nicotine ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Penile Erection ; drug effects ; Penis ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Smoke ; adverse effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Tars ; Tobacco ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo evaluate preoperative application of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in reducing transfusion requirements in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery for femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2011 to December 2013,442 cases of elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were retrospectively reviewed. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 119 cases were eventually included and divided into the treatment group and the control group. There were 12 males and 40 females, with a mean age (71.4 ± 12.8) years old, and the patients received preoperative administration of rHuEPO 10,000 U qod combined with iron dextran 200 mg (3 times each day). While 16 males and 51 females in control group, with a mean age (70.9 ± 16.2) years old, and the patients only received preoperative administration of iron dextran 200 mg (3 times each day). All the patients received closed reduction and PFNA-II or Internal fixation surgeries. The perioperative blood transfusion rate, average amount of blood transfusion, postoperative complications, the length of hospital stay and mortality within 30 days were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no statistical differences between two groups in the baseline indexes (P > 0.05). Overall,71 of 119 patients (59.7%) received at least one unit allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). However,there were significant differences in perioperative ABT rates (48.1% vs 68.7%, χ2 = 4.77, P < 0.05) and the average amount of blood transfusion between treatment group and control group, which were (1.8 ± 0.4) U/pte vs (3.6 ± 1.1) U/pte (t = 2.244, P < 0.05). Postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) on postoperative days 7 and 30 was higher in treatment group than that in control group. In addition, in treatment group, Hb levels were higher on postoperative day 30 than those on admission, which were (128.2 ± 20.6) g/L vs (118.2 ± 18.9) g/L (t = 2.133, P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in postoperative complications, the length of hospital stay and mortality within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONFor elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures undergoing elective surgery, preoperative application of rHuEPO can significantly reduce perioperative transfusion requirements, and is likely to reduce ABT-related infection, but its long-term safety remains to be evaluated.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Transfusion ; Case-Control Studies ; Erythropoietin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; blood ; surgery ; therapy ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Hemoglobins ; analysis ; Hip Fractures ; blood ; surgery ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Preoperative Care ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To investigate the effect of tension stress on the changes of mRNA expression of interleukin-17B (IL-17) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rat discs.Methods Sixty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:sham (S),tail-suspended (TS),tail-suspended with needle puncture (TSNP) and single needle puncture (SNP) groups.Tail-suspension device made rats of TS group and TSNP group hindlimb suspended,which exerted tension force on the coccygeal vertebrae disc;and aseptic needle puncture on the tail disc between the seventh and eighth coccygeal vertebrae (Co7/Co8)of TSNP,SNP group induced the inflammatory environment.The discs were harvested 4 weeks later.Measurements included gross observation,histological observation and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis.Results Gross and histological examination found that varying degrees of degenerative changes in the annulus and nucleus in TS,SNP and TSNP groups,but not in the S group.RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA of IL-17B and iNOS were significantly higher in the TSNP and SNP groups than that in the S group.The values of 2-△△Q were 12.99 and 8.12 in TSNP groups,and the 2-△△Q values of SNP group demonstrated 22.49 and 14.98 compared to S groups.Sole application of tension stress brought by the tail-suspension slightly enhanced the expression of IL-17B and iNOS,the values of 2-△△Q were 1.22 and 1.49,which didn't reach a statistically significant change.Compared with SNP group,the mRNA expression of IL-17B and iNOS in TSNP groups were shapely decreased,the values of 2-△△Q were-9.50 and -6.86 respectively.Conclusion Relatively low magnitude tension stress might play a key role in anti-inflammatory process and the relief of discogenic pain.

Objective To observe the expression of Interleukin-17 (IL-17) in different types of herniated disc tissue,and to investigate Modic changes in corresponding injured segment and relationship between Modic changes and herniated types.Methods Fifty patients with single level disc herniation were enrolled in this study.According to clinical diagnosis criteria,imaging (CT and MR) examination results,and the view in surgery process the patients were divided into 2 groups:herniation group(35 patients),degeneration group(15 patients).According to MRI,patients were divided into 2 groups:Modic changes group(14 patients),non-Modic changes group (36 patients).The disc tissues were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemical staining,and the expression of IL-17 was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR.Results Pathological examination revealed that there were more granulation tissue and neovascularization in herniation group than in degeneration group.Immunohistochemical result showed that there were more IL-17-positive cells in herniation group than in degeneration group; there were more IL-17-postive cells in Modic changes group than in non-Modic changes group.The expression of IL-17 mRNA in herniation group was 6.7701 times more than that in degeneration group.The expression of IL-17mRNA in Modic changes group was 4.2836 times more than that in non-Modic changes group. Conclusion The herniated disc nucleus pulposus can cause more prominent local inflammation.Autoimmune responses maybe play an important role in pathophysiological mechanisms of Modic changes.

Objective To compare the safety , surgery effects , pain scores of the close-distance-two-port video-assisted lobectomy and systematic dissection of the mediastinal nodes , and single-port video-assisted thora-coscopic surgery (VATS). Methods Between October 2012 and January 2015 in Peking University First Hospi-tal and Beijing Hospital , 269 patients who were going to be performed lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection, were gathered and 205 patients were included in this study finally. Of the total, 122 patients were performed close-distance-two-port VATS , and 83 patients underwent single-port VATS. The clinical data were gathered, and statistically analyzed. Result In both groups, no severe postoperative complications or death oc-curred. No significant differences existed between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss , duration and volume of chest tube drainage , postoperative pain score , hospital stay after surgery and hospitalization ex-penses (P > 0.05) but the data about operating time, number of dissected lymph nodes, complications(subcuta-neous emphysema , air-leak from the port of drainage tube and poor wound healing ) were significantly different (P < 0.05). Conclusions Compared with the single-port VATS, the method of close-distance-two-port video-as-sistant lobectomy and systematic dissection of the mediastinal nodes is safe and practicable with definite thera-peutic effect, less operation difficulty and complications.

Objective To investigate the clinical application value of laparoscopy-assisted subtotal colectomy with antiperistalsis cecorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation (STC).Methods From September 2007 to October 2010,a total of 31 patients with STC underwent laparoscopic-assisted subtotal colectomy with antiperistalsis cecorectal anastomosis.A follow-up survey was completed at 3 and 12 months after the operation.Results No death or conversions to open operation occurred.The mean operation time,mean intraoperative blood loss and mean post-operative hospitalization were 260 min (180-310 min),60 ml (30-120 ml) and 8d (6-11 d),respectively.No postoperative infection,anastomotic stoma,adhesive intestinal obstruction or other perioperative complications occurred.In 3-month follow-up,constipation was significantly alleviated in 23 patients,mild diarrhea occurred in 5,diarrhea in 2 and mild recurrence in 1.Constipation was significantly alleviated in 25 patients,mild diarrhea occurred in 5 and mild recurrence in 1 at 12-month follow-up.Conclusion Laparoscopy-assisted subtotal colectomy with antiperistalsis cecorectal anastomosis is safe,effective and less invasive for STC.

Objective To investigate the possibility of establishing a Modic changes (MCs) animal model,and explore the pathogenesis of MCs through imaging,histology and molecular biology experiments.Methods Fifty four New Zealand rabbits (weight 2.5-3.0 kg,half male and half female) were randomly divided into 3 groups:sham group (n=l8),muscle embedment group (n=18) and NP embedment group (n=18).In NP embedment group,the L4-5 and L5-6 discs were exposed by the lumbar anterolateral surgical approach.A 16 G needle was used to puncture the L5-6 vertebral body close to the epiphyseal plate.The depth of the drilling was approximately 3 mm.A 5 ml syringe was then put into the L4-5 intervertebral disc and extracted the NP,which was injected into the drilled hole of the vertebral body.The muscle embedment group and sham group shared the same operating procedures and drilling methods with the NP embedment group.Some pieces of muscle acquired from paraspinal muscles were put into the drilled hole in muscle embedment group,while nothing was put into the drilled hole in sham group.After that,the bleeding stopping,tissue washing and suture were done in all groups.12 weeks,16 weeks and 20 weeks after the surgery,MRI scan was applied to each group.All the specimens were tested by HE staining,real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot to observe the expression of inflammatory cytokines.Results After modeling for 12 weeks,16 weeks and 20 weeks,MRI showed low signal changes on T1WI and mixed high signal in the context of low signal changes on T2WI in the NP embedment group.However,the muscle embedment and sham group showed no significant signal changes.Gross observation and HE staining confirmed that there was abnormal tissue proliferation in the imbed site of the NP embedment group.RT-PCR and Western blot showed high expression of IL-4,IL-17 and IFN-γin the NP embedment group,which were positively correlated with the length of the postoperative period.There was no significant difference between the muscle embedment group and sham group.Conclusion The puncturing of vertebral body close to endplate and putting nucleus into it can create an animal model of MCs.Autoimmune factors may play an important role in MCs.